Open the Companion Menu and Navigate to Gear

To change your companion's gear traits in The Elder Scrolls Online, open your companion menu while your companion is summoned. On PC, press C by default. On console, hold the corresponding button for your platform (Xbox or PlayStation). Your companion must be active and following you — you cannot manage their gear from a distance.

Once the companion menu opens, look for the Gear tab. This is separate from the Companion tab itself. Select Gear to see all the equipment your companion is currently wearing, including armor, weapons, and jewelry. Each piece will display its current trait below the item name.

The gear menu shows you the rarity of each item and which trait is attached to it. You do not need to remove or unequip an item before changing its trait — the interface allows you to modify equipped gear directly from this screen.

Locate the Trait You Want to Change

Each gear slot displays the item name, rarity level, and the trait currently applied to it. Traits are the special properties that modify how the gear performs — for example, Infused increases the effectiveness of set bonuses, or Reinforced

Click or select the piece of gear whose trait you want to change. The game will show you what trait is currently on that piece and present you with the option to change it. You are not locked into keeping any trait permanently.

Use a Trait Gem to Reroll the Trait

Changing a companion gear trait requires a Companion Gear Trait Gem. These gems are consumable items that you use to reroll a single trait on a companion's gear. When you select a gear piece and choose to change its trait, the game will prompt you to use a gem if you have one in your inventory.

The gem is consumed when you use it, and the trait on that gear piece is randomly rerolled to a different trait. You cannot choose which trait you receive — it is random from the pool of available traits for that gear type. If you do not have a gem in your inventory, the option to change the trait will be grayed out and unavailable.

Where to Get Companion Gear Trait Gems

Companion Gear Trait Gems are sold by the Crown Store for Crowns, the premium currency in ESO. They are also sometimes available through limited-time events or promotions. Check the Crown Store regularly under the Companion section to see if gems are currently in stock and what the current price is.

Some players also obtain gems through the Endeavor system, which rewards Crowns for completing daily and weekly tasks. If you accumulate enough Crowns through Endeavors, you can spend them on gems without paying real money. The cost and availability of gems in the Crown Store can change with updates and promotions, so prices are not fixed.

You can also earn Crowns by completing Endeavor tasks — these are daily and weekly objectives that grant Endeavor points, which convert to Crowns. This method takes longer but allows you to purchase gems gradually without spending money outside the game.

Understand Trait Reroll Mechanics

When you use a gem to reroll a trait, the new trait is chosen at random from all possible traits for that gear slot. You might receive the same trait you just had, though this is uncommon. There is no way to target a specific trait — each reroll is a random draw from the available pool.

If you are unhappy with the new trait, you will need another gem to reroll again. This means changing traits can become expensive if you are unlucky with random rolls. Plan ahead and consider whether the trait you currently have is worth keeping, or whether you want to spend gems trying for a different one.

Keep track of how many gems you have before starting a reroll campaign. If you are targeting a specific trait, budget for multiple gems since randomness means you may need several attempts to get the result you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the companion menu with C (PC) or the companion button (console), then select the Gear tab to see your companion's current traits.
  • Companion Gear Trait Gems are the only way to change a trait, and they are consumed when used.
  • Rerolling a trait produces a random result — you cannot choose which trait you receive.
  • Gems are purchased from the Crown Store for Crowns, or earned through the Endeavor system by completing daily and weekly tasks.
  • You may receive the same trait after rerolling, so budget multiple gems if you are targeting a specific trait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a companion's trait without using a gem?

No. Trait gems are the only method to reroll companion gear traits in ESO. There is no free or alternative way to change them once they are set on an item.

What happens if I get the same trait after using a gem?

The trait is rerolled randomly, so it is possible to receive the same trait you had before. If this happens, you have used a gem with no practical change to your gear. You can use another gem to try again, but there is no may provide the next roll will be different.

Can I change traits on gear my companion is not wearing?

No. You can only change traits on gear that is currently equipped on your companion. Gear in your inventory or bank cannot have its traits modified through the companion menu.

Do different gear slots have different available traits?

Yes. Armor pieces, weapons, and jewelry each have their own pool of possible traits. A trait that appears on a companion's chest piece will not be the same set of options available for a ring or weapon.

Is there a way to get gems without spending Crowns?

Gems are not sold by vendors for in-game gold. The primary source is the Crown Store. You can earn Crowns through the Endeavor system by completing daily and weekly tasks, which takes time but does not require spending real money.