The Specialist, a Jack of All Trades or the Ultimate Allrounder?
The release date of The Elder Scrolls Online (short TESO) is not yet known, but it is inevitably getting closer, that much is certain. In recent months, there have been various insights into character development in the NextGen-MMORPG. Now the creators present a video summarizing the most important aspects. Aside from the fact that you shouldn’t miss the nearly five minutes, we’ll quickly summarize the main points at a glance.
The Typically Open Character Development
All previously released “Elder Scrolls” games have been characterized by open character development. This means that the typical class binding, as we know it from other games like World of Warcraft or Star Wars: The Old Republic, never existed in The Elder Scrolls and will not be rigidly present in the online game either. Instead, you will be able to develop (largely) individually, according to the game series. You can specialize in one thing or become a “jack of all trades”, a multitasker where anything must be expected. AND, and that is also typical for the legendary game series, in principle you should even master everything in the end. Just like perfectionists could for example in Skyrim.
Points for Skills – Here’s How You Get Them!
Killing enemies provides experience, so far so clear. When you level up, you get skill points, okay, that’s also clear. But you also earn these points not only for leveling up to a higher level, but also when using the so-called Sky Shards. These can be found throughout Tamriel, but will probably not always be easy to locate. Additionally, you can obtain points for your skills by completing certain quests associated with your main storyline.
The Level Up – Attributes and Skills
Once you have reached a new level, you receive one point for your attributes and one point for your skills.
As in Skyrim, there are three attributes – Health, Magicka, and Stamina. Health increases your vitality as usual. Magicka is consumed through the use of magic. Stamina allows you to sprint longer, for example, and is needed for certain weapon skills. You decide how your character develops further. More vitality to withstand more damage? A super genius wizard overflowing with Magicka? Or a specialist in physical damage? What will it be? Maybe a bit of everything? We will see.
With skill points, you can learn new skills or spells. These, in turn, belong to certain skill lines that are thematically grouped. If you frequently use a specific spell, you gain access to stronger abilities in the respective line.
The Development of Skills
If you have gained enough experience with a skill, you get the opportunity to change it and further individualize your use of it.
Example: A Templar could change the skill “Hasty Ceremony”, which heals a nearby allied player, so that he heals three allied players or that he restores part of his own Magicka upon use.
The Ultimate Skill
Each skill line ends with an ultimate skill, which is considered one of the most powerful forces in the game. These skills consume neither Magicka nor Stamina. Instead, you must earn the right to use the ultimate power. How exactly will still have to be shown. Once triggered, they are said to have devastating impacts on a battlefield. We are excited. 🙂
Passive Skills
In addition to the previously presented skills, which are referred to as Active, there are also Passive skills that work permanently in the background. Examples include: dealing more fire damage permanently or being able to turn enemies into a pile of ashes.
Two Decisions That Will Influence Everything Else
Overall, character development seems to follow the typical open principle of The Elder Scrolls. However, during character creation, you will have to make two decisions that will significantly influence your progress: your race and your class.
The choice of race brings both visual aspects and additional skills.
Each class will give you three unique skill lines, which, of course, are thematically adjusted to the respective class but leave you open as to what role you want to take in the game.
Both decisions are supposed to have an impact, but ultimately only make up a fraction of what will be possible for you in the game. For example, numerous skills are available to all players, classes, and races. Best example: armor and weapons. If you enjoy a battle mage in full armor wielding a hefty battle axe, then go for it! 😀
Completely Discover New Skill Lines in the Game Itself!
Another way to individualize your character is to discover skill lines in the game itself. For example, by joining the Mage Guild or the Warrior Guild. Or by becoming a vampire or werewolf.
Short Conclusion:
Well, what can you say about that? Just release the game, I want to start Tamriel feeling adventurous!
What do you think? Will the game rock? Do you like the open character development? Does TESO have the chance to truly become the NextGen MMORPG? Share your thoughts, we look forward to your input! 😉
