Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that takes you on a thrilling journey through the vast and richly detailed world of Tamriel. With its engaging storylines, stunning visuals, and endless character customization options, ESO has become a beloved game among fans of the Elder Scrolls series and MMORPG enthusiasts alike. However, if you’re new to the game, getting started can be a daunting task. Fear not, dear adventurer! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of starting Elder Scrolls Online, covering everything from creating your character to navigating the game’s vast open world.
Creating Your Character
The first step in starting your ESO journey is to create your character. This is where you’ll decide on your character’s race, class, and appearance. Don’t worry too much about making the “perfect” character, as you can always adjust your build and appearance later in the game.
Race Selection
ESO features 10 unique races, each with its own unique abilities and passives. You can choose from:
- Breton: Known for their magical prowess and versatility.
- Redguard: A sturdy and resilient race, skilled in combat and athletics.
- Orc: A fierce and formidable race, expert in melee combat.
- Nord: A hardy and robust race, skilled in combat and resistance to cold climates.
- Imperial: A well-rounded race, skilled in diplomacy and trade.
- Dark Elf (Dunmer): A stealthy and agile race, skilled in magic and stealth.
- High Elf (Altmer): A wise and magical race, skilled in spellcasting and enchantment.
- Wood Elf (Bosmer): A swift and agile race, skilled in archery and survival.
- Khajiit: A cunning and agile race, skilled in stealth and trade.
- Argonian: A reptilian race, skilled in combat and survival in harsh environments.
When selecting your race, consider the type of playstyle you want to adopt. If you’re new to MMORPGs, you may want to choose a race with more forgiving stats, such as the Breton or Imperial.
Class Selection
ESO features six unique classes, each with its own unique abilities and playstyles:
- Dragonknight: A fierce and powerful class, skilled in melee combat and elemental magic.
- Sorcerer: A master of the elements, skilled in spellcasting and elemental attacks.
- Nightblade: A stealthy and agile class, skilled in assassinations and shadow magic.
- Templar: A holy and righteous class, skilled in healing and support magic.
- Warden: A sturdy and versatile class, skilled in melee combat and animal companions.
- Necromancer: A dark and mysterious class, skilled in summoning the undead and manipulating the forces of life and death.
When choosing a class, consider the type of gameplay experience you want to have. If you enjoy melee combat, the Dragonknight or Warden may be a good fit. If you prefer caster gameplay, the Sorcerer or Templar may be more suitable.
Appearance Customization
Once you’ve selected your race and class, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your character’s appearance. You can choose from a variety of face shapes, skin tones, hairstyles, and other physical attributes to create a unique and personalized look for your character.
Choosing Your Server
After creating your character, you’ll be prompted to choose a server to play on. ESO features several servers, each with its own unique community and gameplay experience. You can choose from:
- North American servers: These servers are hosted in North America and are ideal for players located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- European servers: These servers are hosted in Europe and are ideal for players located in the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries.
- Australian servers: These servers are hosted in Australia and are ideal for players located in Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding regions.
When choosing a server, consider the following factors:
- Ping: The lower the ping, the better. Aim for a ping of 100ms or lower for a smooth gameplay experience.
- Server population: Busier servers can be more challenging, but also offer more opportunities for group play and social interaction. Less populated servers may offer a more relaxed gameplay experience.
- Time zone: Choose a server that aligns with your time zone to ensure you can play with other players during peak hours.
Navigating the Game World
Once you’ve created your character and chosen a server, you’ll be dropped into the game world. The world of Tamriel is vast and overwhelming, but fear not! Here are some tips to help you navigate:
The UI
The user interface (UI) is your gateway to the game world. You can access various menus and features by clicking on the icons at the top of the screen. The most important icons are:
- Map: Displays the game world map, allowing you to navigate and track your location.
- Inventory: Displays your character’s inventory, allowing you to manage your gear and items.
- Skills: Displays your character’s skills and abilities, allowing you to manage your build and rotation.
- Journal: Displays your quest log and journal, allowing you to track your progress and quests.
Questing
Questing is a crucial part of the ESO experience. Quests provide valuable rewards, experience points, and insight into the game’s story and lore. You can access quests through the Journal menu or by interacting with non-playable characters (NPCs) in the game world.
Movement and Combat
Movement and combat are essential skills in ESO. You can move your character using the WASD keys or the arrow keys. Combat involves using your skills and abilities to defeat enemies and complete quests. You can access your skills through the Skills menu or by using the skill wheel.
Getting Started with the Main Story
The main story in ESO is a rich and engaging experience that takes you on a journey across Tamriel. To get started with the main story, follow these steps:
Completing the Tutorial
The tutorial is a brief introduction to the game world and gameplay mechanics. Complete the tutorial to earn valuable rewards and experience points.
Reaching the Starting Zone
Once you’ve completed the tutorial, you’ll be transported to the starting zone, where you’ll begin your journey. The starting zone is designed to introduce you to the game’s core mechanics and provide a gentler learning curve.
Achieving Level 10
Reaching level 10 is a significant milestone in ESO. At level 10, you’ll unlock new skills, abilities, and features that will aid you in your journey. Focus on completing quests, defeating enemies, and exploring the game world to earn experience points and level up quickly.
Tips and Tricks for Beginners
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you get started:
- Join a guild: Guilds are a great way to meet new players, participate in group activities, and access exclusive benefits.
- Explore the game world: The game world is filled with hidden secrets, quests, and areas to explore. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path.
- Use your skills wisely: Skills are a valuable resource in ESO. Use them wisely to conserve stamina and maximize your damage output.
- Craft and trade: Crafting and trading are essential skills in ESO. Learn to craft valuable items and trade them with other players to earn gold and other rewards.
In conclusion, starting Elder Scrolls Online can be a daunting task, but with this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to embarking on an epic adventure through the world of Tamriel. Remember to take your time, explore the game world, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Happy gaming!
What is Elder Scrolls Online and is it free to play?
Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the Elder Scrolls universe. It’s an epic adventure that lets you explore the vast world of Tamriel, complete quests, and battle enemies. ESO is not entirely free to play, but it does offer a free-to-play option with some limitations. You can play the base game for free, but you’ll need to purchase the optional subscription or buy in-game currency to access additional content, DLCs, and convenience features.
If you’re new to ESO, the free-to-play option is an excellent way to get started. You’ll have access to the base game, including the main storyline, character customization, and a decent amount of content. However, as you progress, you might find that you need more storage, want to access additional zones, or desire convenience features like banking and crafting bag slots. That’s when you can consider subscribing or purchasing in-game currency to enhance your experience.
What kind of gameplay can I expect in Elder Scrolls Online?
In Elder Scrolls Online, you can expect a rich and immersive MMORPG experience with a mix of exploration, combat, crafting, and character progression. The game features a massive open world, where you can explore sprawling cities, ancient ruins, and hidden dungeons. You’ll engage in combat with a variety of enemies, from bandits and cultists to fearsome dragons and daedra. The game also has a strong focus on character customization, allowing you to tailor your character’s skills, abilities, and appearance to suit your playstyle.
As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter a rich storyline with complex narratives, interesting characters, and memorable quests. You’ll also have the opportunity to craft your own gear, gather resources, and participate in group activities like dungeons, trials, and PvP combat. With a vast array of activities and a constantly updated content schedule, ESO offers a dynamic and engaging experience that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
What are the different playable classes in Elder Scrolls Online?
In Elder Scrolls Online, there are six playable classes: Dragonknight, Sorcerer, Nightblade, Templar, Warden, and Necromancer. Each class has its unique abilities, passives, and playstyle. The Dragonknight is a versatile fighter who wields fire and earth magic, while the Sorcerer is a master of arcane magic. The Nightblade is a stealthy assassin, and the Templar is a holy warrior. The Warden is a nature-based class with abilities focused on protection and survivability, and the Necromancer is a dark magic wielder who can summon the undead.
When choosing a class, consider your preferred playstyle and the type of role you want to fill in the game. Do you want to be a fierce warrior, a sneaky assassin, or a powerful mage? Each class has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to experiment and find the one that suits you best. You can always create multiple characters and try out different classes to see which one you enjoy the most.
What is the best way to level up my character in Elder Scrolls Online?
Leveling up your character in Elder Scrolls Online is a straightforward process. The most efficient way to gain experience points (XP) is by completing quests, defeating enemies, and exploring the world. You’ll earn XP for completing story quests, side quests, and daily quests, as well as for killing monsters, collecting resources, and discovering new locations. Additionally, you can earn bonus XP by participating in group activities like dungeons and trials.
As you level up, you’ll earn attribute points, which you can allocate to your character’s health, magicka, or stamina. You’ll also gain access to new skills, abilities, and passives, which you can configure to suit your playstyle. Don’t forget to visit your class trainer regularly to learn new abilities and upgrade your existing ones. It’s also essential to keep your gear up to date by crafting or acquiring new equipment to increase your character’s power and survivability.
Can I play Elder Scrolls Online solo or do I need a group?
Elder Scrolls Online is designed to be enjoyed both solo and in groups. You can play the entire game solo, completing quests, exploring the world, and battling enemies on your own. The game’s story and questing system are structured to accommodate solo players, and you’ll find that many quests are easily completable alone. However, some content, like dungeons and trials, is designed for groups of players.
If you prefer playing with others, ESO has a robust grouping system that allows you to team up with friends, guildmates, or find pickup groups through the game’s built-in features. Grouping can enhance your experience, as you’ll have access to additional skills, strategies, and social interactions. Many players enjoy the camaraderie and challenge of group play, but it’s entirely optional, and you can always play solo if you prefer.
How do I make money and acquire gear in Elder Scrolls Online?
In Elder Scrolls Online, you can acquire gear and make money through various means. The primary way to earn gold is by completing quests, selling unwanted items to vendors, and participating in activities like crafting, trading, and selling items to other players. You can also earn gold by killing monsters, collecting resources, and completing daily quests. As you progress, you’ll have access to more profitable activities like crafting, disenchanting, and reselling items.
When it comes to acquiring gear, you can craft your own through the game’s crafting system, purchase items from vendors or other players, or earn them as rewards from quests or activities. You can also upgrade your gear by enchanting, improving, or deconstructing items to obtain better stats or materials. As you level up and progress through the game, you’ll have access to more powerful gear and resources, allowing you to customize your character to suit your playstyle.
What kind of community does Elder Scrolls Online have?
Elder Scrolls Online has a dedicated and active community of players. The game’s forums, social media, and online platforms are filled with players sharing tips, strategies, and resources. You’ll find many players who are happy to provide guidance, answer questions, and participate in group activities together. The game also has a robust guild system, which allows you to join or create groups of players with similar interests, goals, or playstyles.
In addition to the in-game community, there are many online resources, guides, and tutorials available that can help you improve your gameplay, learn new strategies, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments and updates. The ESO community is known for being friendly and welcoming, so don’t hesitate to reach out to other players or join online communities to enhance your gaming experience.