The MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a versatile game that can be a bit overwhelming at first. That’s why we’ve put together 13 tips in this beginner’s guide to help you get started.
What is ESO anyway? The Elder Scrolls Online takes place in the same universe as the single-player series The Elder Scrolls. It is not meant to be a classic MMORPG, but also features many single-player elements. Thus, it is among the best MMOs for solo players.
Moreover, in ESO, you can experience everything anywhere at any level. With the addition of “One Tamriel”, your character is always appropriately scaled. ESO stands out particularly for its beautiful setting and the lovingly told stories. This is true for players who prefer to roam solo and for group players alike.
More information about the development of ESO since its release, as well as some gameplay, can be found in the video from our colleagues at GameStar:
1. Pay attention when creating your character
As in any MMORPG, you’re first faced with the hurdle of character creation. Before you can address the incredibly many settings for skin, voice, face, hair, and more, you must choose a faction as well as race and class.
These factions exist: In ESO, there are three different factions:
- The Aldmeri Dominion
- The Daggerfall Covenant
- The Ebonheart Pact
For questing and playing with others, the choice is initially irrelevant. Your faction only influences the starting area and for PvP in the Cyrodiil region. After the starting area, thanks to One Tamriel, you can go anywhere, even into the territories of other factions.
Initially, each alliance starts in its own area, and in Cyrodiil, the contested PvP map, you ride under the respective banner of your chosen faction. The starting areas are as follows depending on the alliance:
- The village “Khenarthis Rest” – starting area of the Aldmeri Dominion
- The island “Stros M’Kai” – starting area of the Daggerfall Covenant
- The snowy “Bleakrock” – starting area of the Ebonheart Pact
However, at the beginning, the faction can influence your possible race choices since there are 3 options for each faction and one additional neutral race that you can purchase in the shop.
These races exist:
- Orsimer (Orcs) – Daggerfall Covenant
- Redguards – Daggerfall Covenant
- Bretons – Daggerfall Covenant
- Altmer (High Elves) – Aldmeri Dominion
- Khajiit – Aldmeri Dominion
- Bosmer (Wood Elves) – Aldmeri Dominion
- Nord – Ebonheart Pact
- Dunmer (Dark Elves) – Ebonheart Pact
- Argonian – Ebonheart Pact
- Imperials – Available from the Crown Store
To lift the restriction of races to factions, you can buy the “Whatever the Home” package in the Crown Store. With it, you can unlock that any race is playable in any alliance. You are completely unrestricted with Imperials.
More information about each individual race, what they are made of, what skills they have, etc., can be found in our ranking of all ESO races.
These classes exist: In ESO, you have the choice between 6 classes:
- Dragonknight
- Nightblade
- Necromancer
- Warden
- Templar
- Sorcerer
More information about the individual classes, their suitability, and their skill trees can be found in our ranking of all ESO classes.
In ESO, you can take on any role with any class. You can tank, deal damage, or heal with it. There are classes that are better suited for certain roles than others. We have explained the best class for each playstyle in a guide.
2. Find a good start to the story
Once you’ve overcome the hurdle of character creation, your game begins immediately. First, you will face the tutorial, which you should play. Get acquainted with your character and the controls.
Once you are out of the tutorial, do not remain in the current addon. This can quickly become confusing, and introductory quests will be completely missing. Instead, you should start the very first story mission.
Go to one of the capitals and speak to the hooded figure approaching you who will send you to a patron. You can learn more about how the old main story works with a new character in our guide.
The above only applies until July 1, 2021 (June 8 for consoles). Because then Blackwood will be released, and finally, a universal starting zone for all heroes will be introduced into the game. The tutorial takes place there, and at the end, you will choose a portal that sends you on your further adventure to the respective region.
Get the ESO special issue, now shipping free3. Pay attention to the right skill allocation
How to allocate your attributes: In ESO, you have three attributes that you can skill on your character:
- Magicka
- Health
- Stamina
It is important that you do not fill these attributes evenly. If you want to play as a spellcasting damage dealer, you should invest your points in Magicka. This also applies to the role of the healer.
If you prefer to be a physical damage dealer, Stamina is the attribute of your choice. If you want to play as a tank, which may be a bit difficult at the beginning of your ESO career, you should keep an eye on Health.
There’s more: In addition to the attributes, you have skill trees that depend on your class, as well as skills that depend on your equipped gear. We at MeinMMO have compiled 3 builds to ease your entry into ESO. In this article, you will also learn how skill allocation works and what you should pay attention to.
