How to Remove a Bounty in Elder Scrolls Online
In Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), players have the freedom to live out their characters' destinies in an expansive world filled with countless quests, combat, and interactions. However, not every path a player takes will be one of honor and righteousness. Whether you're testing the limits of your moral compass or simply getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, bounty hunting can be an issue many players face.
A bounty in ESO is the game's way of punishing you for committing crimes in the world of Tamriel. This could include acts like murder, theft, or vandalism. Once you have a bounty on your head, NPC guards will hunt you down, making life a little bit harder for you. Fortunately, there are ways to remove or clear the bounty, and this article will guide you through the different methods to erase your crimes and restore your reputation.
What Is a Bounty in Elder Scrolls Online
In ESO, committing a crime will result in a bounty being placed on your character. Some common crimes that generate a bounty include:
Murdering NPCs - Killing innocent NPCs in towns or cities.
Stealing - Picking locks or stealing items in restricted areas.
Vandalism - Destroying property, such as breaking into homes or looting containers that are marked as "stealable."
Trespassing - Entering certain areas where you are not allowed, usually marked as restricted zones.
Once you accumulate enough bounty, NPC guards in the zone you are in will begin to attack you on sight. The higher your bounty, the more aggressive the guards will be. If you do not want to deal with the guards' wrath, it is crucial to remove the bounty as soon as possible.
Methods to Remove a Bounty
There are several methods to clear a bounty in ESO, and each comes with its own advantages and considerations. Let's go over each one:
1. Paying Off the Bounty
One of the most straightforward ways to clear a bounty is to pay it off. This method is simple and works no matter how high your bounty is. To pay off your bounty, follow these steps:
Visit a Fence: Fences are special NPCs found in most major cities and towns throughout Tamriel. These NPCs are typically associated with the Thieves Guild or Dark Brotherhood, and they provide players with a place to sell stolen goods. However, they also offer a service to pay off your bounty.
To find a Fence, go to any of the following locations:
Riften in the Rift
Daggerfall in Daggerfall
Vivec City in Vvardenfell
Elden Root in Grahtwood
Vulkwasten in Orsinium
Select "Pay Off My Bounty": Once you interact with the Fence, choose the "Pay off my bounty" option. You'll be asked to pay a fee based on your current bounty amount.
Small Bounty: The fee will be relatively small, usually only a few hundred gold pieces.
Large Bounty: If you've accumulated a large bounty, the price to pay it off can rise into the thousands of ESO gold.
Confirm the Payment: Once you agree to the fee, your bounty will be cleared, and the guards will no longer be hostile towards you.
This method is the simplest, but it can get expensive if you've committed many crimes.
2. Using the "Bribe" Option
If you're in a city or town and a guard is about to arrest you, you have the option to bribe the guard to let you go. This is similar to paying off the bounty, but you'll only do so with the individual guard who confronts you. It is important to note that this option is only available when your bounty is relatively low, usually under 5000 gold.
Approach the Guard: When a guard confronts you for your crimes, you'll have the option to "Bribe" the guard.
Pay a Small Fee: A bribe usually requires a small payment. The exact amount varies depending on your bounty, but it should not be as high as paying off the entire bounty.
Leave Without a Fight: If you successfully bribe the guard, you can avoid being arrested, and the bounty will be reduced or eliminated.
Bribing is fast, but it's only available for smaller bounties.
3. Fleeing the Area (Escape the Guards)
Another way to deal with a bounty is to flee the area and avoid the guards. This method is a bit trickier, but it can be effective if you're in a position where you can escape.
Here's how it works:
Go to a Different Zone: If you are in a zone with a bounty, and the guards are actively hunting you down, try leaving the zone to reset the situation. Guards won't follow you into different zones.
Hide in a Safe Location: If you don't want to leave the area entirely, you can also try hiding in a place where guards won't find you. This could be behind buildings or inside places like taverns.
Wait for the Bounty to Cool Down: Over time, your bounty will decrease as long as you stay out of sight and avoid being caught by the guards. The wanted level will slowly go down.
This method is free but requires patience and a bit of strategy. Keep in mind that once your bounty reaches a certain threshold, the guards will persistently search for you until it's cleared.
4. Use the "Shroud of Darkness" Skill
If you are a member of the Thieves Guild or Dark Brotherhood, you can use special skills to remove your bounty.
Shroud of Darkness: The Shroud of Darkness ability, available to members of the Thieves Guild, can make you temporarily undetectable, allowing you to sneak past guards and avoid being apprehended. You'll need to have the skill unlocked to use it, but it's a useful tool if you find yourself in a bind.
Dark Brotherhood Skill Line: The Dark Brotherhood also has unique abilities and quests related to clearing bounties. One such method is using the Dark Brotherhood's stealth abilities to avoid guards.
Both of these options come with specific requirements and are ideal for players who specialize in stealth-based characters.
5. Special NPCs and Quests to Remove Bounties
In rare cases, certain NPCs or quests in ESO may allow you to clear your bounty. These methods tend to be more unique and situational but can be helpful in specific storylines. If you are involved in particular quests related to the Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild, there may be opportunities to remove your bounty as part of the quest progression.
In Elder Scrolls Online, having a bounty on your head can be a major inconvenience, especially when NPC guards constantly chase you down. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove or reduce your bounty, whether by paying it off, bribing guards, escaping, using special abilities, or even participating in quests related to the Thieves Guild or Dark Brotherhood. Each method has its advantages and costs, so it's up to you to choose the one that best fits your situation.
Remember that ESO is a game with freedom, and sometimes the path to redemption requires a little gold or a lot of sneaky moves. Whether you're a law-abiding citizen or a notorious criminal, the choice is yours.
MMOexp Elder Scrolls Online Team