Can You Change Factions in Elder Scrolls Online? A Comprehensive Guide
No, you cannot directly change your character’s Alliance (faction) in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) after character creation. This decision is permanent for that specific character. However, there are ways to play with friends in other Alliances and experience content across Tamriel regardless of your initial choice. This article will delve into the intricacies of Alliances, how they impact gameplay, and alternative ways to engage with the wider ESO community.
Understanding Alliances in ESO
In ESO, the three Alliances are:
- Aldmeri Dominion: Led by Queen Ayrenn, composed of Altmer (High Elves), Bosmer (Wood Elves), and Khajiit.
- Daggerfall Covenant: Led by High King Emeric, composed of Breton, Orcs, and Redguards.
- Ebonheart Pact: Led by Jorunn the Skald-King, composed of Nord, Dunmer (Dark Elves), and Argonians.
Your choice of Alliance primarily impacts your experience in Player vs. Player (PvP) zones like Cyrodiil and the Imperial City. In these zones, Alliances battle for control of keeps, resources, and ultimately, the Ruby Throne.
Exploring Content Beyond Alliance Restrictions
While you can’t change your character’s Alliance, ESO offers several ways to engage with content outside of your chosen faction’s territory:
- Cadwell’s Silver and Gold: After completing the main story of your Alliance, you unlock Cadwell’s Silver and Gold quests. These quests allow you to experience the main storylines of the other two Alliances, offering a complete tour of Tamriel.
- One Tamriel Update: This significant update removed most Alliance restrictions, allowing players to freely explore any zone in the game regardless of their Alliance affiliation. This means you can quest, complete dungeons, and explore the world with friends from other Alliances.
- Battlegrounds: These small-scale PvP arenas are not Alliance-based. You can team up with friends from any Alliance and battle against others in various game modes.
- Guilds: You can join multiple guilds in ESO, and these guilds can have members from all three Alliances. This allows you to play with friends regardless of their Alliance. Guilds can also choose an Alliance to support in Cyrodiil.
Other Customization Options
While Alliance changes are unavailable, you can alter other aspects of your character:
- Race Change: Using Crowns (ESO’s premium currency), you can purchase a Race Change Token to alter your character’s race.
- Name Change: Similarly, you can buy a Name Change Token to change your character’s name.
- Appearance Change: You can visit a barbershop or use an Appearance Change Token to modify your character’s appearance.
Why Alliances Matter (and Why They Don’t)
Ultimately, the significance of your Alliance choice boils down to your playstyle. If you primarily focus on PvP in Cyrodiil, your Alliance choice is crucial. It determines who you fight alongside and against. However, if you primarily engage in PvE content, crafting, or social activities, your Alliance matters far less. The One Tamriel update and the ability to join cross-Alliance guilds have largely minimized the impact of Alliance restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play with my friends if they are in a different Alliance?
Yes! Thanks to the One Tamriel update, you can freely explore and complete PvE content with friends from any Alliance. You can also participate in Battlegrounds together.
2. Does my Alliance affect the quests I can do?
Initially, your Alliance determines the starting zone and the main storyline you experience. However, after completing your Alliance’s main quest, you can access the questlines of the other two Alliances through Cadwell’s Silver and Gold.
3. Is one Alliance better than another?
Not inherently. Each Alliance has unique lore and a distinct starting zone, but in terms of gameplay advantages, they are generally balanced. The “best” Alliance depends on your personal preferences and playstyle, especially if you plan to engage in PvP. Data from 2021 indicates that Aldmeri Dominion was the most played faction, closely followed by Daggerfall Covenant and Ebonheart Pact.
4. How do I change my race?
You can purchase a Race Change Token from the Crown Store. Once purchased, you can use it to change your character’s race at any time.
5. What happens to my progress if I change my race?
Changing your race will reset your racial skill lines. You’ll need to re-level them, but any skill points you’ve already earned can be reallocated.
6. Can I change my name in ESO?
Yes, you can purchase a Name Change Token from the Crown Store to change your character’s name.
7. Are there any free ways to change my character’s appearance?
While you can’t completely overhaul your appearance for free, you can visit a barbershop to make minor changes to your hairstyles, adornments, and markings using in-game gold.
8. Does my Alliance affect my character’s skills or abilities?
No, your Alliance does not directly affect your character’s skills or abilities. These are determined by your class, weapon skills, and armor choices. Race, on the other hand, does give you specific skills and abilities.
9. What is Cyrodiil?
Cyrodiil is a massive Player vs. Player (PvP) zone where the three Alliances battle for control of keeps, resources, and the Ruby Throne. It’s a core component of ESO’s Alliance War.
10. What are Battlegrounds?
Battlegrounds are small-scale PvP arenas that offer fast-paced combat and various game modes. Unlike Cyrodiil, Battlegrounds are not Alliance-based, allowing players from all Alliances to compete together.
11. How do guilds work in ESO?
Guilds are player-created organizations that provide social connections, trading opportunities, and access to unique benefits. You can join multiple guilds, and these guilds can have members from all three Alliances. Guilds also allow you to participate in organized PvE and PvP activities. Guilds will choose an alliance to support.
12. Can I create multiple characters in ESO?
Yes, you can create multiple characters in ESO. By default, you can create up to eight characters per server (NA and EU). You can purchase additional character slots from the Crown Store.
13. What happens if I want to play a race that isn’t in my Alliance?
Thanks to the “Any Race, Any Alliance” update, you can now choose any race regardless of your Alliance affiliation. This gives you complete freedom to create the character you envision.
14. Where is the best place to start in ESO?
While the “best” place is subjective and varies based on preference, each alliance has a unique starting zone:
- Aldmeri Dominion: Khenarthi’s Roost is a small island with beautiful vistas, ideal for new players.
- Daggerfall Covenant: Stros M’Kai or Betnikh offer classic fantasy settings.
- Ebonheart Pact: Bleakrock Isle or Bal Foyen provide a more rugged and challenging start.
15. Are there any official forums or communities where I can find more information about ESO?
Yes, the official Elder Scrolls Online website has forums and community sections where you can connect with other players, ask questions, and find helpful resources. Additionally, numerous third-party websites and communities are dedicated to ESO, offering guides, builds, and social networking opportunities. Consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society, who are interested in using games to support learning: GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
While you can’t directly change your Alliance in Elder Scrolls Online after character creation, the game offers ample opportunities to experience content across Tamriel and play with friends regardless of their Alliance affiliation. The One Tamriel update, Battlegrounds, guilds, and Cadwell’s Silver and Gold quests provide diverse ways to engage with the wider ESO community and explore the vast world of Tamriel. Your Alliance choice primarily impacts your PvP experience in Cyrodiil, but for most other activities, the restrictions are minimal. Focus on creating a character you enjoy playing and exploring the rich content that ESO has to offer!