The Elder Scrolls Online New Player Starter Guide
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a vast, immersive MMORPG that can feel like a labyrinth for newcomers. With endless quests, intricate mechanics, and a sprawling world, it's easy to get lost in Tamriel. But don't worry—this guide is your roadmap to hitting the ground running. Packed with practical tips, it covers everything from crafting your perfect character to managing that pesky inventory. If you find this helpful, consider bookmarking our site for more gaming insights and swinging by our store for exclusive gear to enhance your ESO journey.
Dive Into Character Creation with Confidence
Character creation in ESO is a playground of possibilities. From choosing your race and class to tweaking hair color and body markings, take your time to craft a hero you'll love. Don't stress picking the “perfect” race or class—while some combinations lean toward specific playstyles, any race can work with any class. Read the class descriptions and go with what sparks your interest. You can always create another character or explore subclassing later to try new builds. Once you're happy, name your character and decide whether to play the tutorial.
Why You Should Play the Tutorial
The recently revamped tutorial is a must for new players. It introduces core mechanics like combat, lockpicking, and sneaking in a low-stakes environment. You'll learn the basics of light and heavy attacks, with tooltips that explain everything clearly. The tutorial also sets up the base game's storyline, giving context to your character's place in Tamriel. Even if you're tempted to skip it, the story and mechanics it covers make it worth the time. Plus, it's fun to ease into the game's vibe.
Master Inventory Management Early
If one thing'll trip you up in ESO, it's inventory space. As a self-proclaimed loot goblin, I know the urge to grab everything is real, but resist until you reach the starter zone. Even with an ESO Plus subscription (which includes a handy craft bag), space is tight. Visit merchants frequently to sell white gear and decon green, blue, or purple items at crafting stations. Deconstructing frees up space and boosts your crafting skills for later. For a deeper dive into bag management, check out our other resources.
Get a Grip on Combat Basics
Combat in ESO is dynamic, and the tutorial teaches you the essentials. Light attacks (quick taps) and heavy attacks (hold and release) are your bread and butter. To maximize damage, practice light attack weaving—hitting a light attack, using a skill, then another light attack. It's a rhythm you'll want to nail early. Unlock at least one skill from each skill line to level them up, whether you're aiming for PvP, healing, or solo questing. Don't worry about locking yourself in; skill points can be respecced later.
Follow the Storyline for Rewards
Once you finish the tutorial, dive into the zone's story quest. These quests are a goldmine for skill points, earned by completing major storylines and collecting skyshards (three skyshards = one skill point). The stories are engaging, with memorable characters like the Prophet, who guides you through the soul magic skill line. Stick with the main storyline for your alliance (Dominion, Pact, or Covenant) to explore the zone, level up, and soak in the lore. Side quests are fun too, but the main arc keeps you focused.
Customize Your Settings
Before you get too deep, tweak your settings. Switch to control template B for a more intuitive layout (jumping and collecting on the same button can be clunky). Turn on quickcast abilities, auto-loot, and nameplates (adjust these to avoid clutter). Enable your ability bar, resource numbers, and buff trackers for better situational awareness. These changes make gameplay smoother, especially in hectic moments. Play around to find what suits your style.
Daily Habits to Boost Progress
Make visiting the stable master a daily ritual. You can upgrade your mount's speed, inventory capacity, or stamina for a small gold fee. Prioritize speed first, then inventory to ease the bag-space struggle. Park your character near a stable at logout to make this habit stick. Also, visit the bank to store items you're unsure about keeping—it holds up to 240 items (double with ESO Plus). Finally, hit crafting stations to research traits and decon gear, leveling your crafting skills without overwhelming yourself.
Leveling Up and Beyond
You'll level up quickly early on, with each level offering rewards and tips (like enchanting gear or choosing armor types). If you've played other Elder Scrolls games, ESO's systems will feel familiar, but they will have an MMO twist. At level 50, you'll transition to champion points, which let you customize your character further with buffs for tanking, healing, or DPS. Focus on enjoying the journey and exploring Tamriel's rich world for now.
FAQs About Starting ESO
Do I need to follow the tutorial in ESO?
The tutorial is highly recommended for new players as it teaches core mechanics and sets up the story, but you can skip it if you're familiar with the game.
What's the best class for beginners in ESO?
Any class works, but classes like Sorcerer or Templar are beginner-friendly due to their versatility. Pick one that matches your preferred playstyle.
How do I manage inventory space in ESO?
Sell white gear, decon higher-quality items, visit the bank, and upgrade your mount's inventory capacity daily at the stable master.
Should I focus on the main story or side quests?
Start with the main story for skill points and a guided experience, but side quests are great for extra lore and exploration.
Can I change my character's skills later?
Yes, you can respec skill points anytime, so feel free to experiment with different skills early on.
Thanks for Reading
The Elder Scrolls Online is a massive adventure, but with these tips, you can carve your path in Tamriel. From crafting your character to mastering combat and quests, you've got the tools to thrive. Keep exploring, and stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more guides to level up your gaming experience.
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