The Ultimate Dolmen Domination Guide: Best Farming Spots and Expert Tips in ESO

Dolmen farming in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) remains a popular method for leveling up characters, particularly for newer players or those seeking a quick boost. While it’s not the absolute fastest method anymore, it’s reliable, social, and can be quite lucrative, especially during in-game events. So, the burning question: Where is the best place to farm dolmens in ESO?

The Alik’r Desert stands head and shoulders above other zones for consistent dolmen farming. The key lies in its geographical layout and dolmen spawn pattern. Here’s why Alik’r Desert reigns supreme:

• Tight Proximity: The three dolmens in Alik’r are relatively close to each other. This allows players to efficiently move between them as they spawn, minimizing travel time and maximizing experience gain.

• Clockwise/Counter-Clockwise Rotation: The dolmens typically spawn in a predictable rotation, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. Experienced farmers quickly learn the pattern, positioning themselves strategically to be ready for the next spawn.

• High Player Activity: Alik’r Desert is a well-known farming spot, resulting in a consistent influx of players also seeking to level up. This creates a ready-made group environment, essential for quickly taking down the dolmen anchors and reaping the rewards. Simply typing “+dolmen” into the zone chat will usually get you an invite to a pre-existing group.

While Alik’r Desert is the gold standard, other zones can be viable alternatives, especially if Alik’r is overcrowded. However, these usually require a pre-made group or are not as efficient due to distance and player density.

Maximizing Your Dolmen Farming Efficiency

To truly optimize your dolmen farming experience, consider these crucial factors:

• Join a Group: This is non-negotiable. Dolmens are designed for groups, and attempting to solo them will be slow and inefficient.

• Use Experience Boosting Items: Consuming scrolls or potions that increase experience gain will significantly accelerate your leveling. Event boosts stack with these, making them even more potent.

• Choose a Suitable Class: While any class can participate in dolmen farming, some classes are better suited than others. Classes with strong area-of-effect (AoE) damage and self-healing capabilities excel. Templars with their jabs are particularly strong for dolmens.

• Gear Up: While you don’t need top-tier gear, having a decent set of equipment appropriate for your level will help you contribute more to the group and survive enemy attacks.

• Stay Alert: Pay attention to the zone chat for announcements of dolmen rotations and group invites. Be ready to move quickly to the next dolmen as soon as one closes.

Beyond Alik’r: Alternative Dolmen Farming Zones

While Alik’r is usually the best option, other zones offer dolmens that can be farmed:

• Auridon: A good option for players who prefer the Aldmeri Dominion zones. The dolmens are reasonably close together.

• Glenumbra: Similar to Auridon, but in the Daggerfall Covenant territory.

• Stonefalls: A viable option for Ebonheart Pact players.

The efficiency of these zones depends on player activity and the spawn rates of the dolmens at the specific time you are playing. Alik’r generally maintains a more consistent population due to its established reputation.

Understanding the Dolmen Mechanic

Dolmens are dark anchors summoned by Molag Bal’s forces. Each dolmen consists of several waves of enemies, culminating in a final boss. Successfully closing the dolmen rewards players with experience, gold, and sometimes, valuable loot, including jewelry and crafting materials.

The speed at which you close the dolmen depends on the group’s damage output and coordination. Communication is key.

FAQs: Your Dolmen Farming Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions related to dolmen farming in ESO:

1. How often do dolmens spawn in ESO?

Dolmens typically respawn approximately 10 minutes after being closed. However, the spawn timer might be slightly longer if no players are in the immediate vicinity of the dolmen spawn location.

2. What level should I be to farm dolmens?

You can start farming dolmens at any level. The enemies scale to your level, ensuring that you always receive experience. However, you’ll contribute more effectively and survive more easily at higher levels, especially after level 15 when you have access to a second weapon set.

3. What is the best class for dolmen farming?

While any class can farm dolmens effectively, the Templar is often considered one of the best due to its powerful AoE damage and self-healing capabilities. Other strong contenders include the Sorcerer and Necromancer, both of which have excellent AoE abilities.

4. What skills should I use for dolmen farming?

Focus on skills that deal high AoE damage. For Templars, this includes skills like Puncturing Sweeps (Jabs) and Radiant Destruction. For Sorcerers, Lightning Flood and Liquid Lightning are excellent choices. Necromancers can use Boneyard effectively.

5. What gear should I wear for dolmen farming?

Wear gear appropriate for your level. Look for sets that boost magicka or stamina, depending on your class. Sets that increase weapon or spell damage are also beneficial. Crafted sets like Hunding’s Rage or Julianos are good options.

6. Are there any special events that affect dolmen farming?

Yes! During certain in-game events, such as the Whitestrake’s Mayhem event, experience gains from all sources, including dolmens, are significantly increased. These events are the perfect time to power-level your characters.

7. Can I farm dolmens solo?

While technically possible at higher levels with specific builds, solo dolmen farming is highly inefficient. It is much faster and more rewarding to join a group.

8. What loot can I get from dolmens?

Dolmens drop a variety of loot, including gold, experience, jewelry, and crafting materials. You can also find valuable Undaunted keys used to open chests in the Undaunted Enclaves.

9. How do I find a dolmen farming group?

The easiest way to find a dolmen farming group is to simply type “+dolmen” or “LF dolmen group” in the zone chat. Many players have auto-invite features enabled, allowing you to join a group instantly.

10. Is dolmen farming the fastest way to level in ESO?

No, while it’s a good option, dolmen farming is not the fastest leveling method in ESO. Methods like grinding in specific areas such as the Blackrose Prison Arena or doing daily random dungeons offer much faster experience gains, but these tend to be solo or small group activities.

11. What is the best way to travel between dolmens quickly?

Using a mount is the fastest way to travel between dolmens. Investing in mount speed training will further improve your travel time. Using wayshrines can also help to get to a dolmen quickly if you are not near one.

12. Do dolmens drop set pieces?

No, dolmens do not drop specific set pieces. The jewelry drops are random.

13. What are dark anchors?

Dark Anchors are the same thing as dolmens. These are synonymous and refer to Molag Bal’s anchors attempting to pull Tamriel into Coldharbour.

14. Is GamesLearningSociety.org relevant to ESO dolmen farming?

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) focuses on the educational aspects of gaming, and while not directly related to ESO dolmen farming techniques, the strategic and social aspects of group play in ESO can offer valuable learning experiences, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Understanding game mechanics and optimizing strategies can also foster critical thinking and analytical skills, aligning with the educational goals promoted by the Games Learning Society.

15. Where else can I find the best grind spots in ESO?

Aside from dolmens and Blackrose Prison, several other grind spots offer excellent experience gains. Popular options include Skyreach Catacombs (requires the Craglorn zone), Imperial City Sewers (requires the Imperial City DLC), and various locations in Craglorn. The specific location that works best for you will depend on your class, gear, and group size.

By understanding these principles and applying these tips, you can significantly enhance your dolmen farming efficiency and level up your characters faster in ESO. Happy farming!