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Can You Play Any Race With Any Class in ESO? A Deep Dive

Absolutely! In The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), the answer is a resounding yes, you can play any race with any class. The original restrictions tying races to specific alliances are largely a thing of the past. While the alliance system still exists for PvP and storyline purposes, you’re no longer constrained in character creation. This flexibility opens up a wealth of possibilities for crafting your perfect hero in Tamriel. Dive in, explore, and experiment – the freedom is yours!

Freedom of Choice: Race and Class Combinations in ESO

ESO has evolved significantly since its launch, and one of the most welcome changes has been the loosening of restrictions on race and class combinations. Initially, certain races were tied to specific alliances, influencing the early game experience and PvP options. However, with the introduction of the “Any Race, Any Alliance” option, available through the in-game Crown Store, players can now mix and match to their heart’s content.

Why the Change?

The shift towards greater freedom was driven by player feedback and the desire to foster creativity and experimentation. ESO developers recognized that limiting race choices restricted player agency and hindered the development of unique character builds. By removing these barriers, players are now empowered to create the character they envision, regardless of racial predispositions or alliance allegiances.

How to Unlock Any Race, Any Alliance

For new players, the default game setup might still present alliance restrictions during character creation. To unlock the “Any Race, Any Alliance” option, you typically have two paths:

Purchase the “Any Race, Any Alliance Bundle” from the Crown Store: This bundle not only unlocks the ability to create characters of any race in any Alliance, but it also comes with a host of other goodies, including a unique mount, pet, costume, hat, a Race & Name Change Token, experience scrolls, and treasure maps.
Upgrade to the Imperial Edition: Previously, this was another way to unlock the any race any alliance feature but you should now purchase the Any Race Any Alliance Bundle

Does Race or Class Really Matter?

The debate about the “best” race and class combinations continues within the ESO community. While certain races may offer slight statistical advantages for specific classes, the impact is often marginal. Skill, strategy, and gear selection tend to have a much greater influence on character performance.

Class Significance

Classes are central to the ESO experience. Each class possesses unique skill lines and abilities that define their playstyle. The classes of ESO are:

Dragonknight: Masters of fire and earth, durable and powerful.
Sorcerer: Harnessing the power of lightning and summoning.
Nightblade: Stealthy assassins and masters of shadow magic.
Templar: Holy warriors who channel the power of light.
Warden: Guardians of nature, commanding beasts and ice magic.
Necromancer: Manipulating the forces of life and death.
Arcanist: Wielding the forbidden knowledge of Apocrypha

Race Significance

Racial passives provide subtle but meaningful bonuses. Some races excel in magicka-based builds, while others thrive as stamina-based damage dealers or tanks. However, these bonuses are not so significant that they dictate your class choice. A skilled player can compensate for any perceived racial disadvantage through smart build choices and skillful gameplay. In the hands of someone who knows their class inside and out, there isn’t much of a difference from what race they pick.

ESO’s race and passive guide showcase the best races per role. This guide illustrates the bonuses of a character, for example, if you are attempting to get every ounce of performance out of your character, racial passives are something to keep in mind.

The Meta: Strongest Classes and Solo Builds

The “meta” in ESO, referring to the most effective strategies and builds, constantly evolves with game updates and player discoveries. Currently, the Stamina Arcanist is widely regarded as a top-tier class for damage dealing, offering exceptional burst damage, cleave, survivability, and sustain.

For solo play, the Sorcerer often takes the crown, thanks to its potent offensive abilities, passive healing, and defensive capabilities. Sorcerers are easy to play, even for new players.

Regardless of the perceived power of specific classes, personal preference and playstyle should always be the primary considerations when choosing a class.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Race and Class in ESO

1. Does my alliance choice affect my gameplay outside of PvP?

No, your alliance choice primarily impacts your PvP experience in Cyrodiil and the Imperial City. It also plays a role in the main storyline, but it doesn’t restrict your ability to explore the world or complete quests.

2. Can I change my race after creating my character?

Yes, you can change your race by purchasing a Race Change Token from the Crown Store. This will refund your racial skill points and allow you to reallocate them to your new race’s skill line.

3. What is the best race for a Dragonknight tank?

While several races can excel as Dragonknight tanks, popular choices include Nord, Imperial, and Argonian, each offering valuable defensive bonuses.

4. Is it possible to play ESO completely solo?

Absolutely! ESO offers a vast amount of solo content, including quests, delves, public dungeons, crafting, and housing. With a well-optimized build, you can even tackle world bosses and group dungeons solo.

5. How important is gear selection in ESO?

Gear is incredibly important in ESO. The right gear sets can significantly enhance your character’s damage, healing, or survivability. Experiment with different sets to find what works best for your build.

6. What are some easy-to-play classes for beginners?

The Sorcerer and Warden are often recommended for beginners due to their straightforward mechanics and strong self-healing capabilities.

7. Does ESO Plus membership give me access to all DLCs?

Yes, an active ESO Plus membership grants you access to all DLCs except for the latest chapter, plus a host of other benefits, such as unlimited crafting storage and Crowns to spend in the Crown Store.

8. How often does the ESO meta change?

The meta in ESO is constantly evolving, especially with each major game update. New gear sets, class balance changes, and player discoveries can all shift the landscape.

9. Is ESO worth playing in 2024?

Definitely! ESO continues to receive regular updates, new content, and improvements, making it a compelling choice for both new and returning players.

10. What is the purpose of the Crown Store?

The Crown Store is an in-game shop where you can purchase cosmetic items, utility items, DLCs, and account services using Crowns, which can be bought with real money or earned through ESO Plus membership.

11. Are there any restrictions on changing my class?

Unfortunately, you cannot change your class in ESO after character creation. You’ll need to create a new character if you want to play a different class.

12. How does crafting work in ESO?

Crafting is a robust system in ESO, allowing you to create weapons, armor, potions, food, and furniture. You can improve your crafting skills by completing crafting writs and deconstructing items.

13. What are some good resources for learning about ESO builds?

Websites like AlcastHQ, Deltia’s Gaming, and Skinny Cheeks Gaming offer a wealth of information on ESO builds, including detailed guides and video tutorials. Games Learning Society might even have some interesting perspectives on how game design influences build choices!

14. Can I play with friends who are in a different alliance?

Yes, you can freely group with friends regardless of their alliance. The alliance system primarily affects PvP.

15. Is there a level cap in ESO?

Yes, the level cap in ESO is currently Champion Level 3600. Champion Points are earned after reaching level 50 and can be used to further customize your character.

GamesLearningSociety.org explores the educational potential of games.

Ultimately, the best way to experience ESO is to dive in, experiment with different races and classes, and find what resonates with you. The freedom to create your own unique hero is one of the game’s greatest strengths, so embrace the possibilities and embark on your adventure in Tamriel!

Can you play any race with any class ESO?