The Best Quests in The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is an expansive MMORPG set in the rich and detailed world of Tamriel. The game has captivated millions of players with its immersive world-building, dynamic combat, and deep lore. One of the most compelling aspects of ESO is its extensive array of quests, which range from epic, multi-part storylines to smaller, more personal tales that offer rich narrative experiences. While there are hundreds of quests scattered throughout the game's vast continents, some stand out as truly unforgettable, offering profound storylines, fascinating characters, and impactful choices.
In this article, we'll explore the best quests in The Elder Scrolls Online—the quests that have left a lasting impact on players, enriched the world of Tamriel, and showcased the game's storytelling prowess. Whether you're a new player just starting out or a veteran looking to revisit some of ESO's finest moments, this guide will highlight the most memorable and rewarding quests in the game.
1. The Main Story Questline
Before diving into some of ESO's side stories, it's important to mention the overarching Main Story Questline that binds the different factions together. The three starting alliances in ESO—the Aldmeri Dominion, Daggerfall Covenant, and Ebonheart Pact—each have their own unique storylines, but all share the central narrative of confronting the dangers of Molag Bal, the Daedric Prince of Domination.
Why It's Great:
Epic scope: The Main Storyline offers a grand, sweeping narrative that spans all of Tamriel, as players join forces with the allies of their respective factions to prevent Molag Bal from merging the realms of Oblivion and Tamriel.
Impactful choices: While the main story is linear, it's filled with moments where players are faced with decisions that impact the course of the game.
Immersive storytelling: The main quest not only offers a deep dive into the world of Tamriel but also introduces players to a cast of intriguing characters, some of whom become central figures throughout the rest of the game.
The final chapters of the main quest offer an unforgettable confrontation with Molag Bal, and the journey across Tamriel to stop his plans is one of the most epic questlines in MMORPGs.
2. The Dark Brotherhood Questline
The Dark Brotherhood questline in ESO is a compelling and sinister tale that plunges players into the world of assassination, betrayal, and deception. As a member of the Dark Brotherhood, players are tasked with completing various contracts that involve eliminating high-profile targets across Tamriel.
Why It's Great:
Morally ambiguous choices: The Dark Brotherhood questline is filled with morally complex decisions. You'll often be forced to choose between following orders or acting with your own sense of justice. The theme of choice versus loyalty plays a significant role in the narrative.
Fascinating characters: From Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, to the eccentric and unsettling listener, the questline features a cast of characters that are as intriguing as they are dangerous.
The dark atmosphere: The quests are set in some of the darkest and most atmospheric locations in ESO, providing a truly immersive experience as you carry out your assignments.
The Dark Brotherhood questline is one of the most memorable in ESO for players who enjoy a more morally gray path, full of intrigue and dark deeds. It's a must-play for those who enjoy the subversive nature of assassins and the thrill of being a part of a secretive society.
3. The Thieves Guild Questline
For those who prefer a life of stealth, cunning, and treasure hunting, the Thieves Guild questline offers a perfect alternative. Players will rise through the ranks of the infamous guild, taking on a variety of heists, robberies, and underground operations in the city of Abah's Landing and beyond.
Why It's Great:
Mastering the art of thievery: The Thieves Guild questline teaches players how to be a master of stealth, persuasion, and thievery. It allows for creative approaches to solving problems and completing objectives—often without being detected by enemies.
Engaging narrative: The story is full of twists and turns, focusing on the rebuilding of the Thieves Guild, encountering corrupt politicians, and overcoming rival factions. The narrative itself is gripping and filled with unexpected developments.
Character development: Key figures such as Mercer Frey and Mephala add layers of intrigue, betrayal, and ambition to the story. These characters are not only memorable, but they also affect the overall progression of the guild.
The Thieves Guild questline in ESO is an excellent choice for players who enjoy stealth mechanics and the feeling of being part of a notorious group working from the shadows.
4. The Vampire Lord Questline (Reaper's March)
Vampiresin The Elder Scrolls series have always been fascinating, and ESO offers one of the best quests to become a Vampire Lord in its Reaper's March storyline. As you venture into the realm of the undead, you will encounter a vampire lord who seeks to turn you into a powerful creature of the night.
Why It's Great:
Immersive lore: ESO dives deep into the dark lore of vampirism, exploring the ancient bloodlines, their struggles, and the power they wield. This questline provides a rich history that ties into the broader world of Tamriel.
Powers of the Vampire Lord: As part of the questline, you'll unlock new abilities and powers unique to the Vampire Lord, allowing you to access powerful new gameplay mechanics.
Atmosphere: The environments in Reaper's March and the quests surrounding vampirism are eerie and full of foreboding. It's an atmospheric questline, perfect for fans of the supernatural and dark fantasy.
The vampire-themed questline is perfect for players who enjoy embracing the darker side of Tamriel, giving them not only powerful abilities but also access to a fascinating and tragic storyline.
5. The Shalidor's Library Questline
For those who enjoy lore and exploration, Shalidor's Library in the game's Wrothgar zone is one of the best and most rewarding questlines. It's a collection of quests that revolves around an ancient mage, Shalidor, and his lost library of magical knowledge. The quests take you through a variety of ancient ruins, crypts, and libraries, uncovering powerful artifacts and arcane knowledge.
Why It's Great:
Hidden lore: This questline is perfect for lore enthusiasts. It digs deep into the hidden aspects of Tamriel's magical history and explores ancient civilizations long forgotten by most.
Engaging puzzles: Some of the quests involve solving puzzles and deciphering clues, which adds a level of intellectual challenge that differentiates it from more traditional combat-focused quests.
Unique rewards: As you explore and complete the questline, you'll gain access to powerful books, spells, and even the ability to summon unique allies to help you on your journey.
This questline appeals especially to those who enjoy discovery and unlocking hidden knowledge, offering a more cerebral experience in ESO.
6. The Clockwork City Questline
The Clockwork City is one of the most unique and fascinating zones in ESO. Created by the brilliant and eccentric Sotha Sil, the Clockwork City is a mechanical marvel that houses ancient secrets, forgotten knowledge, and a sprawling series of quests. The Clockwork City DLC features an exciting storyline that dives deep into the strange and wondrous world of machines and automation.
Why It's Great:
Unique setting: The Clockwork City itself is unlike any other location in Tamriel. Its mechanical, clockwork nature makes it feel like an entirely different world. The setting itself is one of the most visually unique in the game.
Sotha Sil's genius: Players get to unravel the mysteries behind the enigmatic Sotha Sil, one of the Tribunal gods, and his complex creations. The storyline explores his philosophy, his obsession with perfection, and the hidden dangers in his experiments.
Combat and puzzles: The quests in the Clockwork City often involve a combination of combat and solving intricate puzzles, keeping players engaged with a mix of challenges.
For players who enjoy stories that combine high fantasy with steampunk-like elements, the Clockwork City questline is a must-do.
7. The Orsinium Questline
The Elder Scrolls Online's Orsinium expansion introduces players to the Orcish culture, offering a deeply emotional questline that explores the history and struggles of the Orcs. The quests here involve rebuilding the city of Orsinium, dealing with ancient enemies, and confronting internal struggles within Orc society.
Why It's Great:
Cultural depth: The Orsinium questline delves into Orc history, their relationship with other races, and their internal challenges. It gives players a rare, in-depth look into the lives of Orcs in Tamriel.
Emotional stakes: The story is emotional and deals with issues of exile, identity, and the desire for respect in a world that often dismisses the Orcs as mere savages.
Compelling characters: The characters you encounter, especially King Kurog, are memorable and add depth to the story. Their struggles and triumphs resonate on a personal level.
The Orsinium questline is perfect for those who enjoy emotionally charged stories with a heavy focus on culture, history, and identity.
Conclusion
The Elder Scrolls Online offers a rich tapestry of stories that cater to a wide variety of playstyles and preferences. Whether you're drawn to the dark intrigue of the Dark Brotherhood, the morally complex world of the Thieves Guild, or the epic scope of the Main Story Quest, ESO's questlines provide hours of captivating content. Completing these quests will reward you with a large amount of Elder Scrolls Online Gold and items. These quests not only shape the world of Tamriel but also leave a lasting impact on players, allowing them to immerse themselves in one of the most well-crafted online RPGs available today.
If you're looking to dive deeper into the heart of Tamriel and experience some of the best quests ESO has to offer, you won't be disappointed with any of these choices. Each one provides an unforgettable journey into the world of The Elder Scrolls Online.
MMOexp Elder Scrolls Online Team