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Can You Solo Public Dungeons in ESO? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is yes, absolutely! You can solo public dungeons in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). While these areas are designed for groups, many players enjoy the challenge and rewards of tackling them alone. Public dungeons in ESO are essentially larger, more complex versions of delves, offering more enemies, varied environments, and usually, a final boss encounter. However, success requires preparation, a solid understanding of your character, and a willingness to learn the mechanics. This article will dive deep into how you can successfully solo public dungeons and address common questions that might arise.

Understanding Public Dungeons in ESO

Public dungeons are larger than delves and often feature a looping layout, encouraging exploration. They present a greater variety of enemies and often contain multiple mini-bosses and a final boss, making them more challenging than delves. These areas are designed for groups of 2-4 players, but with the right approach, they are very achievable solo. However, keep in mind that not all public dungeons are created equal; some are significantly more challenging than others.

Key Differences from Group Dungeons

While the term “dungeon” can be confusing, it’s important to differentiate between public and group dungeons in ESO.

Public Dungeons: Designed for a more open experience, allowing players to enter and exit at will. They are meant to be tackled by smaller groups or even solo, with a greater focus on exploration and less on intricate mechanics.
Group Dungeons: Meant for specific groups of 4 players, and often feature tougher enemies, complex mechanics, and require a more coordinated approach.

Why Solo Public Dungeons?

There are several reasons why players choose to solo public dungeons.

Challenge: Soloing presents a unique challenge that tests your skills and character build. It’s a great way to push your limits and learn the ins and outs of your class.
Efficiency: You can clear dungeons at your own pace, without relying on a group. This is often faster and more convenient.
Farming: Public dungeons are great places to farm gear and experience points, especially for solo players.
Exploration: Soloing encourages thorough exploration, allowing you to discover all the hidden nooks and crannies of the dungeon, leading to extra lore and treasure chests.
Personal Achievement: Successfully soloing a public dungeon provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

Tips for Soloing Public Dungeons

Here are some essential tips to help you successfully solo public dungeons:

Choose Your Class Wisely: Some classes, like the Sorcerer, are inherently better suited for solo play due to their survivability and damage output. Classes with strong self-healing capabilities, like the Nightblade and Templar, also perform well.
Focus on Survivability: Prioritize skills and gear that enhance your survivability. Look for sets that offer self-healing, damage shields, or increased resistance.
Utilize Self-Healing: Skills that heal you or regenerate health are crucial for soloing. Skills such as Vigor are essential to keep you going.
Understand Enemy Mechanics: Pay attention to the enemy types you are facing. Some might have attacks that are easier to dodge or interrupt, while others may apply status effects.
Gear Matters: Equip gear appropriate for your level and focus on stats that are beneficial to your class and build. Properly crafted gear with the right enchantments will dramatically improve your survivability and damage.
Don’t Be Afraid to Adapt: Don’t hesitate to adjust your build or skills if you find a particular encounter challenging. Experimentation is key to improving.
Practice Makes Perfect: Start with easier dungeons and gradually work your way up to more difficult ones. The more you practice, the better you will become.
Food and Potions are Your Friend: Always use food to boost your stats, and carry various potions for those moments when you need a heal or extra damage.
Keep Your Gear in Good Condition: Make sure your armor is in good condition, or you will receive penalties to your stats.
Learn to Weave: “Weaving” is the ability to interweave light attacks between skills, which significantly increases your damage output.
Take it Slow: Avoid pulling multiple groups of enemies at once. Go slow, clear each area carefully, and retreat to recover if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 common questions about soloing public dungeons in ESO, along with detailed answers:

1. What is the easiest public dungeon to solo in ESO?

Generally, Fungal Grotto and Old Orsinium are considered some of the easiest public dungeons for solo players, mainly due to their straightforward layouts and relatively weaker enemies. Khenarthi’s Roost is a good zone to start as it features a smaller public dungeon that will help you understand the mechanics.

2. Can any class solo public dungeons?

Yes, absolutely. While some classes are easier to use for soloing, all classes are capable of soloing public dungeons with the right build and understanding of game mechanics.

3. What level should I be before attempting to solo public dungeons?

It is recommended to be at least level 10 or higher to enter and solo public dungeons. Having a few champion points after level 50 greatly improves your chances of success.

4. What are the best skills for soloing dungeons?

Key solo skills include those that provide self-healing (Rapid Regeneration, Vigor), damage shields (Harness Magicka, Bone Shield), and AoE damage (Liquid Lightning, Wall of Elements). The specific skills will depend on your class.

5. Do I need special gear to solo public dungeons?

While you don’t need specific sets at the start, focus on sets that enhance survivability, damage, and resource management. For example, crafted sets such as Hunding’s Rage for stamina and Julianos for magicka are a great start.

6. Can I use companions in public dungeons for soloing?

Yes, companions can be used in public dungeons, which effectively takes one slot in a small group. They can serve as a tank, healer, or additional damage. This can be extremely helpful for solo players.

7. What should I do if I’m struggling in a public dungeon?

If you’re struggling, try adjusting your skills, using better food, potions, and gear. Experiment with different approaches. If necessary, come back later when you are stronger and have better gear.

8. Are public dungeons more difficult than delves?

Yes, public dungeons are generally more difficult than delves, featuring tougher enemies, more complex layouts, and stronger boss encounters.

9. Can I get unique loot by soloing public dungeons?

Yes, public dungeons often have unique sets, which drop from chests and bosses within the dungeon, which can be beneficial to your build.

10. What is the role of ‘mechanics’ in public dungeons?

Mechanics refer to special abilities or patterns that enemies or bosses use. Learning to identify and respond to these mechanics is vital for success. Interrupting abilities, dodging attacks, and staying out of area-of-effect damage can greatly improve your survivability.

11. Is it faster to solo or group in public dungeons?

For experienced players, soloing can often be faster, since you do not have to wait for others. However, grouping can be easier, especially for newer players.

12. Can you solo public dungeons on veteran difficulty?

Generally normal public dungeons are soloable for most players, veteran versions, if available, will be very difficult, if not impossible, for solo players.

13. Are there any public dungeons I should avoid soloing?

Some public dungeons, particularly those found in DLC areas, can be extremely challenging and may be difficult to solo. Check the difficulty of the public dungeon before you enter if you are not confident with your character.

14. How do I find public dungeons in ESO?

Public dungeons are marked on the map with a torch icon and are scattered across all zones in the game.

15. Is soloing public dungeons a good way to level?

Yes, public dungeons are great for leveling, as they offer a good balance of experience points and loot. They also help you learn your class and improve your combat skills.

Conclusion

Soloing public dungeons in ESO is a rewarding experience that can enhance your skills, earn you valuable loot, and offer a unique challenge. With the right approach, planning, and knowledge, you too can conquer the challenges that await in these intriguing locations. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey!

Can you solo public dungeons in ESO?