The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) offers players a vast world of adventure, customization, and strategic gameplay. As you progress through the game, you may find that your initial character build no longer suits your playstyle or the roles required in group content. This is where the concept of respeccing comes into play. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about respec in Elder Scrolls Online, from its importance to the methods available for respeccing your character.
What is Respec in Elder Scrolls Online?
Respec, short for "respect," refers to the process of resetting your character's skill points and attributes so you can reallocate them into different skills or abilities. This is an essential feature in Elder Scrolls Online, allowing players to adapt to new challenges or redefine their playstyle.
Why Should You Respec?
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Change in Playstyle: As you grow more familiar with the game, you may find that you prefer a different playstyle, such as switching from a damage dealer to a tank or healer.
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Optimize Group Content: If you participate in dungeons or trials, you may need to respec to fulfill specific roles that complement your group members.
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Experimentation: ESO encourages experimentation with different builds. Respec gives you the freedom to try out various setups without starting over.
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Meta Changes: Game updates and patches often tweak skill effectiveness, making certain builds more viable than others. Respec allows you to stay competitive.
How to Respec in Elder Scrolls Online
1. Respec Your Skills
To change your skill points, visit a Skill Respec Station. These stations can be found in various locations throughout the game, including major cities. Here’s how to respec your skills:
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Locate a Skill Respec Station: Look for a shrine or an NPC that offers skill respec services. They can be found in all alliance capitals.
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Open the Skills Menu: Once at the station, open your skills menu (press K on PC, the appropriate button on consoles).
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Select the Skills Tab: In the skills menu, navigate to the skills tab where you can see your current skills and allocated points.
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Respec Skills: Click the option to respec. You will be prompted to confirm your choice, and once confirmed, you can redistribute your skill points.
2. Respec Your Attributes
Similar to skills, you can also respec your attribute points. This allows you to reallocate points in health, stamina, and magicka. Follow these steps:
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Visit an Attribute Respec Station: These stations are also present in major cities and similar to skill respec stations.
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Open the Attributes Menu: Access the attributes section of your character menu.
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Choose to Respec: Select the option to respec your attributes and redistribute the points according to your new build.
3. Respec Your Champion Points
Champion Points (CP) allow players to further customize their characters once they reach level 50. Respec for CP is crucial as it enables you to tailor your progression:
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Access the Champion Menu: Open the Champion menu from the character screen.
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Select to Reset Champion Points: There should be an option available to reset your Champion Points.
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Reallocate CP: After resetting, you can distribute your CP according to your desired build.
Costs of Respec
How Much Does Respec Cost?
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Skill Respec: The first skill respec is free, and subsequent respeccing requires gold. As of the latest updates, the costs can increase based on how many times you have previously reset.
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Attribute Respec: Similar to skills, the first attribute respec is free, while future resets will cost gold.
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Champion Points Respec: Resetting CP does not have a cost, making it easier to test different builds.
Tips for Cost-Effective Respec
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Plan Ahead: Before you decide to respec, consider what role you wish to fulfill to avoid unnecessary respecs.
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Track Costs: Keep an eye on your gold balance and plan your respeccing within your gold limits.
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Participate in Events: Some events in ESO may offer discounts or free respec opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I respec whenever I want?
Yes! You can respec your skills and attributes whenever you visit a respec station, provided you have the necessary gold after your initial free respec.
Is there a limit to how many times I can respec?
There is no strict limit to how many times you can respec, but the cost will increase with each subsequent respec.
Do I lose my previous skill allocations?
When you respec, you do lose your previous skill allocations. However, if you desire, you can experiment with different combinations of skills and attributes to find a setup that works best for you.
Are there any recommended builds for beginners?
Yes, there are many recommended builds available through community forums and guides. Websites such as AlcastHQ and ESO-Hub offer excellent resources for finding optimal builds based on your playstyle.
Conclusion
Respecing your character in Elder Scrolls Online is an invaluable feature that allows for flexibility and growth as a player. Whether you want to explore a new class role, adapt to group needs, or simply experiment with different gameplay strategies, understanding how to effectively respec is essential. Remember to utilize the available resources within the community to help you discover the best builds and optimizations for your journey through Tamriel. Happy adventuring!
