The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is known for its expansive world, rich lore, and diverse quests. Among the various guilds players can join, the Thieves Guild stands out as one of the most exciting and rewarding factions in the game. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the shadows, perform daring heists, and pocket treasure along the way, the Thieves Guild is the path for you. This guide will help you navigate through the Thieves Guild quests, from beginning the questline to mastering the art of stealth and thievery.

Introduction to the Thieves Guild

The Thieves Guild is a faction that players can join within Elder Scrolls Online. This guild has existed for centuries and is one of the most influential criminal organizations in Tamriel. Known for its covert operations, clandestine dealings, and ability to manipulate the law, the Thieves Guild has its roots in Elsweyr but operates on a broader scale throughout Tamriel.

In ESO, the Thieves Guild questline was introduced as part of the Thieves Guild DLC, which was launched in March 2016. This DLC expands on the world of Tamriel by giving players a chance to explore Abah's Landing, a port city located in the southern region of Hammerfell. Here, players can steal, deceive, and take on heists for both the guild and their personal gain.

Getting Started

Before you can begin your life of crime with the Thieves Guild, there are a few prerequisites.

Owning the Thieves Guild DLC: To access the Thieves Guild content, you must have purchased the Thieves Guild DLC or have an ESO Plus subscription, which grants you access to all DLCs.

Level Requirement: The Thieves Guild quests are available for players level 10 or higher. While you can join the guild at a lower level, it is recommended to have at least a mid-tier character so that you are better equipped for the challenges that will arise.

How to Begin the Thieves Guild Questline

To start the Thieves Guild questline, travel to Abah's Landing, located in Southern Hammerfell. The easiest way to get there is to use the Wayshrine if you have already discovered it. If not, you can take a boat to the city from Rawl'kha, located in Elsweyr, or use the Guild Finder to locate the quest starter.

Once you arrive in Abah's Landing, look for Amareh at the Thieves Den. She is the first NPC that will set you on the path to becoming a member of the Thieves Guild. She'll give you an introduction to the guild and get you started with your first mission.

Main Thieves Guild Quests

The Thieves Guild questline is rich and offers a mix of heists, subterfuge, and moral dilemmas. Below is an overview of some of the most important and notable quests in the storyline.

1. "A Matter of Honor"

Your journey with the Thieves Guild begins in earnest with this quest. After meeting with Amareh, you will be introduced to Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Night and Darkness. She will offer you the chance to prove your skills as a thief, and this quest serves as the perfect introduction to the world of the Thieves Guild.

This quest will teach you the basic mechanics of thievery, including pickpocketing, lockpicking, and setting up heists. Throughout the quest, you'll begin to learn the Moral Compass of the guild, which is a system that rewards players for choosing to rob the rich and sometimes punish the corrupt.

2. "The Heist"

As the Thieves Guild is all about pulling off big jobs and stealing valuable treasures, The Heist is one of the pivotal quests in the storyline. In this quest, you'll plan and execute a daring heist involving breaking into a heavily guarded location. This quest will help you hone your skills in sneaking, distraction, and escaping without leaving a trace.

The quest's culmination will see you having to use all the tools and tricks you've learned so far, and may even lead to an exciting chase as you flee the scene of the crime.

3. "The Blackmail Job"

As a member of the Thieves Guild, you'll often be tasked with dealing with powerful and corrupt figures. The Blackmail Job involves gathering information on an influential noble and using it as leverage. This quest emphasizes the underhanded tactics of the guild, relying on more subtle methods than just brute force.

In this quest, you'll be required to sneak around, eavesdrop on conversations, and gather documents. This quest teaches players the importance of stealth and subtlety, which is a key aspect of a true thief.

4. "The Last Heist"

The climactic conclusion to the Thieves Guild storyline, The Last Heist is a complex and high-stakes mission that involves everything you've learned so far. Players will need to pull off an intricate heist and make decisions that impact the future of the Thieves Guild. The choices you make during this quest will influence the guild's direction and the future of your character's relationship with Nocturnal.

The Morality System and Choices

Throughout the Thieves Guild questline, players are presented with moral choices that can influence their standing in the guild. Unlike other factions, the Thieves Guild doesn't have a strict moral code, but there are certain guidelines you must follow to maintain your rank and honor within the guild.

Key Mechanics and Features of Thieves Guild Content

As you progress through the Thieves Guild questline, you'll be introduced to several gameplay mechanics that are unique to this faction. Some of these mechanics include:

The "Hiding Spot" Mechanic: One of the unique mechanics introduced with the Thieves Guild is the ability to use hiding spots. When you are caught by guards while committing a crime, you can quickly duck into one of these designated areas to avoid being caught. These spots are scattered throughout the city and can be used to escape detection.

The "Fence" System: Throughout the questline, you'll gain access to the Fence system, which allows you to sell stolen goods and earn ESO gold. The Fences will only purchase stolen items from you, and you'll need to increase your reputation with them to unlock higher-value items to sell.

The "Theft" Skill Line: As you progress through the Thieves Guild quests, you will unlock the Theft Skill Line, which gives you the ability to pickpocket, lockpick, and use other thieving-related abilities. You can level this skill line as you complete more Thieves Guild-related content, improving your thieving capabilities.

The "Delve" Heists: These group-oriented activities are scattered throughout the world of ESO and can be tackled by players looking for a more structured experience. They feature multiple objectives, and the objective is to work together with a group to steal a target or complete a heist, all while dealing with enemy NPCs.

Tips for Success in the Thieves Guild

Practice Stealth: Being a thief is all about avoiding detection, so spend time mastering your stealth mechanics. Be mindful of your surroundings and use the environment to hide.

Maximize Your Hiding Spots: Use hiding spots frequently to avoid detection. These spots are not only useful when you're caught in a crime, but they can also be good for strategic planning.

Level Your Theft Skill Line: The more you level your Theft skill line, the easier it will be to perform various criminal activities. Prioritize leveling this skill to gain access to more powerful abilities.

Conclusion

The Thieves Guild questline in Elder Scrolls Online is a thrilling experience for those who enjoy stealth, heists, and working in the shadows. It offers players a chance to immerse themselves in the darker side of Tamriel, learning the ins and outs of criminal activities while navigating moral choices and intricate plots. By joining the Thieves Guild, players can experience the thrill of outwitting their enemies, pulling off heists, and building a career as a master thief.

Whether you're a newcomer to ESO or a veteran player, the Thieves Guild content is a must-play for anyone looking to add a little bit of chaos and cunning to their adventures in Tamriel.

MMOexp Elder Scrolls Online Team