ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build

This guide focuses on the best explanation of how to play an ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build, including skills, gear, champion points, and more!

This build has been updated for the Update 40 patch of the Elder Scrolls Online.

Why Should You Play ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build?

The Nightblade Tank excels at self and group healing with incredible burst heals and AoE.  So, you’ll want to pick this up if you want to do any type of tanking, including beginner or hardcore! 

In ESO, the Nightblade Tank is perfect for everyone looking for a unique playstyle with a complete set of tools for PvE gameplay. Using strong heals over time, crowd control, and great self-healing. The most important tank responsibility is to survive while enduring the enemy’s damage. Sometimes independently from a healer.

Second, a significant responsibility is to provide buffs and debuffs to your group. The ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build has everything that you need to be successful in tanking. We will also give different gear options in case you lack the necessary gear, whether beginner or hardcore tank in the Elder Scrolls Online.

ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build Features and Mechanics

Below are some of the features found using the ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build in the Elder Scrolls Online:

  • Class – Nightblade
  • Weapon One – Sword and Shield
  • Weapon Two – Frost Staff
  • Armor Types: Heavy
  • Race: Nord
  • Attributes: 64 Health
  • Mundus Stone: Atronach

Skills

Bar One: Sword and Shield

Two options in tanking:

  • Sword and Shield (preferred front bar)
  • Frost Staff (preferred back bar)

Silver Leash (Morph of Silver Bolts | Skill Line : Fighters Guild) – Pulls mob in to quickly clear out trash. Downside it cost stamina and can be a burden to cast multiple times. Can be useful to have Void Bash two piece gear set instead.

Pierce Armor (Morph of Puncture | Skill Line : One Hand and Shield) – Single target taunt with massive armor debuff making DPS do more damage. Most mobs have 18,200 resistances, the lower, the more damage your group does. Use this on your priority target like a boss, mini boss or something you want to kill fast. If you’re using Master’s Sword and Shield this will heal you as well.

Revealing Flare (Skill Line : Support) – Slotted primarily for major protection damage reduction and magicka sustain via the skill lines passive.

Healthy Offering (Morph of Malevolent Offering | Skill Line : Siphoning) – Restores Magicka and Health on light attacks, heavy attacks restore twice the value. Restores a chunk of Magicka when effect ends at full duration. If sustain is not needed, swap it out for flex skill.

Mass Hysteria (Morph of Aspect of Terror | Skill Line : Shadow) – AoE stun to crowd control and fear multiple trash mobs. This is your flex spot.

Soul Siphon (Morph of Soul Shred | Skill Line : Siphoning) – Great survival burst utlimate. You can always go with replenishing barrier for a higher cost shield ult.


Bar Two: Destruction staff – Ice staff

The Ice staff passives provide block mitigation and defence. We choose Ice staff as a tank because of its ability to support the group.

Balance (Morph of Equilibrium | Skill Line : Mages Guild) – This skill gives us our armor buff alongside magicka at the cost of health. Spam this with all your heals coming in for huge magicka return.

Frost Clench (Morph of Destructive Touch | Skill Line : Destruction Staff) – Range taunt that debuffs the enemy’s damage. Slot Inner Rage here in very long fights where you can’t reach the target.

Phantasmal Escape (Morph of Blur | Skill Line : Assassination) – This skill provides AoE damage reduction via the major evasion buff which is unique among tanks making a very strong skill. Consider this your flex spot.

Blockade of Frost (Morph of Wall of Elements | Skill Line : Destruction Staff) – Use for AoE shield and immobilize and chance to proc brittle status effect adding damage to your team.

Refreshing Path (Morph of Path of Darkness | Skill Line : Shadow) – Good heal over time also provides the group major expedition.

Aggressive Horn (Morph of War Horn | Skill Line : Assault) – massive stat and damage increase to the group, rotate with other players.

Passives Skills

Consider taking all of the passives in the below skill trees to increase your builds performance without slotting any skills:

  • Assassination (class skill line)
  • Shadow (class skill line)
  • Siphoning (class skill line)
  • Sword And Shield (weapon skill line)
  • Destruction Staff (weapon skill line)
  • Light Armor
  • Medium Armor
  • Heavy Armor
  • Undaunted
  • Mage’s Guild
  • Fighter’s Guild
  • Psjiic Order
  • Racial
  • Alliance War Support
  • Alliance War Assault
  • Crafting, Alchemy Medicinal Use

Gear – Main Tank Trials

The below gear setup is intended for 12-player trials using the ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build:

SlotTypeSetTraitGlyph
HeadmediumNazaraySturdyPrismatic
ShoulderslightNazaraySturdyPrismatic
ChestheavyTurning TideReinforcedPrismatic
LegsheavyTurning TideReinforcedPrismatic
GlovesheavyTurning TideSturdyPrismatic
BootsheavyTurning TideSturdyPrismatic
BeltheavyTurning TideSturdyPrismatic
Weapon OneSwordPerfected Puncturing RemedyDecisiveWeakening
SecondaryShieldPerfected Puncturing RemedySturdyHealth
Weapon TwoIce StaffClaw of YolnahkriinInfusedCrusher
NecklaceClaw of YolnahkriinInfusedMagicka Recovery
Ring 1Claw of YolnahkriinInfusedMagicka Recovery
Ring 2Claw of YolnahkriinInfusedReduced cost of block
Strongest Possible Gear Setup for The Nightblade PvE Main Tank for Trial
Monster Helm and Arena Set

Nazaray: obtained in Shipwright’s Regret DLC Ascending Tide.

  • Why? considered best in slot due to extending all the important debuffs adding huge damage to your group.

FLEX OPTIONS

Perfected Puncturing Remedyobtained in Veteran Dragonstar Arena in Craglorn though can do normal and get a lesser version.

  • Why? perfect set to front bar which adds a ton of resistances and amazing self-healing for something we are doing anyway, taunting!

FLEX OPTIONS

  • Void Bash  = great if you want to pull trash in easily
Gear Sets

Turning Tide: obtained in Shipwright’s Regret DLC Ascending Tide

  • Why? best in slot without a necromancer in your group to constantly keep high uptime on major vulnerability.

FLEX OPTIONS

Claw of Yolnhakriin: obtained in Sunspire trial Elsweyr zone.

  • Why? best in slot due to minor courage and high uptime on the buff

FLEX OPTIONS


Off Trials Tank

The below gear setup is intended for 12-player trials when you are the secondary tank ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build:

SlotTypeSetTraitGlyph
HeadmediumTremorscaleSturdyPrismatic
ShoulderslightTremorscaleSturdyPrismatic
ChestheavyPerfected PearlescentReinforcedPrismatic
LegsheavyPerfected PearlescentReinforcedPrismatic
GlovesheavyPerfected PearlescentSturdyPrismatic
BootsheavyPerfected PearlescentSturdyPrismatic
BeltheavyPerfected PearlescentSturdyPrismatic
Weapon OneSwordPerfected Puncturing RemedyDecisiveWeakening
SecondaryShieldPerfected Puncturing RemedySturdyHealth
Weapon TwoIce StaffCrimson Oath’s RiveInfusedCrusher
NecklaceCrimson Oath’s RiveInfusedMagicka Recovery
Ring 1Crimson Oath’s RiveInfusedMagicka Recovery
Ring 2Crimson Oath’s RiveInfusedReduced Block Cost
Strongest Possible Gear Setup for The Nightblade PvE Off Tank for Trial

Dungeons and Arenas

The below gear setup is designed for four-player arenas and dungeons including hard modes:

SlotTypeSetTraitGlyph
HeadmediumMagma IncarnateSturdyPrismatic
ShoulderslightSpaulder of RuinSturdyHealth
ChestheavyDrake’s RushReinforcedPrismatic
LegsheavyDrake’s RushSturdyPrismatic
GlovesheavyDrake’s RushSturdyHealth
BootsheavyDrake’s RushSturdyHealth
BeltheavyDrake’s RushSturdyHealth
Weapon OneSwordPerfected Puncturing RemedyDecisiveWeakening
SecondaryShieldPerfected Puncturing RemedySturdyHealth
Weapon TwoIce StaffPowerful AssaultInfusedCrusher
NecklacePowerful AssaultTriuneMagicka Recovery
Ring 1Powerful AssaultTriuneMagicka Recovery
Ring 2Powerful AssaultTriuneMagicka Recovery
Strongest Gear Setup for the Nightblade PvE tank in Dungeons and Arenas
  • Magma Incarnate: Provides resource sustain to you. Obtained in The Dread Cellar Waking Flame DLC.
  • Spaulder of Ruin: Gives group power weapon and spell damage buff. Apart of Mythic system.
  • Drake’s Rush: Used for ultimate generation. Obtained in Black Drake Villa, Flames of Ambition DLC.
  • Perfected Puncturing Remedy: Heals you and grants resistance. Obtained in Dragonstar Arena base game 4-player arena.
  • Powerful Assault: Adds group weapon and spell damage buff. Found in Imperial City Sewers, base game DLC.

Beginner

This setup is designed for someone who just started ESO or is sub 300 champion points and doesn’t have access to monster sets. 

SlotTypeSetTraitGlyph
HeadheavyGrace of GloomSturdyHealth
ShouldersheavyGrace of GloomSturdyHealth
ChestheavyEbon ArmoryReinforcedHealth
LegsheavyEbon ArmorySturdyHealth
GlovesheavyEbon ArmorySturdyHealth
BootsheavyEbon ArmorySturdyHealth
BeltheavyEbon ArmorySturdyHealth
Weapon OneSwordEnduranceDecisiveWeakening
SecondaryShieldEnduranceSturdyHealth
Weapon TwoIce StaffEnduranceInfusedCrusher
NecklaceGrace of GloomHealthyReduce Bracing Cost
Ring 1Grace of GloomHealthyMagicka Recovery
Ring 2Grace of GloomHealthyMagicka Recovery
Best Gear setup for Beginners on The Nightblade PvE Tank
  • Grace of Gloom: Gives user reduce AOE damage and healing. Found in Summerset overland, Summerset DLC.
  • Ebon Armory: Provides max health to you and others. Found in base game dungeon, Crypt of Hearts I, Crypt of Hearts II.
  • Endurance: Simple health buff set. Found in Imperial City Sewers, base game DLC.

Race

Best Choice

Nord

Great resistance passives for players who want more defensive gameplay and high stamina resource pool.

Secondary Choice

Imperial

The best overall stat pool for tanking and skill cost reduction in cost makes it

Attributes

Health

Stamina

Magicka

6400

Mundus Stone

Atronach – Increases Magicka recovery by 310

Champion Points – ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build

Warfare Constellation Champion Points

ESO Warfare Champion Tree

Below is a step-by-step method for slotting your champion points in the Warfare tree (blue).  We have used the minimum possible to reach 4 slottable selections all maxed out.  If you have more CP, consider taking more in the passives for optimal performance.

Below are recommended Warfare Champion Point selections for the ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build:

  1. Tireless discipline 10
  2. Staving death – sub con – Quick recovery 10 
  3. Staving death – sub con – ironclad  (slottable)– 50
  4. Duelist rebuff  (slottable) – 50
  5. Enduring resolve (slottable) – 50
  6. Unassailable (slottable) – 50

This would be the bare minimum setup, spending 220 CP (660 total required). The next step is to max out passives, that do not require a slottable but increase performance.

  1. Precision 20
  2. Piercing 20
  3. Tireless discipline 10
  4. Eldritch insight 20
  5. Blessed 20
  6. Quick recovery 10
  7. Flawless ritual 40
  8. War mage 30
  9. Battle mastery 40
  10. Mighty 30
  11. Elemental aegis 20
  12. Hardy 20
  13. Preparation 20

This would max out the Warfare tree with all active and passive champion points at 520 spent 1,560 total spent.

Fitness Constellation Champion Points

ESO Fitness Champion Tree

Below are recommended Fitness Champion Point selections for the ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build:

  1. Fortified (slottable) 50
  2. Rejuvenation (slottable) 50
  3. Sprinter 10
  4. Winder chaser – sub con – hasty 8
  5. Tireless guardian 10
  6. Walking Fortress – sub con – Nimble Protectors 3
  7. Walking fortress – sub con – Bracing anchor (slottable) 50 
  8. Hero’s Vigor 10
  9. Shield master 10
  10. Bastion (slottable) 50

This would be the bare minimum setup, spending 251 CP  (753 total required). The next step is to max out passives, that do not require a slottable but increase performance.  

  1. Hero’s Vigor 10
  2. Tumbling 30
  3. Sprinter 10
  4. Defiance 20
  5. Hasty 8
  6. Tireless guardian 10
  7. Fortification 30
  8. Nimble 3
  9. Mystic tenacity 50
  10. Tempered soul 50
  11. Piercing gaze 30
  12. Savage defense  30
  13. Bashing brutality 20

This would max out the fitness tree with all active passive champion points at 552 cp spent and 1,656 total spent.

Craft Constellation Champion Points

ESO Craft Champion Tree

Below are recommended Craft Champion Point selections for the ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build:

  1. Steed’s blessing (slottable) – 50
  2. Breakfall 10 
  3. Wanderer 15
  4. Steadfast 10
  5. Treasure hunter 50 (slottable)
  6. rationer (slottable) 30
  7. liquid efficiency (slottable) 75

This would be the bare minimum setup, spending 240CP (720 total required). The next step is to max out passives, that do not require a slottable but increase performance.

  1. Steadfast enchantment 40cp
  2. Breakfall 40 cp
  3. Wanderer 60
  4. Fortunes favor 50
  5. Friends in low places 25
  6. Out of sight 30
  7. Fleet of phantom 40
  8. Soul’s Reservoir 33
  9. Gilded fingers 50
  10. Fortunes favor 40
  11. Inspiration boost 45
  12. Infamous 30

This would max out the crafting tree with all active passive champion points at 723 cp spent 2,169 total spent.

Consumables

Food

Bewitched Sugar Skulls

GOOD MAX STATS: Increase Max Health by 4620, Max Stamina and Max Magicka by 4250, and Health Recovery by 462 for 2 hours. (effects are scaled based on your level) Ingredients: Scrib Jelly (2), Flour (5), Columbine (2), Bervez Juice (2), Honey (5)

Longfin Pasty With Melon Sauce

CHEAPER: Increase Max Health by 4462, Magicka by 4105, and Stamina by 4105 for 120 minutes. Ingredients Fish Fruit, Melon Vegetable, Greens and Frost Mirriam

Potions

Tri-Restoration Potion or Essence of Health (tri-stat)

Restore 7329 Health, 6618 Magicka, and 6618 Stamina immediately. Grants Major Fortitude, Major Intellect, and Major Endurance which increase your Health Recovery, Magicka Recovery, and Stamina Recovery by 20% for 31.7 seconds. (effects are scaled based on your level) Ingredients: Bugloss, Columbine, Mountain Flower


Build Summary – ESO Nightblade PvE Tank Build

Class: Nightblade

Race: Nord

Attributes: 64 Health

Mundus Stone: Atronach

Weapon One: Sword and Shield

Weapon Two: Frost Staff

Armor Set 1: Turning Tide

Armor Set 2: Claw of Yolnahkriin

Monster Helm: Nazaray

Armor Weight: 5 Heavy, 1 Medium, 1 Light

Skill Bar 1

  • Silver Leash
  • Pierce Armor
  • Revealing Flare
  • Healthy Offering
  • Mass Hysteria
  • Soul Siphon (Ultimate)

Skill Bar 2

  • Balance
  • Destructive Clench
  • Phantasmal Escape
  • Elemental Blockade
  • Refreshing Path
  • Aggressive Warhorn (Ultimate)

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