‘Wraith’ ESO Nightblade Tank Build

Welcome to The Tank Club’s Ultimate Nightblade Tank Build and Guide!

In this comprehensive guide for the ESO Nightblade Tank, we cover everything you need to know to master this class. We provide detailed information on the best skills to use, a thorough overview of all Nightblade skills and passives, and the buffs they offer. Additionally, we explore the benefits of playing a Nightblade Tank, the best race choices, scribing skill options and multiple fantastic builds tailored for various content and situations. Whether you’re tackling dungeons or trials, this guide has you covered.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Strengths, Weaknesses & Group Benefits
  3. Core Essentials
  4. Gear
  5. Skills
  6. Scribed Skills
  7. Skills & Passives Info
  8. Champion Points
  9. How to Play

ESO Nightblade Tank Introduction

Nightblades, while possessing notable strengths as tanks, are not frequently used for tanking in The Elder Scrolls Online.

Nightblade tanking peaked years ago during the “Sap Tank” era for dungeons and saw some popularity in trials during the Elsweyr chapter, particularly in the Sunspire trial.

Their limited appeal stems from a lack of unique group benefits and redundancy in group buffing when another Nightblade is present. The Minor Savagery group buff is desirable but typically provided by other roles.

Despite this, Nightblades excel at mitigating damage with strong AoE debuffs and defensive passives, making them effective in high-damage situations. Recent updates have improved their healing and sustain, alleviating many of the issues previously faced by Nightblade tanks.

The scribing system also plays a crucial role, replacing Silver Leash with a Magicka pull option and adding potential for an immobilization skill, which helps Nightblades compete with other classes in dungeon content. They still lack in useful group benefits, however.

Nightblades shine in building Ultimate quickly, one of their biggest strengths. While not a popular choice and often overlooked in organized group content, Nightblades can be a fun, niche class for those who enjoy significant damage reduction and rapid Ultimate generation.

ESO Nightblade Tank Strengths, Weaknesses & Group Benefits

Strengths

  • Great damage mitigation with built in buffs
  • Good sustain for experienced players
  • Nice healing over time especially in static fights
  • Fast Ultimate regeneration
  • Good for AoE debuffing

Weaknesses

  • No burst heal
  • Lack of useful buffs
  • Only group buff is easily replaced by having one other Nightblade in a group
  • All buffs and debuffs are obtained easier by other sources
  • Not as beginner friendly as other classes

Group Benefits

ESO Nightblade Tank Core Essentials

Race

Nord
Argonian

Mundus

The Atronach

Attributes

64 Health

Food

Orzorga’s Red Frothgar

Potions

Tri-Stat Potion
Heroism Potion

  • Race: Nord is essential for the additional resistance and Ultimate gain, fitting well with this build. Argonian can also a good choice for Nightblades due to the Catalyst potion passive, which enhances potion effectiveness. For more options, check out our Best Tank Race guide.
  • Mundus: The Atronach is the best choice for this build as it provides significant Magicka Recovery, essential for the frequent casting of Magicka abilities.
  • Stats: You can distribute your attributes as needed to balance your health, stamina, and magicka but it’s good to aim for 40k+ Max Health as a baseline when buffed up.
  • Food: Red Frothgar is recommended as it offers a substantial boost to Magicka Recovery, which is beneficial for this build.
  • Potions: This build consumes a large amount of Magicka, making Minor Heroism/Magicka potions highly effective. If these potions are too expensive, consider using Heroic Slash for the Heroism effect and opt for Tri-Stat potions to maintain a balanced resource pool.

ESO Nightblade Tank Gear

PieceSetWeightTraitEnchantment
HeadNazarayMediumDivinesPrismatic Defence
ShoulderNazarayLightDivinesPrismatic Defence
ChestTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
HandsTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
WaistTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
LegsTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
FeetTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
NecklaceDrake’s RushJewelleryInfusedPotion Cooldown
RingDrake’s RushJewelleryInfusedPotion Cooldown
RingDrake’s RushJewelleryInfusedPotion Cooldown
Main HandVoid Bash / Puncturing RemedyAny 1HDecisiveAbsorb Stamina
Off HandVoid Bash / Puncturing RemedyShieldDivinesPrismatic Defence
Main Hand BackupDrake’s RushIce StaffInfusedCrusher
PieceSetWeightTraitEnchantment
HeadArchdruid Devyric / Magma IncarnateMediumDivinesPrismatic Defence
ShoulderArchdruid Devyric / Spaulder of RuinLightDivinesPrismatic Defence
ChestTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
HandsTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
WaistTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
LegsTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
FeetTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
NecklaceVestment of Olorime / Powerful AssaultJewelleryHarmony/InfusedMagicka Recovery
RingVestment of Olorime / Powerful AssaultJewelleryHarmony/InfusedMagicka Recovery
RingVestment of Olorime / Powerful AssaultJewelleryHarmony/InfusedMagicka Recovery
Main HandVoid Bash / Puncturing RemedyAny 1HDecisiveAny
Off HandVoid Bash / Puncturing RemedyShieldDivinesPrismatic Defence
Main Hand BackupVestment of Olorime / Powerful AssaultIce StaffInfusedCrusher
PieceSetWeightTraitEnchantment
HeadNazaray / Archdruid Devyric / TremorscaleMediumDivinesPrismatic Defence
ShoulderNazaray / Archdruid Devyric / TremorscaleLightDivinesPrismatic Defence
ChestTurning TideHeavyReinforcedPrismatic Defence
HandsTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
WaistTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
LegsTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
FeetTurning TideHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
NecklacePearlescent WardJewelleryHarmonyMagicka Recovery
RingPearlescent WardJewelleryHarmonyMagicka Recovery
RingPearlescent WardJewelleryHarmonyMagicka Recovery
Main HandPearlescent WardAny 1HDecisiveAbsorb Stamina
Off HandPearlescent WardShieldDivinesPrismatic Defence
Main Hand BackupPearlescent WardIce StaffInfusedCrusher
PieceSetWeightTraitEnchantment
HeadMagma Incarnate / NazarayMediumDivinesPrismatic Defence
ShoulderSpaulder of Ruin / NazarayLightDivinesPrismatic Defence
ChestSaxhleel Champion / Lucent EchoesHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
HandsSaxhleel Champion / Lucent EchoesHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
WaistSaxhleel Champion / Lucent EchoesHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
LegsSaxhleel Champion / Lucent EchoesHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
FeetSaxhleel Champion / Lucent EchoesHeavyDivinesPrismatic Defence
NecklacePowerful AssaultJewelleryInfusedPrismatic Cost Reduction
RingPowerful AssaultJewelleryInfusedPrismatic Cost Reduction
RingPowerful AssaultJewelleryInfusedPrismatic Cost Reduction
Main HandPuncturing RemedyAny 1HDecisiveInfused Stamina
Off HandPuncturing RemedyShieldDivinesPrismatic Defence
Main Hand BackupPowerful AssaultIce StaffInfusedCrusher

The first set we use is Void Bash (Vateshran). This is vital for dealing with adds, as it drastically improves sustain, chaining multiple enemies can be very challenging on sustain without Void Bash. For boss fights, switch this out for the Master Weapons, which offer more benefit in those scenarios.

Next, we use Drake’s Rush, a great set that provides about a 4% DPS increase thanks to the Major Heroism it grants, which boosts Ultimate generation for both you and your group. It’s a simple set to use and can be slotted on just one bar.

We combine Drake’s Rush with another “bash” set to further increase DPS: Turning Tide. This set inflicts an AoE debuff on enemies, applying Major Vulnerability and making them receive more damage from your group.

Finally, we use Nazaray. Given the Nightblade’s significant debuff potential, it makes sense to use this set to extend the duration of all those debuffs. Nazaray activates when you use your Ultimate, so ensure you cast all debuffs before using your Ultimate.

For add pulls, consider using Spaulder of Ruin since Nazaray is less effective on adds, and you’ll want to save your Ultimate for bosses.

Where to Obtain:

ESO Nightblade Tank Scribed Skills

The Nightblade class script is quite beneficial as it restores resources and can increase your Crit Chance. This is important because it helps to proc the Hemorrhage passive, which is one of the few unique group benefits of a Nightblade.

Nightblades can gain significant benefits from scribing, acquiring three useful tools: a Magicka-costing pull, an AoE immobilize, and a damage shield skill. These abilities are missing from the base Nightblade toolkit and significantly improve their tanking capabilities.

Wield Soul can be transformed into a Magicka-costing chain ability, eliminating the need for Silver Leash for fast chaining. This skill allows a Nightblade to gain 1000 Magicka and Stamina, effectively regaining Stamina while blocking, similar to how Dragonknights use Igneous Shield to proc the Helping Hands passive. Additionally, a major buff or debuff can be added to enhance its effectiveness.

Soul Burst fills the gap in crowd control, as Nightblades lack a useful CC skill that immobilizes enemies. This is crucial when pulling or chaining enemies, as they can then be immobilized or snared. Unlike the Nightblade’s Fear ability, which doesn’t work on chained enemies, an immobilize script combined with a snare and Minor Breach is a good approach. Other options can also be beneficial depending on the specific needs of your build.

These enhancements make Nightblade tanks more versatile and capable of handling a wider range of dungeon scenarios, improving their overall effectiveness as tanks.

Nightblade Class Script

Signature Script: Class Mastery
Restore 333 Magicka and Stamina if your target was above 50% Health. Increase your Critical Chance by 10% for 5 seconds if your target was at or below 50% Health.

Wield Soul

Focus Script: Pull
Deals ? Magic Damage to an enemy, pulls them to you, and taunts them for 15 seconds if they are not already taunted.

Signature Script: Druid’s Resurgence
Restores 1000 Magicka and 1000 Stamina.

Affix Script: Vitality
Grants Major Vitality for 10 seconds, increasing healing received and damage shield strength by 12%.

Soul Burst

Focus Script: Damage Shield
Grants you and your allies a damage shield that absorbs ? damage for 6 seconds, scaling off Max Health and capped at 55% of your Max Health.

Signature Script: Sage’s Remedy
Heals for ? Health over 10 seconds.

Affix Script: Any
?

Ulfsild’s Contingency

Focus Script: Immobilize
Immobilizes enemies for 3 seconds.

Signature Script: Gladiator’s Tenacity
Reduces damage taken by 8% for 8 seconds.

Affix Script: Minor Breach
Afflicts Minor Breach for 22 seconds, reducing Physical and Spell Resistance by 2974.

ESO Nightblade Tank Other Skills & Passives

Assassination

Soul Harvest → Morph of Death Stroke
(Unnecessary)
This skill gives you back Ultimate when you kill an enemy. As a tank, you won’t be able to proc this often, but you might gain a small amount of Ultimate by having it slotted during add pulls.

Assassin’s Blade
(Unnecessary)
This skill could be used for a Nightblade Tank/DD Hybrid to deal damage. Otherwise, it is not needed for tanking purposes.

Lotus Fan → Morph of Teleport Strike
(Vital)
This gap closer is rarely needed for movement but is vital for its Area of Effect Minor Vulnerability application. Use Lotus Fan to teleport into an add stack within a 6m radius, causing them all to take 5% more damage. This skill is particularly useful for add pulls. If your group lacks any other source of Minor Vulnerability, you’ll need it for boss fights as well. However, be cautious as it will cause you to drop block during the teleportation animation.

Mirage → Morph of Blur
(Vital)
This is a good Nightblade Tank skill that grants Major Evasion, reducing Area of Effect damage by 20%. It also provides Minor Resolve to increase your resistances and reduces the cost of roll dodging, which stacks upon receiving direct damage. This skill is also essential for accessing your passives. Use this morph when you need the additional resistances.

Phantasmal Escape → Morph of Blur
(Situational)
This morph of Mirage sacrifices Minor Resolve but offers immunity to snares and immobilizations, as well as removing any that are already applied to you. This makes it particularly strong for fights where these effects are prevalent, such as in vHoF. If you can compensate for the lost resistances through other means, like using Resolving Vigor, this morph can be highly beneficial.

Mark Target
(Situational)
This skill can be used in fights where you are range tanking or want to pre-apply Major Breach. However, you might benefit more from using Weakness to Elements instead.

Grim Focus
(Unnecessary)
This skill could be used for a Nightblade Tank/DD Hybrid to deal damage. Otherwise, it is not needed for tanking purposes.

Master Assassin
(Unnecessary)
You’ll rarely be flanking as a tank, so this passive is not useful.

Executioner
(Vital)
This is a useful sustain passive, especially during add pulls or boss fights with adds, as it restores resources when an enemy dies.

Pressure Points
(Vital)
This passive is needed to help towards proccing the Hemorrhage passive by increasing your Critical Chance.

Hemorrhage
(Vital)
This is the group buff you are expected to bring to a group. It is particularly useful for damage dealers who stack Weapon Damage, as it increases your group’s Weapon Critical. To proc this passive, you need to cause critical damage, which shouldn’t be difficult with all your abilities ticking on the target. However, if there is another Nightblade in the group, the Nightblade tank loses much of its functionality, as this passive is one of the main and only reasons to use one.

Shadow

Bolstering Darkness → Morph of Consuming Darkness
(Optional)
This Ultimate grants an additional 2% Health when slotted. It reduces damage taken by 10% for allies within its area, making it useful for emergencies. However, Aggressive Horn is typically preferred, so this skill is optional.

Veiled Strike
(Not Needed)
Not used for tanking. While it provides Off Balance, it’s challenging to apply from a tanking perspective as you need to hit enemies from the flanks.

Dark Cloak → Morph of Shadow Cloak
(Vital)
This is the Nightblade Tank’s main heal. It provides a heal based on your Max Health, with a significant increase when standing still, making it effective in many PvE situations. Additionally, it grants Minor Protection, reducing damage taken by 5%, which applies to both bars. The skill also procs Major Resolve via the Shadow Barrier passive, often your primary method of gaining Major Resolve.

Refreshing Path → Morph of Path of Darkness
(Vital)
This skill provides a speed boost for you and your group at the cost of Magicka, making it useful during add pulls, long running areas, and speed runs. It also offers an AoE heal over time, which is beneficial for proccing gear sets that require healing. Additionally, it increases group sustain with Minor Endurance and Minor Intellect.

Mass Hysteria  → Morph of Aspect of Terror
(Vital)
This is your main crowd control ability that fears enemies. While fearing is not as strong as immobilizing due to the period of CC immunity, the skill’s main benefit is the AoE Major Cowardice debuff, reducing enemies’ Weapon and Spell Damage. This debuff affects bosses and enemies even if they aren’t feared, making it an effective method for reducing damage and can be stacked with other damage reduction debuffs. Using a scribing skill for immobilization may be more beneficial for smoother control.

Dark Shade → Morph of Summon Shade
(Optional)
This skill applies an AoE Minor Maim debuff, reducing enemies’ damage by 5%. However, this debuff can be more easily obtained from other sources. Frost Clench applies Minor Maim, Major Maim and Minor Brittle. Using Pulsar in AoE situations provides both Minor Maim and Minor Brittle, making it more useful than Dark Shade.

Refreshing Shadows
(Vital)
This important sustain passive provides a significant 15% increase to Magicka Recovery, decent Health Recovery, and some Stamina Recovery, which is beneficial if you frequently drop block

Shadow Barrier
(Vital)
This passive allows you to automatically gain Major Resolve without needing to slot a specific ability. Casting a Shadow ability, usually Dark Cloak, grants Major Resolve. The duration depends on the number of Heavy Armor pieces you are wearing.

Dark Vigor
(Vital)
This passive helps you achieve a high Max Health value, which is crucial for Nightblade tanks. Dark Cloak’s heal scales with Max Health, so having more abilities slotted from the Shadow skill line increases your Max Health and boosts the healing effectiveness.

Dark Veil
(Vital)
This passive increases the duration of key abilities such as Dark Cloak, Refreshing Path, and Mass Hysteria. It is vital for reducing the frequency at which you need to cast these abilities.

Siphoning

Soul Siphon
(Unnecessary)
This skill provides the group with Major Vitality and heals them, but it is not essential since tanks typically use Aggressive Horn. It could be slotted to access the Magicka Flood and Soul Siphoner passives if you don’t have another skill providing those benefits.

Swallow Soul → Morph of Strife
(Vital)
The heal from this skill isn’t as strong as Dark Cloak since it scales with Magicka, but it adds to your incoming healing. As a tank, you might heal around 2k with this, and when combined with other sources, it complements your healing over time since you lack a burst heal. It also provides some damage and primarily serves to proc the Transfer passive, helping you generate Ultimate more quickly.

Malevolent Offering
(Optional)
This skill isn’t ideal but can be used as a self-heal if you face away from allies to ensure it targets you. Alternatively, it can heal allies in groups without a healer, providing a burst heal at the cost of a small amount of your own health over time. It works well with high Health Recovery to negate the health cost.

Cripple
(Not Needed)

Siphoning Attacks → Morph of Siphoning Strikes
(Vital)
This skill is one of the best methods of sustain for a Nightblade Tank. It costs 4000 health to cast but grants 2600 Magicka and Stamina, while also healing and providing more health and stamina each time you deal damage. Constantly using skills and keeping Elemental Blockade on the ground will ensure a steady influx of resources. It works particularly well with a healer in the group. Without a healer, it’s riskier, but you can manage by timing the skill usage to avoid casting it just before a big attack or when you’re low on health.

Power Extraction → Morph of Drain Power
(Vital)
This AoE damage and debuff skill applies Minor Cowardice, reducing enemies’ weapon and spell damage. The main challenge is its Stamina cost, which can make it hard to sustain. When combined with Mass Hysteria’s Major Cowardice, you can significantly reduce enemy damage.

Sap Essence → Morph of Drain Power
(Optional)
This morph heals instead of debuffing. It deals AoE damage, and the more enemies you hit, the more it heals. It’s an AoE heal for your team, making it a useful extra heal during add pulls, even for a tank.

Catalyst
(Vital)
This passive is a major reason to use a Nightblade Tank. It helps you generate Ultimate extremely quickly. Ensure you use potions on cooldown to maximize this, even out of combat. Boost this passive’s effectiveness by using Reduce Potion Cooldown glyphs on Infused Gold Jewellery, allowing potion use every 21 seconds. Some players combine this with the Argonian race for their Resourceful passive, enhancing potion benefits.

Magicka Flood
(Vital)
Given the numerous Magicka abilities on a Nightblade, it’s useful to have a Siphoning ability slotted to gain the 8% extra Magicka from this passive.

Soul Siphoner
(Vital)
This passive provides a small healing boost that can be increased by slotting more Siphoning abilities. It’s good to have, especially for harder content, where stacking it higher can help overcome tough fights.

Transfer
(Vital)
Another Ultimate-generating passive. Cast a Siphoning ability every 4 seconds to gain Ultimate. Typically, use Swallow Soul on boss fights and Power Extraction/Sap Essence in add pulls. Gaining more Ultimate is always essential.

ESO Nightblade Tank Champion Points

Warfare

Fitness

ESO Nightblade Tank How to Play