The combat of The Elder Scrolls Online will not be real-time like that of earlier games in the series, but made up of semi-automated skill attacks like many other MMORPGs.
You have six ability slots. The first two are taken up by the weapon you are using, and consist of two different attacks with that weapon. As you continue to use that weapon, your skill with it increases and your attacks become more powerful.
The other four slots are filled by class-specific abilities that you acquire in your travels and adventures. The last one of these slots is for an Ultimate ability, such as summoning a Frost Atronach, which is much stronger than most abilities. Only one of these abilities can be equipped at a time; the other three slots are for weaker abilities.
