The Elder Scrolls Online is unique as an MMO for its broadly limit-free approach to character progression and typical RPG roles. Each class in The Elder Scrolls Online is able to take on DPS, Tanking, and Support roles. Every one of the game's six classes is better at certain things than others, to be sure, but the one class does an excellent job at all three more than any of the others: the Necromancer.

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Necromancers are an unlockable DLC class for The Elder Scrolls Online, whose skill trees each focus on a specific aspect. Grave Lord acts as the DPS tree, Bone Tyrant is the Tanking tree, and Living Death serves as the Support tree. Players building a Necromancer in one of these directions should choose their weapon carefully, though, as some are much more useful than others.

5 Ranged Physical: Bows

Necromancers oriented around DPS and Support in The Elder Scrolls Online tend to spend a lot of time at the mid-range and further. Some abilities, like the Bone Tyrant skill Death Scythe, only work at close range. Tank Necromancers can make good use of a Bow in the back bar, but ultimately the Bow weapon skill tree doesn't give Necromancers much aside from AoE damage.

The limitation of the bow is that almost all of its abilities are outclassed by Necromancer abilities or Destruction Staff abilities. For example, Volley is not as powerful as Boneyard, and Snipe isn't as useful as Venom Skull. One upside to using a bow in the back bar as a Necromancer, though, is that most of the class' skill tree abilities are based on Magicka. The Bow primarily uses Stamina as a resource, so it can be good as a backup while Magicka regenerates.

4 Two-Handed Weapons: Greatswords, Battle Axes, Mauls

Necromancers in the Tanking role spec primarily into the Bone Tyrant tree for its powerful self-defense and self-sustain abilities. The Two-Handed Weapon skill tree can be a solid choice for the primary weapon slot for these players, thanks to its variety of high-power attacks and cleaving spells.

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The Two-Handed Weapon skill tree gives Necromancers access to Dizzying Swing, Brawler, and Rally. These three very powerful bruiser abilities give the Necromancer some needed melee utility. However, Tanks in The Elder Scrolls Online tend towards the One Hand and Shield skill tree, thanks to its more targeted Tanking abilities. If players have faith in the abilities of their party and healer, though, it's not a bad choice for its high damage output.

3 Ranged Support: Restoration Staffs

The Restoration Staff is the go-to option for the main weapon slot for just about every Support build in The Elder Scrolls Online. It offers so much Support utility for every class, ironically including the Necromancer. When player spec the Restoration Staff into the Living Death tree, these characters can make for one of the more powerful Support classes in the game.

The Living Death skill tree gives Necromancers a powerful mid-combat mass resurrection in the form of Reanimate. Many consider it to be the best combat rez in the game. It also gives the debuff-removing spell Expunge, the Life Amid Death AoE heal, and the healing summon Spirit Mender. Alongside these, the Restoration Staff gives Necromancers some great buff-heal hybrid spells. These include Blessing of Protection, as well as Healing Ward which shields and heals at the same time. Ultimately, the Restoration Staff is the best option for Support Necromancers.

2 Ranged Magical: Lightning Staffs, Inferno Staffs, Ice Staffs

The Destruction Staff skill tree is the go-to ranged damage option for spellcaster classes like the Necromancer and Sorcerer. It adds onto the classes' innate abilities to make for a formidably powerful build. Necromancers looking to deal as much damage as possible should spec primarily into the Grave Lord skill tree, with some Destruction Staff skills mixed in there for variety.

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The Destruction Staff offers good utility to Necromancers in abilities like Wall of Elements, Pulsar, and Elemental Drain. Its passives are a boon to the class' skillset as well. Elemental Force, for example, increases the chance of giving enemies certain status effects. Meanwhile, Ancient Knowledge applies to Necromancer skills as well as Destruction Staff skills. It's the best choice DPS Necromancers have for their main weapon slot, typically backed up by a Restoration Staff for off-Support capability.

1 One-Handed Weapons: Axes, Swords, Maces, Daggers

The Dual Wield skill tree is not such a great choice for Necromancers, as DPS is better served at range. However, the One-Handed and Shield skill tree is a great choice for players specced primarily into the Bone Tyrant skill tree. It gives a unique Threat-generating skill in the form of Puncture, as well as self-buffing skills like Defensive Posture and the melee stun Reverating Bash.

The Bone Tyrant skill tree is home to a swathe of useful Tanking abilities, too. The Ultimate ability Bone Goliath is one of the best Tanking ultimates in the game. Meanwhile, Beckoning Armor groups enemies together for more effective AoE attacks, and the passive ability Health Avarice is extremely good for difficult trials and delves with a party. The One-Handed and Shield skill tree is best accompanied with either a Destruction Staff or Restoration Staff, thanks to their respective crowd control and self-sustain boosts.

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