Introduction

The Elder Scrolls® Online (ESO) is one of the most expansive and immersive MMORPGs ever made, blending the rich lore of The Elder Scrolls universe with real-time online gameplay. Set across the continent of Tamriel, ESO allows you to craft your own destiny — whether as a warrior, mage, assassin, or merchant. But with so much freedom and complexity, new players can easily feel overwhelmed. This “How to” guide walks you through every essential step — from starting your journey to mastering advanced mechanics — helping you evolve from a new adventurer into a true Champion of Tamriel.

1. How to Start Your Journey in Tamriel

When you first log into ESO, you’ll be prompted to create your character. You’ll choose from ten races across three alliances: the Aldmeri Dominion, Daggerfall Covenant, and Ebonheart Pact. Each race has unique passive abilities — Nords excel in defense, High Elves in magicka, and Khajiit in stealth and critical strikes.

After character creation, you’ll begin your story in a tutorial that teaches basic combat, inventory management, and exploration. Once completed, you’re free to travel anywhere on the map — a signature feature of ESO’s open-world design.

Tips for Beginners:

  • Choose a class that matches your playstyle: Dragonknight (tanks), Sorcerer (mages), Nightblade (assassins), Templar (healers), Warden (nature magic), or Necromancer (dark arts).
  • Adjust your camera and HUD early for comfort; you’ll spend hundreds of hours exploring Tamriel.
  • Don’t rush the tutorial — it introduces key systems like dodging, blocking, and skill upgrading.

2. How to Level Up Efficiently

Leveling in ESO combines quest completion, exploration, crafting, and combat. Every action earns experience points (XP), but smart players know how to maximize it.

Join a guild early — the Fighters Guild and Mages Guild offer special skill lines that level as you complete related activities. Daily quests and dungeon runs also provide large XP bonuses.

Leveling Strategies:

  • Complete main quests first; they unlock mount training, new zones, and core game systems.
  • Use XP scrolls or ESO Plus membership for +50% XP gain.
  • Participate in Public Dungeons for quick XP farming.

3. How to Master Combat Mechanics

ESO uses an active combat system — no auto-attacks or tab targeting like other MMOs. You must block, dodge, interrupt, and aim your attacks manually. Timing and stamina management are crucial.

Each class has three unique skill trees plus universal trees like Weapon, Armor, and World Skills. Experiment with skill combinations to build a style that suits you.

Combat Tips:

  • Use light and heavy attacks strategically: light for DPS rotation, heavy for stamina/magicka recovery.
  • Learn enemy patterns; blocking a power attack prevents massive damage.
  • Don’t spam skills — manage resources carefully to sustain long fights.

4. How to Build the Perfect Character

Your build determines your strength in both PvE and PvP. It’s not about copying “meta builds” blindly but understanding the synergy between your skills, gear, and attributes.

For example, a Magicka Sorcerer focuses on high spell damage and magicka regeneration, while a Stamina Nightblade prioritizes critical hits and stealth attacks. You can reset attributes and skills anytime for a small gold fee at a Shrine of Stendarr or Akatosh.

Character-Building Essentials:

  • Balance attributes (Health, Magicka, Stamina) based on your role.
  • Use crafted gear early; it provides tailored bonuses before you find legendary sets.
  • Always slot a mix of active and passive skills to increase overall efficiency.

5. How to Craft Gear and Items

Crafting is a cornerstone of ESO’s economy and progression. There are seven crafting disciplines: Blacksmithing, Clothing, Woodworking, Enchanting, Alchemy, Provisioning, and Jewelry Crafting.

Each profession requires research, materials, and time. The earlier you start researching traits, the better — certain gear sets require 9 traits researched before crafting.

Crafting Tips:

  • Deconstruct unwanted gear to gain materials and experience.
  • Research one trait per item slot as soon as possible.
  • Provisioning (cooking) provides vital buffs through food and drinks that last for hours.

6. How to Join Guilds and Participate in Groups

Guilds are essential for trading, grouping, and socializing. There are two types: system guilds (Fighters, Mages, Undaunted) and player guilds (community-based).

Joining a trading guild lets you sell items through Guild Stores in major cities. Combat-focused guilds organize dungeon runs, world events, and trials — ESO’s equivalent of raids.

Benefits of Joining Guilds:

  • Access to rare items, crafting materials, and trading hubs.
  • Participate in guild events and earn achievements.
  • Learn advanced gameplay tips from experienced members.

7. How to Explore the World Efficiently

ESO’s world is enormous — from the volcanic peaks of Morrowind to the snow-covered lands of Skyrim. Fast travel is available via Wayshrines, but exploration still plays a huge role.

Completing zone achievements and collecting Skyshards (three per skill point) are vital for progression. Hidden caves, lore books, and world bosses await across every corner of Tamriel.

Exploration Tips:

  • Collect every Skyshard you see — they permanently increase skill points.
  • Unlock Wayshrines in every region for easier travel.
  • Complete zone storylines to gain special rewards and mounts.

8. How to Conquer Dungeons and Trials

Dungeons and trials are ESO’s ultimate test of teamwork and skill. Dungeons are designed for 4 players, while trials require 12-player coordination. Each has normal and veteran modes.

As you level up, join random dungeons through the Activity Finder for XP and daily rewards. Once confident, join veteran trials like Sunspire, Cloudrest, or Rockgrove for the best loot in the game.

Dungeon Preparation Checklist:

  • Always bring soul gems — they allow mid-fight revives.
  • Communicate with your group about roles and mechanics.
  • Focus on mechanics before damage output; survival wins fights.

9. How to Succeed in PvP (Player vs. Player)

ESO offers several PvP modes: large-scale Alliance Wars in Cyrodiil, small-scale Battlegrounds, and Imperial City battles. PvP is all about timing, mobility, and understanding other classes.

Before entering PvP, optimize your build with resistance gear, speed buffs, and sustain skills. Movement and crowd control are your greatest weapons.

PvP Strategies:

  • Use terrain and obstacles to break line of sight from enemy mages.
  • Roll dodge to avoid AoE attacks instead of blocking them.
  • Capture resources in Cyrodiil to boost your alliance’s strength.

10. How to Enjoy the Endgame and Beyond

Once you reach level 50 and unlock Champion Points, the real endgame begins. You can tackle world bosses, veteran trials, master crafting, or participate in daily challenges for rare loot.

ESO’s story continues through expansions like Morrowind, Summerset, Greymoor, and Necrom. Each adds new skills, areas, and hundreds of hours of content. Even after years of play, there’s always something new to discover.

Endgame Goals:

  • Build a specialized Champion Point setup for your role.
  • Collect full gear sets with perfect traits.
  • Join world events and seasonal celebrations for exclusive cosmetics.

Conclusion

The Elder Scrolls® Online is more than just an MMO — it’s a living, breathing world where every choice and action matters. Whether you love questing, crafting, PvP, or simply exploring ancient ruins, ESO rewards curiosity and dedication. Mastering its systems takes time, but every step builds your legacy in Tamriel. Equip your sword, summon your allies, and write your own Elder Scroll — your journey has only just begun.