The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr Introduces New Necromancer Class

Bethesda has announced the Necromancer, an all-new class coming to The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr. The latest trailer provides a glimpse of the Necromancer's capabilities: "Raise relentless undead, encase yourself in impenetrable bone, and weave severed flesh back together with the power of Tamriel's dark arts. With the Necromancer, death itself is a weapon, and you are its master."

The class introduces three new Skill Lines for players to master. With Grave Lord, Necromancers can raise hordes of undead, imbuing them with destructive elemental power. Bone Tyrant uses the bones of the dead to encase the caster in a protective barrier, increasing their chances of survival in combat. Finally, Living Death calls upon the power of life and death to bolster, heal, and even resurrect defeated allies.

Playing a Necromancer demands greater subtlety and tactical acumen than other classes. Tamrielic society frowns upon the necromantic arts and publicly wielding its more overt spells will lead to fear and criminal charges. "The practice is frowned upon in most cultures, but some people such as the Redguards and Dark Elves see it as the ultimate blasphemy," explains Leamon Tuttle, ESO's loremaster. "To them, messing with their ancestors is a huge no-no, and organizations like the Mages Guild reject it on ethical grounds, since it involves messing with mortal souls."

Justice will play a large role in every Necromancer's decision-making process. If you're looking for a carefree jaunt through Tamriel, the class may not be for you. "A player who chooses to assume the role of a Necromancer in ESO needs to understand that they're playing something of an outlaw class," says Ed Stark, lead content designer for the Necromancer class and Justice system. "It's similar to a player who decided to engage in wholesale crime — they're taking on a bit of an increased risk in exchange for increased excitement."

The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr, a chapter in Bethesda's year-long Season of the Dragon narrative, launches for PC/Mac, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on June 4. Anyone who pre-purchases the chapter will unlock an exclusive mount and other bonus content.