ESO Character Checklist: Optimize Your Build for Success
Optimize your Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) character build with this comprehensive checklist. From setting up your ability bar to mastering crafting and PvP, follow these steps to ensure your character is ready for any challenge in Tamriel.
Watch our video guide for a visual walkthrough of the ESO character checklist.
1. Optimize Your Ability Bar for Efficient Skill Line Leveling in ESO
- In Elder Scrolls Online, the abilities on your bar determine which skill lines level up as you gain experience.
- For efficient leveling, slot at least one ability from each of your class skill lines to level them passively while questing in ESO.
- Equip a weapon (like a Destruction Staff) to level its skill line as you play.
- Once a skill line reaches level 50, swap it for another to max out all lines naturally without grinding later.
Tip: By character level 50, your weapon skill lines should be nearly maxed, preparing you for endgame content in ESO.
2. Join the Fighter’s Guild Early for Powerful PvE and PvP Abilities in ESO
- The Fighter’s Guild skill line offers damage-focused abilities and passives essential for both PvE and PvP in Elder Scrolls Online.
- Join in your alliance’s starter zone (e.g., Glenumbra for Daggerfall Covenant, Auridon for Aldmeri Dominion, or Stonefalls for Ebonheart Pact).
- Level it by killing Undead and Daedra while exploring Tamriel.
Goal: Reach Fighter’s Guild level 10 by character level 50.
3. Allocate Your Attribute Points for Maximum Effectiveness in ESO
- In ESO, allocate all 64 attribute points into either Magicka or Stamina to maximize your character’s ability effectiveness.
- You can respecc your attributes later in Elden Root for a small gold fee if you adjust your build.
4. Begin Researching and Leveling Crafting Early for Best-in-Slot Gear in ESO
- Start researching traits like Divines and Impenetrable early, as they’re key for crafting and transmuting top-tier gear in Elder Scrolls Online.
- Deconstruct unwanted items to level crafting skill lines (Blacksmithing, Clothing, Woodworking) and gather materials. See our ESO Crafting Guide for details.
5. Level All Armor Skill Lines for Build Flexibility in ESO
- Wear a mix of Light, Medium, and Heavy armor (e.g., 2 Light, 2 Medium, 3 Heavy) to level all armor skill lines evenly as you progress through ESO.
- If one lags (e.g., Medium at level 30 while Light is 50), equip more pieces of that type to catch up.
Goal: Max out all armor skill lines by character level 50.
6. Deconstruct Unwanted Gear for Crafting Materials and Skill Line Progression in ESO
- Deconstruct gear you don’t need to gain crafting materials and level your crafting skill lines, vital for endgame crafting in ESO.
- Selling gear earns gold, but deconstructing offers long-term benefits for crafters.
7. Use Add-Ons to Enhance Your ESO Gameplay (For PC Players)
- ESO add-ons improve navigation, inventory management, and combat tracking.
- Try popular options like map pins, compass mods, and quest helpers to simplify exploration.
- Experiment to find add-ons that match your playstyle.
8. Unlock Assault and Support Skill Lines with the Cyrodiil Introduction Quest in ESO
- At level 10, head to Cyrodiil and complete the introduction quest to unlock the Assault and Support skill lines, including key PvP abilities like Vigor for stamina builds.
9. Complete the Main Quests for Skill Points and Immersion in ESO
- The main story quests in Elder Scrolls Online offer immersive lore, unlock the Soul Magic skill line, and grant skill points for abilities and passives.
- Highly recommended for your first character to understand the game before tackling endgame content.
10. Choose a Mundus Stone for Passive Buffs in ESO
- Mundus Stones provide permanent buffs like extra stamina or critical chance—new players often miss this bonus!
- Visit any Mundus Stone in Tamriel to select one, and swap it anytime by visiting another.
11. Join ESO Events for Bonus Rewards and Exclusive Items
- Seasonal events like Midyear Mayhem offer bonus experience, gold, and unique rewards.
- Participate to practice PvP and earn in-game currency while collecting exclusive items.
12. Explore Public Dungeons and Delves for Skill Points and Gear in ESO
- Public dungeons feature Skyshards (3 = 1 skill point) and group events with valuable loot; defeating the main boss grants a full skill point.
- Delves provide quick gear for crafting or selling.
13. Join the Mage’s Guild Early for Powerful Abilities in ESO
- Level the Mage’s Guild skill line by collecting lore books while questing in ESO—it takes time, so start early for strong passives and abilities.
- Gathering books naturally avoids tedious hunting later.
14. Upgrade Your Mount Daily for Better Speed and Inventory Space in ESO
- Visit a Stable Master daily (look for the horse icon in main cities) to boost your mount’s speed, stamina, or carrying capacity.
- Upgrade all characters’ mounts to avoid storage issues and improve travel efficiency.
15. Earn Seals of Endeavor Through Daily and Weekly Activities in ESO
- Complete daily and weekly Endeavors to earn Seals for cosmetics and mounts.
- Tasks often involve random dungeons or battlegrounds, also rewarding transmute crystals and Alliance Points.
16. Complete Daily Random Dungeons and Battlegrounds for Bonus XP and Rewards in ESO
- Your first random dungeon and battleground each day grant huge bonus experience, perfect for fast leveling in ESO.
- Earn transmute crystals and Alliance Points while practicing group combat and PvP.
17. Unlock Housing with the “Room to Spare” Quest in ESO
- Complete the “Room to Spare” quest for a free apartment and access to housing features like crafting stations and storage coffers.
- Get creative with decorating your space!
Bonus Tips for ESO Players:
- Collect skill points through questing, gathering Skyshards, and completing dungeons to unlock more abilities and passives in ESO.
- Focus on leveling and gathering resources until champion point level 160, when gear caps out. Then craft or acquire best-in-slot equipment.
- Deconstruct unwanted gear to stockpile crafting materials and level skill lines, saving gold for later upgrades.
Follow this ESO character checklist to optimize your build for success. Share this guide with fellow players and explore our other ESO resources, like our Crafting Guide and PvP Strategies!