Be as the landslide. Let nothing stop you.
Improves your passive to increase the potency of your damage done, healing done, and damage shield strength by 1% per stack.
Magicka Dragonknight DPS Build built around the reworked Engulfing Dragonfire ability, a channeled fire breath attack that ramps up in damage over 4.8 seconds and synergizes with the Take Flight ultimate.
It's a build somewhat similar to Arcanist beams. It is weaker than Regular Dragonknight but has better AoE damage, is much easier to play, and is one of the stronger options in ESO Update 50 overall.
This build parses 152,240 DPS on the 21 million HP Iron Atronach trial dummy with the Medium Armor setup. The Light Armor setup does 145.8k.
If you prefer a simpler rotation, check out the One Bar Breath Dragonknight DPS Build which parses 131k DPS with a single bar.
Works in normal and veteran dungeons, trials, hard modes, Dragonstar Arena, and Blackrose Prison.
I built a simulator that takes the current setup from the guide and plays it through the listed priority rotation. It uses the listed gear, skills, Champion Points, race, Mundus, food, potions, target armor and target health. It tracks skill casts, light attacks, DoT ticks, cooldowns, execute scaling, crits and status effect rolls. It assumes 100% of light attacks hit and a 0.025 second weave average.
Comparison tables in this guide use the deterministic sim on the 21 million HP Iron Atronach trial dummy. The Base Setup is treated as the default.
For comparison tables I keep the setup identical and change one thing at a time. That makes the tables better for comparing options than random dummy parses, where one run can get better crits, different status effects or a better execute window.
| Run | DPS |
|---|---|
| 21m deterministic sim | |
| 100 random 21m sims |
The real parse was recorded with the Full Damage setup: Medium Armor setup, Slivers of the Null Arca replaces Whorl of the Depths , Tomato Garlic Chutney replaces Artaeum Pickled Fish Bowl , Untamed Aggression replaces Fighting Finesse
| Run | DPS |
|---|---|
| 21m deterministic sim | |
| Real 21m CMX parse | |
| 100 random 21m sims |
Class Masteries are a new U50 system where each class picks 2 of 5 passive bonuses (Class Mastery Points, not Skill Points). Activating subclassing disables Class Mastery, so it's a tradeoff between keeping your native skill lines or subclassing.
Use Inexorable Descent and Wildfire Embers .
Be as the landslide. Let nothing stop you.
Improves your passive to increase the potency of your damage done, healing done, and damage shield strength by 1% per stack.
Simply the best damage option.
Fire forged within can never be extinguished. Fan the flames.
When your Dragonknight damage over time effects end, you apply Wildfire Embers to the target, dealing Flame Damage over 12 seconds. This effect stacks up to 12 times and increases in damage by 25% per stack.
| Total Coefficient | 7.01% Max Stamina/Magicka + 73.95% Weapon/Spell Damage | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tick Rate | Every 2s (6 ticks) | ||
| Status Chance | 3% | ||
| Tags | |||
Wildfire Embers' damage does not benefit from some Weapon Damage sources like or .
Simply the best damage option.
Let others be swept along in the wake of your flame.
Activating rank 2 of grants you and group members within 28 meters of you and for 1 second per 15 Ultimate spent, increasing damage done and reducing damage taken by 10%.
4.4% less damage than Wildfire Embers but provides your group with roughly 28.8% Major Berserk and Major Protection uptime
You are as unyielding as a mountain.
Each second you remain Bracing, you increase the amount of damage you block by 6%, up to 5 times.
Blocking damage has a 20% chance to restore 500 Stamina. This effect can occur once every block cost.
Not useful for this setup.
Let your voice echo across the peaks.
Activating rank 2 of now also grants 5 Health, Magicka, and Stamina Recovery for every Ultimate spent for 10 seconds after a delay of 15 seconds.
Not useful for this setup.
| Class Mastery | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire Embers | Baseline | |
| Lead From the Front | -4.4% |
A base setup that will work for most situations and which should be your starting point when making situational setups
| Front Bar | Back Bar |
|---|---|
| Slot 1: Engulfing DragonfireMorph of Dragonfire Breath | Slot 1: Shatterspike MantleMorph of Earthspike Mantle |
| Slot 2: Searing ClawMorph of Searing Strike | Slot 2: IncinerateMorph of Inferno |
| Slot 3: Camouflaged HunterMorph of Expert Hunter | Slot 3: Igneous WeaponsMorph of Molten Weapons |
| Slot 4: Quick CloakMorph of Blade Cloak | Slot 4: StampedeMorph of Critical Charge |
| Slot 5: Banner BearerMagic / Cavalier's Charge / Heroism | Slot 5: Banner BearerMagic / Cavalier's Charge / Heroism |
| Ultimate: Take FlightMorph of Dragon Leap | Ultimate: Flawless DawnbreakerMorph of Dawnbreaker |
If you need to slot something situational, replace Igneous Weapons (and replace Tri-Stat potion with Spell Power potions ) first, then Camouflaged Hunter in single target fights and Searing Claw in AoE fights.
| Rotation | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Priority List | Baseline | |
| Static Rotation | -1.3% |
Priority List
This is just a list of priorities. Simply recast abilities when they run out and follow this list of priorities when there are multiple things to refresh.
Inside of your Take Flight window you can freely cancel Engulfing Dragonfire to refresh DoTs. Outside of Take Flight , you want to finish Engulfing Dragonfire and refresh DoTs after it ends.
You ideally want to start a cast of Engulfing Dragonfire when Take Flight has 2-3 seconds left, so that the initial weak phase of Engulfing Dragonfire gets bypassed by Take Flight 's buff, because the later phase deals high damage regardless.
Static Rotation
This might be easier for some players, but it is weaker than the priority list.
Take Flight stays outside this repeating Static Rotation. Cast it when it's ready. Igneous Weapons stays outside this repeating Static Rotation because it lasts 60 seconds. Refresh it separately when Major Brutality runs out.
Pre-buff
These abilities can be pre-cast before entering combat
A few examples of other setups you could end up with after applying the situational skills to the base setup
A setup for trash packs
| Front Bar | Back Bar |
|---|---|
| Slot 1: Engulfing DragonfireMorph of Dragonfire Breath | Slot 1: Shatterspike MantleMorph of Earthspike Mantle |
| Slot 2: IncinerateMorph of Inferno | Slot 2: Proximity DetonationMorph of Magicka Detonation |
| Slot 3: Camouflaged HunterMorph of Expert Hunter | Slot 3: Igneous WeaponsMorph of Molten Weapons |
| Slot 4: Quick CloakMorph of Blade Cloak | Slot 4: StampedeMorph of Critical Charge |
| Slot 5: Banner BearerMagic / Cavalier's Charge / Heroism | Slot 5: Banner BearerMagic / Cavalier's Charge / Heroism |
| Ultimate: Take FlightMorph of Dragon Leap | Ultimate: Flawless DawnbreakerMorph of Dawnbreaker |
Changes compared to the Base Setup
A setup for when you don't have Velothi Ur-Mage's Amulet
| Front Bar | Back Bar |
|---|---|
| Slot 1: Engulfing DragonfireMorph of Dragonfire Breath | Slot 1: Shatterspike MantleMorph of Earthspike Mantle |
| Slot 2: Searing ClawMorph of Searing Strike | Slot 2: IncinerateMorph of Inferno |
| Slot 3: Camouflaged HunterMorph of Expert Hunter | Slot 3: Barbed TrapMorph of Trap Beast |
| Slot 4: Quick CloakMorph of Blade Cloak | Slot 4: StampedeMorph of Critical Charge |
| Slot 5: Banner BearerMagic / Cavalier's Charge / Heroism | Slot 5: Banner BearerMagic / Cavalier's Charge / Heroism |
| Ultimate: Take FlightMorph of Dragon Leap | Ultimate: Flawless DawnbreakerMorph of Dawnbreaker |
Changes compared to the Base Setup
Some trees are only needed when using situational skills, for example Destruction Staff provides nothing without Elemental Blockade
Class - Ardent Flame
Combustion
- High Priority
Traumatic Burns
- High Priority
Fan the Flames
- High Priority
A Soul Ablaze
- High Priority
Class - Draconic Power
Burnished Scales
- High Priority
World in Ruin
- High Priority
Elder Dragon
- High Priority
The Storm Voice
- High Priority
Class - Earthen Heart
Heart of Stone
- High Priority
Landslide
- High Priority
Blessing at the Peak
- High Priority
Mountain Giant
- High Priority
Weapon - Dual Wield
Slaughter
- High Priority
Dual Wield Expert
- High Priority
Controlled Fury
- High Priority
Ruffian
- Medium Priority
Twin Blade and Blunt
- High Priority
Weapon - Two Handed
Forceful
- Medium Priority
Heavy Weapons
- High Priority
Balanced Blade
- High Priority
Follow Up
- Low Priority
Battle Rush
- Low Priority
Weapon - Destruction Staff
Tri Focus
- Low Priority
Penetrating Magic
- Low Priority
Elemental Force
- High Priority
Ancient Knowledge
- High Priority
Destruction Expert
- Low Priority
Armor - Light Armor
Grace
- Low Priority
Evocation
- High Priority
Spell Warding
- High Priority
Prodigy
- High Priority
Concentration
- High Priority
Armor - Medium Armor
Dexterity
- High Priority
Wind Walker
- High Priority
Improved Sneak
- Not needed
Agility
- High Priority
Athletics
- High Priority
Guild - Fighters Guild
Intimidating Presence
- High Priority
Slayer
- High Priority
Banish the Wicked
- High Priority
Skilled Tracker
- High Priority
Bounty Hunter
- Not needed
Guild - Undaunted
Undaunted Command
- High Priority
Undaunted Mettle
- High Priority
Alliance War - Support
Magicka Aid
- Medium Priority
Combat Medic
- Not needed
Battle Resurrection
- Not needed
Race - Your Race
Get all of your racials, no matter which race you are
Craft - Alchemy
Solvent Proficiency
- Not needed
Keen Eye: Reagents
- Not needed
Medicinal Use
- High Priority
Chemistry
- Not needed
Laboratory Use
- Not needed
Snakeblood
- Not needed
A base setup that will work for most situations and which should be your starting point when making situational setups. It assumes your group provides Major Breach , Minor Breach , Infused Crusher and nothing more
Switching gear for trash packs isn't worth it unless you're using gear-swap addons
Light Armor gives penetration through the Concentration passive, so it doesn't depend on your group composition. Medium Armor can be stronger but needs your group to provide penetration, for example through Roar of Alkosh . Use Light Armor if you don't know what your group brings, Medium Armor if you do.
| Gear Slot | Set | Weight/Type | Trait | Enchantment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Head |
Slimecraw | Medium | Divines | Magicka |
Shoulders |
Whorl of the Depths | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Chest |
Aegis Caller | Medium | Divines | Magicka |
Hands |
Whorl of the Depths | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Belt |
Whorl of the Depths | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Legs |
Whorl of the Depths | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Boots |
Whorl of the Depths | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Necklace |
Velothi Ur-Mage's Amulet | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Ring |
Aegis Caller | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Ring |
Aegis Caller | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Frontbar Main Hand |
Aegis Caller | Dagger | Nirnhoned | Poison |
Frontbar Off Hand |
Aegis Caller | Dagger | Precise | Flame |
Backbar Main Hand |
Merciless Charge | Greatsword | Infused | Weapon Damage |
This setup does 145.8k DPS
Fallback Gear
If you don't have it, use in order
If you don't have it, use in order
Alternative (same bonus)
This is the crafted gear setup you can start with
| Gear Slot | Set | Weight/Type | Trait | Enchantment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Head |
Highland Sentinel | Medium | Divines | Magicka |
Shoulders |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Chest |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Medium | Divines | Magicka |
Hands |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Belt |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Legs |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Boots |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Necklace |
Highland Sentinel | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Ring |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Ring |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Frontbar Main Hand |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Dagger | Nirnhoned | Poison |
Frontbar Off Hand |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Dagger | Precise | Flame |
Backbar Main Hand |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Inferno Staff | Infused | Weapon Damage |
This setup does 122,503 DPS
Changes compared to the Base Setup
This is a setup you should use if you don't have access to any Trial gear
| Gear Slot | Set | Weight/Type | Trait | Enchantment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Head |
Slimecraw | Medium | Divines | Magicka |
Shoulders |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Chest |
Aegis Caller | Medium | Divines | Magicka |
Hands |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Belt |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Legs |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Boots |
Order's Wrath | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Necklace |
Velothi Ur-Mage's Amulet | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Ring |
Aegis Caller | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Ring |
Aegis Caller | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Frontbar Main Hand |
Aegis Caller | Dagger | Nirnhoned | Poison |
Frontbar Off Hand |
Aegis Caller | Dagger | Precise | Flame |
Backbar Main Hand |
Merciless Charge | Greatsword | Infused | Weapon Damage |
This setup does 141.1k DPS
Fallback Gear
If you don't have it, use in order
If you don't have it, use in order
Alternative (same bonus)
Changes compared to the Base Setup
This is a setup you should use in trash packs
| Gear Slot | Set | Weight/Type | Trait | Enchantment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Head |
Slimecraw | Medium | Divines | Magicka |
Shoulders |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Chest |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Medium | Divines | Magicka |
Hands |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Belt |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Legs |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Boots |
Tide-Born Wildstalker | Light | Divines | Magicka |
Necklace |
Velothi Ur-Mage's Amulet | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Ring |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Ring |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Jewelry | Bloodthirsty | Increase Magical Harm |
Frontbar Main Hand |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Dagger | Nirnhoned | Poison |
Frontbar Off Hand |
Sul-Xan's Torment | Dagger | Precise | Flame |
Backbar Main Hand |
Merciless Charge | Greatsword | Infused | Weapon Damage |
Changes compared to the Base Setup
Use the Penetration Calculator to fine-tune your penetration for different content. Overland enemies have 9,100 armor while Instanced enemies (Arenas and Dungeons) have 18,200.
Damage comparison for the set options.
Body (Light)
Compares X Light set + Aegis Caller weapons and jewelry.
| Body Set | Source | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whorl of the Depths | Trial - Dreadsail Reef | Baseline | |
| Highland Sentinel (3 Stacks) | Crafted | -1.2% | |
| Order's Wrath | Crafted | -3.2% | |
| Mother's Sorrow | Overland - Deshaan | -3.6% | |
| Pyrebrand | Class Set - Infinite Archive | -3.6% | |
| Highland Sentinel (0 Stacks) | Crafted | -4.4% | |
| Tide-Born Wildstalker | Crafted | -5.1% | |
| Law of Julianos | Crafted | -5.3% | |
| Hunding's Rage | Crafted | -6.2% |
Body (Medium)
Compares X Medium set + Aegis Caller weapons and jewelry, with Untamed Aggression replacing Fighting Finesse .
| Body Set | Source | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ansuul's Torment (Interrupt) | Trial - Sanity's Edge | +2.1% | |
| Slivers of the Null Arca | Trial - Lucent Citadel | Baseline | |
| Sul-Xan's Torment (Soul) | Trial - Rockgrove | -1.1% | |
| Highland Sentinel (3 Stacks) | Crafted | -2.2% | |
| Deadly Strike | PvP - Cyrodiil | -3.1% | |
| Ansuul's Torment (No Interrupt) | Trial - Sanity's Edge | -3.9% | |
| Pyrebrand | Class Set - Infinite Archive | -4.3% | |
| Tzogvin's Warband | Dungeon - Frostvault | -4.9% | |
| Highland Sentinel (0 Stacks) | Crafted | -5.0% | |
| Pillar of Nirn | Dungeon - Falkreath Hold | -5.0% | |
| Tide-Born Wildstalker | Crafted | -5.3% | |
| Law of Julianos | Crafted | -5.3% | |
| Order's Wrath | Crafted | -5.3% | |
| Sul-Xan's Torment (No Soul) | Trial - Rockgrove | -5.5% | |
| Hunding's Rage | Crafted | -6.1% | |
| Roar of Alkosh | Trial - Maw of Lorkhaj | -7.2% |
Weapons + Jewelry
Compares Whorl of the Depths body + X weapons and jewelry set.
| Set | Source | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ansuul's Torment (Interrupt) | Trial - Sanity's Edge | +2.9% | |
| Slivers of the Null Arca | Trial - Lucent Citadel | +1.6% | |
| Highland Sentinel (3 Stacks) | Crafted | +1.1% | |
| Sul-Xan's Torment (Soul) | Trial - Rockgrove | +0.3% | |
| Aegis Caller | Dungeon - Unhallowed Grave | Baseline | |
| Deadly Strike | PvP - Cyrodiil | +0.0% | |
| Berserking Warrior | Trial - Hel Ra Citadel | -0.2% | |
| Order's Wrath | Crafted | -0.3% | |
| Tzogvin's Warband | Dungeon - Frostvault | -0.9% | |
| Pyrebrand | Class Set - Infinite Archive | -0.9% | |
| Mother's Sorrow | Overland - Deshaan | -1.1% | |
| Highland Sentinel (0 Stacks) | Crafted | -1.2% | |
| Pillar of Nirn | Dungeon - Falkreath Hold | -1.6% | |
| Law of Julianos | Crafted | -1.9% | |
| Tide-Born Wildstalker | Crafted | -1.9% | |
| Hunding's Rage | Crafted | -2.5% | |
| Ansuul's Torment (No Interrupt) | Trial - Sanity's Edge | -2.9% | |
| Sul-Xan's Torment (No Soul) | Trial - Rockgrove | -4.1% |
Daggers are the default weapon. Greatsword is the smallest DPS loss. Bow is the best ranged weapon for when mechanics make melee annoying, with Lightning Staff close behind.
| Front Bar Weapon | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Wield Daggers | Baseline | |
| Greatsword | -1.6% | |
| Bow | -6.2% | |
| Sword and Shield | -6.6% | |
| Lightning Staff | -7.7% | |
| Inferno Staff | -8.9% | |
| Ice Staff | -10.6% | |
| Restoration Staff | -11.5% |
Only the front bar weapon changes. Daggers use Nirnhoned Poison and Precise Flame . Every one-weapon option uses a Precise Poison weapon and keeps the same backbar Greatsword. Sword and Shield uses a Precise Poison sword plus a Divines Magicka shield.
The difference between best and worst race is about 4% of DPS and there is no content in the entire game that you'd be blocked from completing because of choosing a bad race.
| Race | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Elf | Baseline | |
| High Elf | +0.0% | |
| Orc | -1.2% | |
| Khajiit ? | -1.6% | |
| Breton | -2.2% | |
| Argonian | -2.9% | |
| Wood Elf ? | -3.2% | |
| Redguard | -3.8% | |
| Imperial | -3.8% | |
| Nord | -3.8% |
You should always put all 64 attribute points into Magicka.
Your sustain can vary greatly because it's impacted by your race, the amount of synergies provided by your teammates, and by your armor type. Choose the food with more Magicka Recovery if you can't sustain.
| Setup | Simulated Parse | Damage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato Garlic Chutney | +0.7% | |
| Artaeum Pickled Fish Bowl | Baseline | |
| Clockwork Citrus Filet | -1.2% |
Most of the time you should use Tri-Stat potions. They restore Health, Stamina and Magicka.
Use Spell Power potions if you're unslotting Igneous Weapons and need another source of Major Sorcery . They improve your Magicka sustain instead of Stamina sustain.
Heroism potions restore both Stamina and Magicka and can provide 100% uptime on Minor Heroism , allowing you to use a different Affix script on your Banner Bearer .
If you want to greatly improve your survivability you can instead use Armor Potions. You'll most likely have to slot Soul of Flame , or get more sustain in other ways.
All parses are recorded on the 21 million Target Dummy
Yes, it's one of the stronger DPS options in ESO Update 50. The gameplay is similar to Arcanist beams - you channel Engulfing Dragonfire as your main damage source, and Take Flight synergizes with it for big ultimate dumps. It has great AoE damage and is much easier to play than most DPS builds, parsing 152k on the trial dummy.
Yes, you can replace the Dual Wield Daggers with other weapons. Lightning Staff, Greatsword and Bow will cause the smallest DPS loss (≈2%), then Inferno Staff (≈4%), and then support-oriented weapons (Ice Staff, One Handed and Shield) will cause a bigger DPS loss (≈7%). You will also have to replace Quick Cloak with some situational ability, or with an ability from one of the weapons you swapped to (for example Carve when switching to Greatsword). Replacing the backbar Greatsword is not recommended because of the Merciless Charge set which requires a Two Handed weapon.
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