Delving into Tamriel: Your First Steps in The Elder Scrolls Online
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.
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a vast and immersive MMORPG, and your journey begins in a rather unusual place: Molag Bal’s realm of Coldharbour. However, after your escape from this Daedric prison, you’ll be thrust into the heart of Tamriel. The specific first area you experience after Coldharbour depends on whether you choose to skip the tutorial. If you skip, you’ll begin in the zone associated with the latest Chapter you own, such as Vvardenfell. If you complete the tutorial, you will begin in one of the Alliance-specific starter zones: Vulkhel Guard (Auridon) for the Aldmeri Dominion, Daggerfall (Glenumbra) for the Daggerfall Covenant, or Davon’s Watch (Stonefalls) for the Ebonheart Pact. The Alliance you choose only affects your starter zone and initial quests.
Choosing Your Path: Alliance Starter Zones
Each of these zones offers a unique starting experience, with its own distinct quests, characters, and environment. Let’s take a closer look:
Aldmeri Dominion: Vulkhel Guard (Auridon)
As a member of the Aldmeri Dominion, your adventure begins in Vulkhel Guard, a bustling port city on the island of Auridon. This zone is characterized by its beautiful High Elf architecture, lush forests, and stunning coastal views. The quests here focus on political intrigue, dealing with the Thalmor, and protecting the Dominion from threats.
Daggerfall Covenant: Daggerfall (Glenumbra)
For those who align with the Daggerfall Covenant, your journey starts in Daggerfall, the capital city of Glenumbra. This zone features a more rugged and medieval European atmosphere, with rolling hills, dense forests, and imposing castles. The quests in Glenumbra revolve around Breton politics, dealing with werewolves, and securing the Covenant’s hold on the region.
Ebonheart Pact: Davon’s Watch (Stonefalls)
If you pledge allegiance to the Ebonheart Pact, your adventure commences in Davon’s Watch, a strategically important town in Stonefalls. This zone is defined by its volcanic landscapes, dark forests, and Dunmer architecture. The quests in Stonefalls focus on solidifying the Pact’s alliance, battling against the forces of Molag Bal, and dealing with internal conflicts.
The Hooded Figure and the Main Quest
Regardless of which Alliance you choose, your main quest in ESO begins when you encounter the Hooded Figure in your respective starter city. The Hooded Figure appears near the starter cities mentioned above (Vulkhel Guard, Davon’s Watch, and Daggerfall). This encounter triggers the Soul Shriven in Coldharbour quest, which serves as the base game’s primary storyline. This quest will eventually lead you to explore the mysteries of the Planemeld, a plot by Molag Bal to merge Nirn with his Daedric realm.
Gameplay Tips for New Players
Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your early adventures in ESO:
- Explore everything: Tamriel is filled with hidden secrets, intriguing characters, and rewarding quests. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover what the world has to offer.
- Experiment with different skills: ESO offers a wide range of skill lines and abilities, allowing you to create a character that suits your playstyle. Try out different skills to see what works best for you.
- Join guilds: Guilds are a great way to connect with other players, find groups for dungeons, and learn more about the game.
- Crafting is your friend: Crafting can provide you with valuable gear, potions, and food, which can significantly enhance your abilities.
- Upgrade your inventory and bank: As you progress through the game, you’ll accumulate a lot of items. Upgrading your inventory and bank space will help you manage your resources more effectively.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: The ESO community is generally very helpful and welcoming to new players. If you’re stuck on a quest or need advice, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
Understanding ESO’s Timeline
The Elder Scrolls Online is set in the Second Era, roughly 1,000 years before the events of Skyrim, and 800 years before Oblivion and Morrowind. This means that you’ll encounter familiar locations and characters, but they may be significantly different than what you remember from previous Elder Scrolls games. The timeline is a rich tapestry, and ESO adds significantly to the lore. The Games Learning Society studies how games like ESO enhance learning and engagement with history and culture. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does my Alliance choice matter in the long run?
No. While your Alliance determines your starting zone and some early quests, it ultimately only matters for Alliance War PvP content in Cyrodiil. You can freely travel to any zone and complete any questline, regardless of your Alliance.
2. Can I change my Alliance?
You can change your Alliance using an Alliance Change Token from the Crown Store, but it’s generally not necessary unless you want to participate in Alliance War PvP with a different faction.
3. What level should I be before attempting dungeons?
While you can enter dungeons at any level, it’s generally recommended to be at least level 10 before attempting them. Some later dungeons, particularly those associated with DLC, are significantly more challenging.
4. What is the best class for solo play in ESO?
The Sorcerer is often considered one of the best classes for solo play due to its strong offensive and defensive capabilities, as well as its built-in healing. However, all classes are viable for solo content.
5. Is all lore in ESO considered canon?
Yes, all lore in The Elder Scrolls Online is considered canon. ZeniMax Online Studios takes great care in ensuring that ESO’s lore is consistent with the established Elder Scrolls universe.
6. How do I get more skill points?
Skill points can be earned by leveling up, completing main story quests, exploring delves and completing their associated quests, finding skyshards, and leveling up in PvP. Skyshards are scattered around Tamriel, and finding three grants you one skill point.
7. Where are the busiest zones in ESO?
Popular zones that are typically busy include the capital cities of each Alliance (Elden Root, Mournhold, and Wayrest), the starter cities (Vulkhel Guard, Davon’s Watch, and Daggerfall), and Belkarth in Craglorn.
8. Can I skip the Coldharbour tutorial?
Yes, you can choose to skip the Coldharbour tutorial. If you do so, you’ll start in the zone associated with the latest Chapter you own.
9. What are the Aldmeri Dominion zones in order?
The Aldmeri Dominion zones include: Khenarthi’s Roost, Auridon, Grahtwood, Greenshade, Malabal Tor, Reaper’s March, Summerset, Artaeum, High Isle and Amenos, Galen and Y’ffelon, Northern Elsweyr, and Southern Elsweyr.
10. Is it too late to start playing ESO?
No, it’s never too late to start playing ESO! The game is designed to be accessible to new players at any time, with content that scales to your level.
11. Why did I start in Vvardenfell?
You likely started in Vvardenfell because it was the zone associated with the latest Chapter you owned when you created your character.
12. How many years before Skyrim is ESO set?
ESO is set approximately 1,000 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
13. What starting zone is the Orc in ESO?
Players creating an Orc character and choosing the Daggerfall Covenant will begin their adventure in Stros M’Kai after escaping from Coldharbour.
14. How do I claim my free house in ESO?
You can obtain a free house by completing the “Room to Spare” quest, which is offered by Felande Demarie in your Alliance’s starter city. Completing this quest rewards you with a small inn room. Alternatively, owning specific Chapter expansions (Morrowind, Summerset, Elsweyr, Greymoor) grants access to a free apartment in each of those expansion zones.
15. What is the longest lifespan in the Elder Scrolls universe?
While specific lifespans vary by race, some characters, particularly Dunmer (Dark Elves), can live for several centuries. Some sources claim a maximum lifespan of around 1,000 years, though this may be an exaggeration.
Embark on your journey through Tamriel with confidence, and may your adventures be filled with excitement and discovery!