Diving into Tamriel: Your First Steps in The Elder Scrolls Online

So, you’ve just stepped into the vast world of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)? Congratulations! It’s a sprawling, immersive experience, but it can be a little overwhelming at first. Don’t fret! This guide will walk you through the essential first steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure.

What should you do first in ESO? Your initial focus should be on understanding the basics. Start by completing the tutorial to get acquainted with the game mechanics, movement, combat, and user interface. Choose your character class wisely and begin exploring your starting zone, engaging with quests to level up and unlock new skills. Joining a guild early will provide support and guidance. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun!

Your Initial Adventure: The Essentials

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to tackle in your first few hours:

1. Complete the Tutorial: Seriously, don’t skip it! The tutorial teaches you the fundamental mechanics of combat, interaction, and navigation. It’s designed to get you comfortable with the game’s feel. Even veteran MMO players should run through it for a quick refresher on ESO’s unique systems. You’ll start in a different location based on which DLC you have.

2. Character Creation: Picking Your Path: Don’t agonize too much over your initial character creation! While race and class choices do influence your character’s stats and abilities, ESO is designed to allow for flexibility. You can respec your character later if you’re not happy with your initial choices. Focus on picking something that sounds fun. If you’re unsure, a Magicka Sorcerer or Templar are generally considered beginner-friendly. (More on that in the FAQs below!)

3. Embrace the Main Quest: Follow the main story questline. It’s a great way to explore different zones, learn about the game’s lore, and earn valuable rewards, including skill points. Plus, it serves as a solid foundation for future adventures.

4. Skill Up: As you level, you’ll earn skill points. Invest these points in your class skills, weapon skills, and armor skills. Experiment with different skills to find combinations that suit your playstyle. Reading skill guides and builds online can provide inspiration but don’t be afraid to experiment on your own!

5. Gear Up: Keep your gear up-to-date. Equip items that provide stats relevant to your chosen build. Don’t worry too much about having the absolute best gear early on; focus on keeping your gear level appropriate. You’ll find gear through quest rewards, enemy drops, and crafting.

6. Crafting: A Valuable Skill: Even if you don’t plan on being a dedicated crafter, leveling up crafting skills early on is beneficial. You’ll gain access to valuable passive skills that improve your character’s overall effectiveness. Start by researching traits on your equipment at crafting stations.

7. Join a Guild (or Two!): Guilds provide a sense of community, access to guild traders, and experienced players who can offer advice and assistance. Look for guilds that are beginner-friendly and focused on helping new players. There are guilds for everything, including trading, dungeons, and roleplaying.

8. Explore the World: Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path! Tamriel is filled with hidden secrets, interesting characters, and challenging encounters. Exploring different zones is a great way to discover new quests, dungeons, and resources.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the initial stages of your ESO journey:

What is the best starting class in ESO for solo play?

The Magicka Sorcerer is often recommended as the best solo class for beginners due to its strong damage output and self-healing capabilities. The Magicka Templar is also a great choice. However, every class is viable for solo play! Experiment to find what suits your preferences.

What race should I choose for my character?

While certain races have passives that synergize well with specific roles, race matters very little in the long run. Play the race you like! Min-maxing is rarely necessary unless you’re aiming for the absolute top ranks in competitive content.

Is ESO difficult for new players?

ESO can feel overwhelming at first due to its vastness and complexity. However, the game is designed to be accessible to new players. Take things one step at a time, focus on learning the basics, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Should I play ESO before Skyrim?

ESO takes place about 1,000 years before Skyrim, so playing ESO first won’t spoil Skyrim’s story. Each game tells a self-contained story, so you can enjoy them in any order.

What is the easiest class to master in ESO?

The Sorcerer is often considered the easiest class to learn due to its straightforward mechanics and powerful self-healing abilities. However, “mastering” any class takes time and dedication.

What is the best solo class in ESO 2024?

While class balance is ever-changing, the Magicka Sorcerer and Magicka Templar remain strong choices for solo play in 2024. The Stamina Necromancer is also a robust contender.

At what level can I start doing dungeons in ESO?

You can technically enter dungeons at any level, but it’s generally recommended to wait until level 10 or higher. This ensures you have a decent understanding of your class and some basic skills.

Is ESO worth playing as a solo player?

Absolutely! The majority of ESO’s content, including the main quest, side quests, and overland zones, can be enjoyed solo. While some content requires a group, there’s plenty to keep solo players engaged.

Is ESO noob-friendly?

While ESO has a lot of depth, it offers ample tutorials and assistance for new players. The community is generally welcoming, and there are many resources available to help you learn the game.

What is the most popular role in ESO?

Damage dealers (DPS) are generally the most popular role in ESO. However, tanks and healers are always in demand, especially for group content.

How many years before Skyrim is ESO set?

ESO is set approximately 1,000 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

What level should I be to start doing DLC content?

Most DLC content scales to your level, so you can start it at any time. However, some DLC zones may be more challenging than others.

How do I get better at ESO?

Practice! The more you play, the better you’ll become at combat, crafting, and exploration. Read guides, watch videos, and ask experienced players for advice.

Where can I find builds for ESO?

There are many websites and communities that offer ESO builds. Some popular resources include AlcastHQ, Deltia’s Gaming, and Xynode Gaming.

Is there a way to reset my skill points in ESO?

Yes, you can reset your skill points at a Shrine of Rededication, located in major cities. This allows you to reallocate your skill points and try different builds.

Beyond the Basics: Engaging with the Community

The world of Tamriel is vast, and there’s always something new to discover. Don’t hesitate to engage with the ESO community! Join guilds, participate in events, and share your experiences with other players. The Games Learning Society researches and shares information on how games create learning opportunities. Consider checking out Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Journey!

Ultimately, the most important thing is to have fun! ESO is a game, after all. Don’t feel pressured to min-max or rush through the content. Take your time, explore the world, and enjoy the journey. Welcome to Tamriel!