Can You Romance Anyone in Elder Scrolls Online? A Deep Dive into Relationships in Tamriel

The short answer is no, you cannot romance Non-Player Characters (NPCs) in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). ESO’s relationship system focuses solely on player-to-player marriage, offering unique benefits and shared experiences for those who choose to tie the knot in Tamriel. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of relationships within ESO and explore what this means for your adventuring life.

Marriage in ESO: The Pledge of Mara

The Essence of Matrimony

Unlike some Elder Scrolls games like Skyrim, where you can woo and wed NPCs, ESO takes a different approach. Marriage in ESO is exclusively between player characters. There are no long-term commitments that you must uphold and no complex wedding process that may frustrate you. It focuses instead on a partnership that provides practical advantages and reinforces the cooperative spirit of the game. The key to this system is the Pledge of Mara.

Acquiring the Pledge

The Pledge of Mara is a special in-game item needed to get married in ESO. To acquire it, you would need to buy the Imperial Edition of the game, which you will be unable to do. Now, you will have to purchase the Pledge of Mara from the Crown Store for 1000 Crowns.

The Marital Process

The marital process is simple, but it requires both players to be willing participants. You need the Pledge of Mara in hand. To marry another character, you will need to trade them one of the rings. Then, you will proceed to a shrine and complete the marriage ritual.

Benefits of Marriage: Sharing the Bond

The primary benefit of marrying another player in ESO is the experience point bonus. When both married players are grouped together and online, they receive a 10% experience bonus. This bonus is a significant boon for leveling up, especially when combined with other experience-boosting methods. It’s worth remembering that both characters must wear the Ring of Mara linked to their spouse.

Beyond the Bonus: Roleplay and Community

While the experience bonus is a tangible perk, many players also value the roleplaying aspect of marriage in ESO. It allows you to deepen your connection with another player, create shared narratives, and enhance the overall social experience. The Games Learning Society often discusses the importance of social interaction in games; ESO’s marriage system certainly provides a framework for such interaction. Find out more about the role of games in education at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Companions in ESO: A Different Kind of Relationship

While you can’t romance NPCs, ESO does offer Companions. These are allies who accompany you on your adventures, offering combat support, unique skills, and personal storylines.

Companions: Allies, Not Romances

Companions are not romance options. Their relationships are based on companionship and shared experiences, not romantic love. You can build rapport with your Companion through your actions and dialogue choices, unlocking new quests and deepening their storylines.

Companion Customization

Companions can be customized with different gear and skills, allowing them to fill various roles in combat.

FAQs: Romance and Relationships in ESO

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic of romance and relationships in ESO:

1. Can I marry an NPC in ESO? No, you cannot marry NPCs in ESO. The marriage system is exclusively for player characters.

2. Can I have a baby or children in ESO? No, children are not featured in ESO. The developers have stated that adding children would require significant development effort with little meaningful gameplay payoff.

3. Is marriage in ESO free? Marriage in ESO is not free. You must purchase the Pledge of Mara from the Crown Store.

4. What are the benefits of marrying another player in ESO? The main benefit is a 10% experience bonus when both married players are grouped together and online.

5. Do I have to wear the Ring of Mara to get the experience bonus? Yes, both characters must wear the Ring of Mara linked to their grouped partner to receive the experience bonus.

6. Can same-sex couples get married in ESO? Yes, you can marry any player character regardless of their gender or your own.

7. Can I divorce my in-game spouse in ESO? There is currently no official divorce system in ESO. Once you are married, you are married.

8. Are there any romance quests in ESO? No, there are no traditional romance quests in ESO that involve wooing and courting NPCs.

9. Can I flirt with NPCs in ESO? There is no flirting mechanic in ESO. Interactions with NPCs are primarily quest-driven and transactional.

10. Can I have multiple spouses in ESO? No, you can only be married to one player character at a time. Polygamy is not supported in the game.

11. Are Companions romanceable? No, Companions are not romanceable. They are allies with their own storylines and personal quests, but romantic relationships are not part of their design.

12. How do I get a Companion in ESO? Companions are unlocked through specific quests or by purchasing them from the Crown Store.

13. Can Companions die permanently? No, Companions cannot die permanently. If they are defeated in battle, they will recover after combat ends.

14. Can I customize my Companion’s appearance? You can customize your Companion’s gear and skills, but their base appearance is fixed.

15. Will ESO ever add romance options with NPCs? It’s always possible, but it is unlikely. The developers have not indicated any plans to introduce romance options with NPCs in the future.

Conclusion: Relationships, Partnership, and Gameplay

While you cannot romance NPCs in Elder Scrolls Online, the marriage system offers a unique way to bond with other players, enhancing the social and cooperative aspects of the game. The Pledge of Mara unlocks a shared experience and a valuable experience bonus, making it a worthwhile investment for players seeking deeper connections and faster progression. While it may be fun to fantasize about forming close relationships with NPCs, ESO marriage system allows players to benefit from teamwork and camaraderie. So, dive into Tamriel, find your adventuring partner, and forge a bond that will last a lifetime!