The MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is getting a new tutorial with the expansion Blackwood, marking a new beginning. As the entry into the MMORPG can already be played on the test server, testers have already reported on their experiences. We explain how the new start of ESO works.
What was the problem before? The Elder Scrolls Online launched in 2014 for all players in the same way – with their death and awakening in Coldharbour, the realm of the Daedric Prince Molag Bal. From Coldharbour, players would then enter a starter area that was different depending on the chosen alliance.
With the major expansion “One Tamriel” in 2016, alliance restrictions were removed, and the unified tutorial was also abolished. Essentially, since then, every player starts where the current addon – or the main game without expansions – begins.
However, this led to ESO players no longer knowing in what order they should best experience the story. A unified entry into the game is especially important for new players so they know what to do and can follow a coherent storyline.
With the new tutorial introduced with the addon Blackwood, this will change again. Players will all start in the same place, providing a unified starting point for the story.
A unified start to the ESO story
What does the new tutorial look like? All ESO players start on the island of Balfiera. And as is typical for the Elder Scrolls series, as a prisoner. NPC Norianwe will guide you through the first steps in the game. This includes learning how to handle weapons and cast spells.
Once you have proven yourself to Norianwe, she will set you free. She will accompany you through an ancient ruin and across the island, which has been overrun by some monsters. You will even need to defeat a first boss enemy, Shyazzel, to free the island.
Your exploration will eventually lead you to a mysterious pillar. This controls several portals in the hall. Through these portals, you can access various locations in the game world Tamriel.
Norianwe explains what is happening in Tamriel and that the world urgently needs heroes. You must then decide which portal you want to step through.
With this decision, you determine which of the previous stories in ESO you want to start. The locations include:
- Summerset
- Elsweyr
- Shadowfen
- The Western Skyrim
- Vvardenfell
- Khenarthis Rest
- Stros M’Kai
- Deshaan
Norianwe briefly explains the background story of each area so you know what to expect there. You then simply step through the portal that will take you to the location where you want to start the story.
If you step through the portal into Western Skyrim, then you will begin with the story of the Greymoor addon. If you use the portal to Shadowfen, then you will begin the story of the Blackwood expansion.
What do you think of the new start to the adventures of the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online? Are you glad that the start has now been unified?
ESO already hints: “The community has never been stronger”. With a unified start, the MMORPG could become even more successful.
