Level Up Fast: The Best Dungeons in Elder Scrolls Online for XP Grinding
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re looking to level up quickly in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) and you’re wondering which dungeons offer the best XP bang for your buck? You’ve come to the right place! While ESO offers a plethora of ways to gain experience, from questing and world exploration to PvP battles, dungeons remain a consistently efficient method, particularly if you’re looking for focused, repeatable content.
Here’s the truth, plain and simple: for pure XP grinding, public dungeons are generally superior for solo players or small groups due to their density of enemies and repeatable nature. Specifically, The Vile Manse in Reaper’s March, Obsidian Scar in Rivenspire, and Razak’s Wheel in Bangkorai stand out as excellent choices. These offer a balance of manageable difficulty, a circular layout for efficient mob clearing, and a high volume of enemies. For group dungeons, running the daily random dungeon is an amazing source of XP.
But which specific dungeons will get you to that Champion Point cap the fastest? Let’s dive deeper.
Public Dungeons: The XP Grinding Kings
Vile Manse (Reaper’s March)
Vile Manse consistently tops the lists for a reason. Its circular layout allows players to continuously pull and kill groups of enemies with minimal downtime. The density of mobs is high, and the relative ease of combat (especially with a decent build) makes this an extremely efficient grinding location. Look for areas with large packs of skeletons and zombies.
Obsidian Scar (Rivenspire)
Another excellent choice, Obsidian Scar, also features a great density of enemies and a relatively simple, circular path. The mob types are fairly easy to handle, and the layout minimizes travel time between groups of enemies. This dungeon is a great alternative if Vile Manse is overcrowded.
Razak’s Wheel (Bangkorai)
While slightly more intricate than the previous two, Razak’s Wheel offers a good balance of enemy density and a manageable layout. The Dwarven constructs provide a unique challenge, but are generally easily defeated with appropriate gear and skills. The winding paths also offer more room for solo players to kite and manage larger groups.
Group Dungeons: Daily Bonuses and Challenging Content
While public dungeons excel for pure grinding, group dungeons offer significant rewards in the form of daily bonuses. The “Random Daily Normal” dungeon provides a substantial XP boost upon completion, making it a must-do for anyone looking to maximize their leveling speed.
The Key is Quick Completion
The goal with the daily random dungeon is speed. Don’t aim for the hardest dungeon, aim for the easiest and quickest completion. Consider the following:
- Communicate with your group: Inform them that you’re focusing on XP and want a quick run.
- Low-level character advantage: Grouping with a low-level character can prevent the queue from pulling you into longer, more challenging DLC dungeons.
- Focus on mechanics: Even in normal mode, understanding the basic mechanics can significantly speed up the run.
Good Choices for Quick Runs
- Darkshade Caverns I: Relatively straightforward with minimal complex mechanics.
- City of Ash I: Similar to Darkshade, focusing on DPS and avoiding unnecessary deaths.
- Elden Hollow I: Again, a simple and easy dungeon for a quick completion.
Beyond Dungeons: Other Leveling Methods
While dungeons are excellent for XP, don’t forget other methods to maximize your gains:
- XP Boosts: Utilize XP scrolls or Ambrosia to significantly increase your XP gain.
- Training Gear: Equip training gear to further boost your XP acquisition. Have someone craft you a set, or purchase one from guild traders.
- Main Story Quests: Completing the main story quests provides not only XP but also valuable skill points.
- Dolmens (Dark Anchors): In areas like Alik’r Desert, Dolmens provide a constant stream of enemies and decent XP, especially for lower-level characters.
Blackrose Prison
For those who are higher level (CP 160+) and have a good build, Blackrose Prison Arena can be an exceptional source of XP. While challenging, mastering the arena can lead to incredibly high XP gains, particularly during XP events.
Remember, the best dungeon for leveling ultimately depends on your playstyle, group availability, and character build. Experiment with different options and find what works best for you! The Games Learning Society also researches how different game designs affect player behavior and learning, and provides insight into the fun and engaging ways that games can enhance education at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What level should I be before attempting dungeons?
You can start queueing for dungeons at level 10. However, having a basic understanding of your class and some essential skills will make the experience much smoother. Grouping with friends or guildmates is highly recommended, especially when starting.
2. Are DLC dungeons better for XP than base game dungeons?
Not necessarily. While some DLC dungeons may offer more challenging content and potentially higher rewards, the base game dungeons are often faster to complete and more efficient for pure XP grinding, especially when focusing on the daily random bonus.
3. Do Veteran Dungeons give more XP than Normal Dungeons?
While Veteran dungeons offer more challenging content and better loot, the increased difficulty often outweighs the slight increase in XP. For pure XP grinding, Normal dungeons are generally more efficient, especially for the daily random bonus.
4. Is it better to solo or group when grinding in dungeons?
For public dungeons, soloing or small groups (2-3 players) are often more efficient. For group dungeons, a well-coordinated group of four players is ideal.
5. What is the fastest way to level up my Champion Points (CP)?
The fastest way to level up Champion Points is a combination of grinding in public dungeons (like Vile Manse), running the daily random dungeon, and utilizing XP boosts and training gear. For higher-level characters with strong builds, Blackrose Prison can be extremely effective.
6. What is “Training Gear” and why is it important?
Training gear is armor and weapons that have the “Training” trait. This trait increases the amount of XP you gain from killing enemies, making it essential for efficient leveling.
7. How do I get XP scrolls or Ambrosia?
XP scrolls can be obtained through daily login rewards, crown store purchases, or crafted using provisioning. Ambrosia is a crafted consumable that provides a larger XP boost and requires rare ingredients.
8. Does the difficulty setting affect the XP gained in public dungeons?
No, public dungeons do not have adjustable difficulty settings.
9. What role should I play in dungeons for faster leveling?
While any role can contribute to a fast dungeon run, damage dealers (DPS) are often the most efficient for quickly clearing enemies. However, a competent tank or healer can significantly improve the group’s survivability and overall completion time.
10. Is it worth farming dungeons after reaching the level cap (Level 50)?
Yes! Even after reaching level 50, you’ll need to level up your Champion Points. Dungeons remain an effective method for gaining CP.
11. How long does it take to reach the Champion Point cap in ESO?
The time it takes to reach the CP cap varies depending on your playstyle, dedication, and use of XP boosts. With consistent effort and efficient grinding methods, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
12. What is the best class for soloing dungeons?
The Magicka Sorcerer and the Templar are often considered the easiest classes for soloing dungeons due to their strong self-healing and damage capabilities.
13. Are there any events that increase XP gains in ESO?
Yes! ESO regularly holds events that offer increased XP gains, such as the Whitestrake’s Mayhem event or Anniversary Jubilee. These events are excellent opportunities to maximize your leveling speed.
14. What’s better for leveling, questing or dungeons?
Questing offers a more varied and story-driven experience, while dungeons provide focused, repeatable XP grinding. Dungeons are generally faster for pure XP gains, especially public dungeons.
15. Should I focus on completing all the dungeon quests for more XP?
While completing the dungeon quests can provide additional XP and rewards, it’s not always the most efficient method for pure XP grinding. If you’re primarily focused on leveling quickly, prioritize clearing enemies over completing every quest.