The first step in your adventure is creating your character. You'll choose your Alliance, Race, and Class, each offering unique benefits and playstyles. Your Alliance (Aldmeri Dominion, Daggerfall Covenant, or Ebonheart Pact) primarily dictates your starting zone and which factions you'll initially align with in PvP. Your Race provides passive bonuses that can significantly impact your build, such as increased Magicka, Stamina, or Health, and various other utility perks. Finally, your Class determines your core abilities and how you'll engage in combat. Consider what kind of playstyle you prefer – a damage dealer, a tank, or a healer – and choose accordingly. Don't worry too much about making a 'perfect' choice, as ESO offers a lot of flexibility to respec later.
Race Selection Guide:
- High Elf (Aldmeri Dominion): Excellent for Magicka-based damage dealers and healers due to increased Magicka and Magicka Recovery.
- Breton (Daggerfall Covenant): Strong choice for tanks and healers with increased Spell Resistance and Magicka Recovery.
- Dark Elf (Ebonheart Pact): Versatile, good for both Magicka and Stamina builds, offering bonuses to both.
- Nord (Ebonheart Pact): Ideal for tanks with increased Health and Physical/Spell Resistance.
- Redguard (Daggerfall Covenant): Top-tier for Stamina-based damage dealers due to increased Stamina and Stamina Recovery.
- Khajiit (Aldmeri Dominion): Great for critical damage builds, both Magicka and Stamina, with increased Critical Damage and Healing.
- Argonian (Ebonheart Pact): Strong healers and tanks with increased Healing Done and Potion effectiveness.
- Orc (Daggerfall Covenant): Excellent for Stamina tanks and damage dealers, offering increased Health and Stamina.
- Wood Elf (Aldmeri Dominion): Best for Stamina archers and stealth builds, with increased Stamina and Stealth detection radius.
- Imperial (Any Alliance - DLC): Very versatile, good for tanks and hybrid builds with increased Health and Stamina.