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Summoners/Combat Control
Combat control isn't a play style that gets talked about much anymore. In many MMO groups a good tank and healer can work together to make combat control unnecessary. At the same time, a good combat controller can make a huge difference in the battle and allow the healer and tank to focus on their primary responsibilities. The Sorcerer's mix of summoning skills combined with debuffs make it a powerful combat controller.
Summoners/Combat controllers will need enough weapon skill to take down the weakened enemy or two that gets in their way, but mostly they need Magicka and their storm spirits.
Combat Mages
There are fighters, there are mages, and then there are Sorcerers. With magic reinforcing their attacks, combat mages wade through their enemies, hurling lighting and lopping off heads. With Storm Autarchs as back up and a delight in battle, Combat Mages are definitely not your typical MMO mage-type.
Elder Scrolls online Sorcerer builds for combat mages usually do heavy DPS. Tanking variations are totally possible. The need to balance Magicka and Stamina can be a challenge--especially while keeping Health from being a complete dump stat. Still, a combat mage will typically do well in both solo and group play.
Lightning Rod
Sorcerer's skills are divided into DPS, combat control, and defense. By combining combat control and defense skills, you can create a tanking Sorcerer who draws all the enemies to him so his friends can wipe them out. A Lightning Rod Sorcerer forges to the middle of the battle and uses traps, AoE, and defensive skills to keep the enemies coming.
Unlike the combat mage, a Lightning Rod has heavy Magicka and enough Health to stay alive. Stamina is helpful but not really necessary. In a group they shape the battle around themselves. Solo play can be more challenging, but a well built Lightning Rod can manage most quests without too much trouble.
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By Alea Wilson