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The Elder Scrolls Online: beginner’s guide to master ESO

December 24, 2024

December 24, 2024

4 minutes

The Elder Scrolls Online is an expansive MMORPG that takes players on an unforgettable journey across the world of Tamriel.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything The Elder Scrolls online new players need to know, including Elder Scrolls Online gameplay essentials, tips for leveling up efficiently, and practical ESO beginner tips to help you navigate the game’s mechanics.

What is The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)?

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the expansive world of Tamriel. Developed by ZeniMax Online Studios, ESO takes place during the Second Era, centuries before Skyrim.

Unlike single-player Elder Scrolls games, ESO features a shared online world where players can explore, complete quests, and engage in PvP battles. With flexible Elder Scrolls Online gameplay, you can play solo or team up with others to tackle dungeons and epic adventures.

Overview of gameplay mechanics

Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) offers a flexible and immersive MMORPG experience, combining exploration, combat, and character progression. This is a breakdown of the core gameplay mechanics:

Character creation

Choose from 10 playable races, divided among three factions: Aldmeri Dominion, Daggerfall Covenant, and Ebonheart Pact. Select a class (e.g., Dragonknight, Sorcerer, Nightblade) to determine your combat style and abilities.

Combat system

ESO features an action-oriented combat system with light and heavy attacks, blocks, dodges, and skill abilities. Use stamina, magicka, and health resources strategically to maximize your performance in battle.

Questing and exploration

The game offers a mix of story-driven quests, side missions, and open-world exploration across Tamriel’s diverse regions. Discover dungeons, public delves, and world bosses for loot and experience.

Leveling and progression

Progress by completing quests, defeating enemies, and exploring the world. Unlock new skills, abilities, and gear as you level up your character.

Crafting and professions

Engage in crafting professions like Blacksmithing, Alchemy, and Enchanting to create gear, potions, and upgrades.

Group content

Team up with other players to complete dungeons, trials (large-scale PvE raids), and participate in PvP battles in the Alliance War.

Tips for starting your adventure

Starting your journey in Elder Scrolls Online can feel overwhelming, but with these essential ESO beginner tips, you’ll set yourself up for success:

1. Pick the right class and race

Choose a class that fits your preferred playstyle (e.g., Sorcerer for magic, Dragonknight for tanking). Races offer bonuses to stamina, magicka, or health, so match them to your class for added benefits.

2. Focus on the main story and starter zone

Begin with the main questline and the starter zone for your alliance. These areas teach you the game’s mechanics and provide essential gear.

3. Join a guild early

Guilds offer trading, help with dungeons, and valuable tips from experienced players. Look for beginner-friendly guilds to get started.

4. Explore and unlock wayshrines

Unlock Wayshrines as you explore—they act as fast travel points and save time when moving across Tamriel.

5. Don’t ignore crafting

Start gathering resources early for crafting. Professions like Blacksmithing and Enchanting can provide powerful gear and upgrades.

6. Manage your inventory

ESO has limited inventory space. Sell, deconstruct, or store unnecessary items regularly to keep your bags clear.

7. Experiment with skills and builds

Don’t stress about the “perfect build.” Try different skills and weapons to find what works best for your playstyle. You can always respect them later!

8. Collect skyshards

Skyshards are scattered across the world. Collecting three grants you a skill point, essential for unlocking new abilities.

9.Learn the combat system

Practice light/heavy attacks, dodging, blocking, and using skills. Combat in ESO is dynamic and rewards skillful play.

10. Enjoy the journey

Take your time to explore, complete quests, and immerse yourself in Tamriel’s lore. The game isn’t a race—enjoy the adventure!

Choosing the best class

Selecting the right class is a key decision when starting your adventure in The Elder Scrolls Online. Each class offers unique abilities, strengths, and playstyles, so here’s a quick guide to help you choose the one that suits you best:

Dragonknight

The Dragonknight is perfect for players who enjoy close combat and durable characters. With strong defensive skills and fire-based attacks, it excels as a tank or melee DPS. Its straightforward abilities make it a solid choice for beginners who want to dive into combat head-on.

Sorcerer

The Sorcerer specializes in ranged magic and summoning pets to aid in battle. Its lightning and dark magic abilities make it great for dealing damage from a distance. Sorcerers are ideal for players who enjoy casting spells and controlling the battlefield.

Nightblade

If you love stealth and quick, high-burst damage, the Nightblade is for you. Masters of assassination and resource management, Nightblades are perfect for sneaky players who enjoy taking down enemies before they know what hit them.

Templar

The Templar is a versatile class with powerful light-based abilities, excelling in healing, tanking, or DPS roles. It’s beginner-friendly and great for players who want to support others while still holding their own in combat.

Warden

Wardens combine frost magic, group support, and animal summoning. This hybrid class is perfect for players who enjoy nature-themed abilities and want a balanced mix of defense, offense, and healing options.

Necromancer

The Necromancer brings dark magic and unique corpse-based abilities to the battlefield. Whether dealing damage, tanking, or healing, this tactical class offers a fresh and versatile playstyle for players who want to command the dead.

Community and group activities

In Elder Scrolls Online, teamwork and community play a huge role in enhancing your adventure. These are the key group activities you can enjoy:

  • Dungeons: 4-player group instances offering gear, experience, and challenges. Start with normal dungeons before trying veteran versions.
  • Trials: 12-player PvE raids with tough bosses that test teamwork and coordination, perfect for endgame content.
  • PvP in Cyrodiil: massive Alliance War battles where players fight for keeps and resources, earning ranks and rewards.
  • Battlegrounds: fast-paced, 4v4v4 matches with objective-based gameplay for smaller PvP action.
  • Guilds: join a guild for trading, group events, crafting help, and support from experienced players.

For a smoother experience in The Elder Scrolls Online, consider using ExitLag to reduce latency and improve your connection during group activities and gameplay.

About The Author

Lucas Stolze, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Purdue University Northwest, is the CEO of ExitLag, a company dedicated to improving stability and internet connections for online gaming. It shares an innovative approach to developing solutions that improve internet stability for online gamers. Their commitment has driven the ExitLag Blog.

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