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What’s the Max Level in The Elder Scrolls Online? A Comprehensive Guide

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) features a multi-tiered leveling system, which can be a bit confusing for new players. The simple answer to “What is the Max Level in ESO?” is that there isn’t one single, definitive max level. Instead, the game combines character levels with a Champion Point (CP) system. You can level up to level 50 for your character’s level and then transition into earning Champion Points, which, while technically uncapped, effectively soft-cap around CP 1500 for optimal performance. This guide will break down each tier of the leveling system and answer common questions about the leveling experience.

Understanding the ESO Leveling System

ESO’s leveling system is divided into distinct phases, each with its own characteristics and rewards. Comprehending these phases is crucial for optimizing your character’s progression and enjoyment of the game.

Character Levels (1-50)

The initial leveling phase involves progressing from level 1 to level 50. During this phase, you gain experience by completing quests, defeating enemies, exploring dungeons, and participating in various in-game activities. Every level grants you:

Skill Points: Used to unlock and upgrade skills in various skill lines.
Attribute Points: Used to increase your character’s core stats (Health, Magicka, Stamina).
Leveling Rewards: Items, gold, or other useful resources.

Reaching level 10 is particularly notable, as it unlocks the ability to acquire your first mount, significantly speeding up traversal across the vast Tamriel landscape. This initial phase is often considered the tutorial phase, teaching you the basics of combat, crafting, and exploration.

Veteran Ranks (No Longer in the Game)

Historically, after reaching level 50, players entered the “Veteran Rank” system. This system has been removed and replaced by the champion point system.

Champion Points (CP)

Upon reaching level 50, you unlock the Champion Point (CP) system. Experience earned now contributes to filling a CP meter, awarding you a Champion Point when filled. Champion Points can be spent across three constellations:

The Warrior (Red): Focuses on defensive and survivability bonuses.
The Thief (Green): Focuses on utility, resource management, and movement speed.
The Mage (Blue): Focuses on offensive power and damage output.

Each constellation contains numerous passive abilities and bonuses that enhance your character’s overall effectiveness. While the CP system is technically uncapped, with a maximum of 3,600 CP, the returns diminish significantly after around 1,500 CP. This effectively creates a “soft cap” where further point allocation yields minimal performance gains. Many players consider this soft cap of 1,500 CP the more realistic measure of “max level” in terms of effective character power.

Gear Scaling and CP 160

CP 160 is a particularly important milestone in ESO. This is the level cap for gear. After reaching CP 160, all dropped and crafted gear will be at its maximum potential. This means you no longer need to constantly replace your equipment as you level up. Instead, you can focus on acquiring the best gear sets and optimizing your build. It is important to know that everything in the Elder Scrolls Online is scaled to level 50 CP 160.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about leveling in ESO to provide further clarity and insight:

1. What happens after level 50 in ESO?

After reaching level 50, you stop gaining character levels and begin earning Champion Points. Experience is then applied to filling the CP meter. You no longer earn skill or attribute points from character levels but continue to earn them through other in-game methods.

2. Is CP 160 the max level in ESO?

No, CP 160 is not the max level. It is, however, the level cap for gear. It is the point where you don’t need to worry about replacing gear every few levels. While you can continue earning Champion Points beyond 160, your gear will not scale any further.

3. Is there a max CP level in ESO?

Technically, the Champion Point system is uncapped at 3,600 CP. However, a soft cap exists around 1,500 CP, beyond which the benefits of each additional point diminish significantly.

4. How long does it take to get to level 50 in ESO?

The time to reach level 50 varies depending on your playstyle. Completing all content in the base game zones might take around 200 hours, while incorporating group dungeons and crafting could extend it to 250-300 hours. Power-leveling strategies can significantly reduce this time.

5. Do you get a mount at level 10 in ESO?

Yes, reaching level 10 automatically unlocks your first mount, the Sorrel Horse. You can purchase it from any stablemaster for a small amount of gold.

6. What gives the most XP in ESO?

High-density mob grinding locations, such as Blackrose Prison Arena (requiring ESO Plus or the Murkmire DLC), offer excellent XP rates. With XP buffs and efficient routing, players can earn millions of XP per hour.

7. Can you max out all skills in ESO?

While it’s difficult to unlock every single skill in the game, it is possible to get close. By collecting Skyshards, completing quests, and leveling up various skill lines, you can accumulate enough skill points to unlock most, if not all, skills that are relevant to your character’s build.

8. What is the maximum gold you can hold in ESO?

The maximum amount of gold a character can hold is 2,100,000,000 (2.1 billion).

9. Can you max every skill line in ESO?

Yes, it is entirely possible to max out every skill line on a single character. This requires dedicated effort, including collecting Skyshards and completing specific quests.

10. What is CP 160 in ESO?

CP 160 signifies the maximum item level for gear in ESO. Once you reach CP 160, you can acquire gear that won’t become obsolete as you continue to gain Champion Points.

11. Do ESO levels scale?

Yes, ESO employs a scaling system. All content is scaled to level 50 CP 160. This ensures that players of different levels can play together, although lower-level players may find some content more challenging.

12. What happens when you become Emperor in ESO?

Becoming Emperor grants you access to unique stat bonuses, the Emperor’s Regalia costume, and the Throne of Cyrodiil furnishing. It’s a prestigious achievement with tangible in-game rewards.

13. Is it illegal to buy ESO gold?

Buying gold from third-party sources is against the game’s terms of service and can result in account penalties, including temporary or permanent bans.

14. How many rings can you wear in ESO?

You can wear a maximum of two rings and one necklace.

15. What is the fastest way to grind XP in ESO?

Grinding in high-density areas, such as Vile Manse or the Obsidian Scar public dungeon, while using XP boosts and training gear, provides the fastest XP gains.

ESO offers a dynamic and evolving progression system. Understanding the nuances of character levels, Veteran Ranks, Champion Points, and gear scaling is key to maximizing your enjoyment and success in the game. By strategically allocating skill points, optimizing your gear, and exploring various gameplay activities, you can steadily advance your character and conquer the challenges that Tamriel has to offer. To learn more about gaming and its impact on learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

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