The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is one of the most popular MMORPGs in the West in 2021. We tell you why now is a good time to start or return to the game.
The MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) was released in April 2014 and has since received many updates and new expansions.
However, in 2021, the developer ZeniMax Online focuses on topics like entry and the performance of the game. We reveal what speaks for starting now.
1. Leveling has been simplified right now
On March 8, the new Update 29 was released on PC. This brought some adjustments related to the leveling process:
- For the first levels 1 to 50, there are now generally more bonus stats than before. This gives you, for example, more health or more magicka for casting spells.
- The additional stats were previously distributed when players leveled up the so-called Champion Points beyond level 50. They have been effectively pulled forward, making the entry a bit easier.
At the same time, leveling the Champion Points has changed. You now gain these significantly faster and need fewer experience points. This is also a plus for newcomers.
A small downside is the tutorial, which is somewhat outdated and no longer fits the concept that you can start anywhere in the world. This is also set to be revised this year, but only with the release of the new expansion Blackwood in June 2021.
If you haven’t dealt with ESO at all, you can find an overview of the MMORPG from YouTuber Entenburg here:
2. You can play the latest content directly
In general, ESO is very beginner-friendly, as you are automatically scaled in the game world so that you can keep up in the open world and in normal mode dungeons without having reached a specific level or having particular equipment.
So you can:
- Complete all quests in the game
- Experience all story content
- Always find relevant loot
- Play directly with your friends
Behind this scaling is the concept “One Tamriel”, which was introduced in the MMORPG in 2016.
However, you will need the appropriate expansion or DLC for the respective content. We have explained how to get the DLCs cheaply here. A detailed explanation of the DLCs and expansions can be found in the FAQ at the end of the article.
3. ESO can be played alone or with others
With scaling and the beautiful stories, ESO plays a bit like a single-player game. No wonder it is often compared more to Skyrim than to World of Warcraft.
ESO places great importance on storytelling. All quests are fully voiced and as you would expect from Elder Scrolls, you are offered a ton of cool, exciting, creepy, and sometimes just quirky stories.
If you prefer to focus on multiplayer content instead, you can experience huge world events, open and instanced dungeons or trials for 12 players. There are also guilds you can join and explore the game world together.
4. You can already prepare for the new expansion
On June 1, the Blackwood expansion will be released. This brings:
- New areas from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- 30 hours of new story content
- The main villain Mehrunes Dagon, a dangerous Daedra lord
- A new 12-player raid
- New world events
- A new companion system, which we will go into detail in this article
However, to be perfectly prepared for the story and content of this expansion, you should complete the base game first to familiarize yourself with Daedra lords.
Additionally, you can already try out the various classes, create a build, and farm gear so you’re ready for the new trial.
The companions are coming
The new NPC companions in ESO will be released with the Blackwood expansion. They are intended to take on classic roles like healer, tank, or damage dealer. This will make the game even more beginner- and solo-friendly.
At the launch of the expansion, there will be two different companions, one of whom can always accompany you. Their names are Mary and Bastion. However, more NPC helpers are planned for the future.
More details about companions can be found in our special: ESO introduces NPC companions – It’s never been easier to reach the endgame.
5. There is simply a lot to do
ESO was released in 2014 and has since been constantly supplied with new content. Every year, a major expansion is released along with 3 DLCs featuring new areas, new story, and new dungeons.
If you start with ESO now, you have hundreds of hours of story content ahead of you. In addition, there are numerous side quests like housing or the area guide that leads you to all quests and specialties in each area.
You can be sure that you will always encounter other players who will help you with quests or world events.
If you are not completely new to ESO but are returning to the game, here is an overview of the most important new features and tips:
You want to return to ESO? 13 tips for re-entry
FAQ about getting started in ESO
ESO is available on PC as a standalone client or on Steam, on Mac, on Stadia, as well as for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5.
ESO is a Buy2Play MMORPG and must be purchased first. The base game is available for €19.99 or free in the Xbox Game Pass.
However, there are now numerous expansions and DLCs that are not included in the base game.
Expansions are large content updates that stand alone. Currently, there are 5 in ESO: Morrowind, Summerset, Elsweyr, Greymoor, and the upcoming Blackwood.
There are also some more DLCs. These are smaller updates that include dungeons or a single area. You can either buy these for real money or automatically unlock them all if you subscribe to the monthly ESO+ plan.
This is a monthly subscription that gives you automatic access to all DLCs and various bonuses like additional inventory slots, more XP, and more gold. It costs €12.99 per month.
You can get the expansions best by purchasing the standard collection of the upcoming expansion Blackwood. It costs €55, automatically includes access to the game and all prior expansions as well as the upcoming content in June 2021. Only the DLCs remain open.
Yes and no. PC, Mac, and Stadia share servers. Xbox and PlayStation, however, each have their own servers.
We at MeinMMO have created two interesting beginner guides for you:
– ESO: 13 tips for beginners that make it easier for you to get started
– 3 beginner builds for a good start in ESO
