Can You Respec a Single Skill in ESO? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can respec individual skills in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), offering a flexible system for tailoring your character to your playstyle. This article dives deep into how to do it, alternative methods, and answers some frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the knowledge you need to optimize your build.
Methods for Skill Respecification
There are a few ways to respec your skills in ESO, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Skill Respecification Scrolls: These scrolls, available in the Crown Store for purchase with real-world money, provide the easiest and most direct way to respec. Using a Skill Respecification Scroll allows you to either reset a single skill or choose a different morph without spending any in-game gold. This is incredibly useful if you’ve only made one or two skill point allocation mistakes.
- Rededication Shrines: These shrines, found in the major cities of each alliance, are the traditional in-game method. You’ll need to travel to a Rededication Shrine and pay a gold fee to reset all of your skill points. This resets all your skill points, not just a single one, so be prepared to reallocate everything. Common shrine locations include:
- Grahtwood (Elden Root): Shrine to Mara.
- Stormhaven (Wayrest): Shrine to Stendarr.
- Stonefalls (Mournhold): Shrine to Kyne.
- Armory System “Exploit” (Unintended Interaction): This involves using the Armory System in a way that allows you to reset skills. While not officially intended, it works by saving your build to an armory slot, then using the “Restore” option in the armory. The interaction may be patched in future updates.
Each method provides a different level of convenience and cost, depending on how many skills you want to reset and how much you’re willing to spend. Choosing the right method depends on your needs and available resources.
Why Respec Your Skills?
There are many reasons why you might want to respec your skills:
- Experimenting with Builds: ESO allows for tremendous build diversity. Respecification lets you test out different skill combinations without having to create a whole new character.
- Adjusting to Content: Certain content, like trials or PvP, may require a different build than what you use for solo questing. Respeccing allows you to adapt to the challenge.
- Correcting Mistakes: We all make mistakes when allocating skill points. Respeccing gives you a chance to fix those errors and optimize your character.
- Following the Meta: The “meta” (most effective tactic available) in ESO changes as the game is updated. Respeccing can help you stay competitive by adopting the latest optimized builds.
- Leveling and Progression: Some skills are more effective for leveling than others. You may want to respec to a more efficient leveling build and then switch back to your preferred build later.
The Cost of Respecification
The cost of respeccing depends on the method you choose:
- Skill Respecification Scrolls: Costs Crowns, ESO’s premium currency. The exact price varies but is a fixed cost per scroll, making it a cost-effective option if you only want to change a single skill or morph.
- Rededication Shrines: Costs gold, which scales with your character level. Higher-level characters will pay significantly more gold than lower-level characters.
- Armory System “Exploit”: Essentially free, provided you have an armory slot available. However, this method may not be as reliable, as it is an unintended game interaction, and the results of the skill reset are not always as expected.
Considering the trade-offs between cost and convenience is crucial when deciding how to respec your skills.
Attribute Respecification
In addition to skills, you can also respec your attribute points (Magicka, Health, Stamina). The process is very similar:
- Attribute Respecification Scrolls: Available in the Crown Store, these scrolls reset all of your attribute points, allowing you to redistribute them as you see fit.
- Rededication Shrines: The same shrines that reset skill points also reset attribute points, offering a combined respec option.
Carefully consider your attribute allocation, as it significantly impacts your character’s survivability and damage output.
Planning Your Build
Before respeccing, it’s essential to have a plan. Consider using online resources like build guides and skill calculators to experiment with different combinations. Websites like GamesLearningSociety.org offer valuable resources for understanding game mechanics and build optimization. Experimenting on a dummy character or using the Public Test Server (PTS) can also help you refine your build before committing skill points on your main character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about respeccing skills in ESO:
1. What exactly does a Skill Respecification Scroll do?
A Skill Respecification Scroll allows you to either unlearn a single learned skill or choose a different morph for an existing skill, without costing gold. It gives you pinpoint control.
2. Where are the Rededication Shrines located?
They’re found in the capital cities of each alliance: Elden Root (Grahtwood), Wayrest (Stormhaven), and Mournhold (Stonefalls).
3. How much does it cost to respec at a Rededication Shrine?
The cost scales with your character level. Higher-level characters will pay more gold.
4. Can I respec my attributes and skills at the same time?
Yes, Rededication Shrines reset both skill points and attribute points simultaneously.
5. Is there a limit to how many times I can respec?
No, you can respec as many times as you want, as long as you have the gold or scrolls.
6. Does respeccing refund all the skill points I’ve spent?
Yes, respeccing refunds all the skill points you’ve spent, allowing you to reallocate them as you see fit.
7. What happens to my skill levels when I respec?
Your skill levels remain the same. You only reallocate the skill points you’ve earned.
8. Can I respec a skill that I’ve already morphed?
Yes, you can respec a morphed skill, allowing you to choose a different morph or remove the skill entirely.
9. Do I need to be a certain level to respec?
No, you can respec at any level.
10. What are the benefits of using a Skill Respecification Scroll over a Rededication Shrine?
Skill Respecification Scrolls are convenient because you can adjust individual skills and morphs rather than your entire skill allocation.
11. Is the Armory System “exploit” a reliable method for respeccing?
It’s not an officially supported feature, so it’s not as reliable and may be patched out in future updates.
12. How can I plan my build before respeccing?
Use online build guides, skill calculators, and the Public Test Server (PTS) to experiment.
13. Are there any builds that are universally considered the best?
The “best” build depends on your playstyle, class, and the content you’re tackling. What works well for one player might not work well for another.
14. Can I change my class in ESO?
No, class changes are not currently available in ESO. You would need to create a new character.
15. Where can I find reliable information about ESO game mechanics and builds?
Websites like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are an excellent resource for understanding game mechanics and build optimization, though focused primarily on the educational aspects of gaming. Several online communities and forums dedicated to ESO are available.
Conclusion
Respeccing skills is a crucial part of the ESO experience, allowing you to adapt to new challenges and refine your character’s build. Whether you choose to use Skill Respecification Scrolls, Rededication Shrines, or attempt the Armory System interaction, understanding the process and its costs is essential for making informed decisions. Embrace the flexibility that respeccing offers, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different builds to find what works best for you. Remember to explore all the available online resources, including the Games Learning Society, to enhance your understanding of the game and optimize your gameplay experience.