The first wave of major combat changes for 2026 has hit the Public Test Server (PTS). ZeniMax Online Studios has pushed the initial content for both Update 49 and the debut of the new progression system, Season Zero: Dawn and Dusk, for players to test. This is where we get our first look at the refreshed Dragonknight class and the significant overhaul coming to the Two Handed weapon skill line.
If you play The Elder Scrolls Online, you know that when an entire class gets a refresh, the meta shifts dramatically. The Dragonknight, a class deeply rooted in the fiery aesthetic of Tamriel's political instability and the chaos of Molag Bal's Dark Anchors, is the first to enter the testing phase. While the official patch notes will detail every number change, the core goal is to make the class feel more viable across different content, especially in high-end PvE and PvP.
Equally significant is the Two Handed weapon line refresh. Historically, Two Handed builds have struggled to keep pace with Dual Wield or Sword and Shield in certain roles. This update aims to give players who prefer the heavy, impactful feel of a greatsword, battleaxe, or maul a reason to bring it into the toughest dungeons and trials. Expect new morphs and adjustments designed to increase its utility and damage output, hopefully opening up new build possibilities.
Beyond the major combat overhauls, this initial PTS build for The Elder Scrolls Online also includes various quality-of-life adjustments and initial offerings from the Gold Coast Bazaar—a key component of the forthcoming Season Zero. While the highly anticipated Tamriel Tomes system and the new Night Market zone are not yet ready for prime time testing, the Dragonknight changes alone are enough to warrant diving in.
As always, the purpose of the PTS is to gather feedback and squash bugs before the update goes live on all servers. If you have the bandwidth and the passion, make sure to use the /feedback or /bug commands in chat. The quicker the community identifies what’s OP, what’s broken, and what feels underwhelming, the better the launch will be when Update 49 officially drops.
Soren