Questions from a welcome-back-weekender

I played in the beta and got an invite to try ESO again this weekend.  I'm definitely planning to check it out again, but I have questions.

1.  Is it still true that newbies are on their own?  (In GW2 folks of every level can --and DO-- group up in the newbie zones and everyone gets level appropriate loot and XP.)  What I recall about ESO from the beta was that it was hard to group up with folks above my level.  In fact, if you fell even one level behind your friends you couldn't group with them anymore because the zones were locked.

2.  What build do you recommend for a beginner that has to solo to level?  A link is fine.  I found the build system in beta frustrating since so many upgrades were hidden and you just had to make a guess that the path you chose would be good and hope you got lucky.  For this weekend, I'd honestly prefer to learn the game with a solid cookie cutter build then go back and figure out the nuances later.

3.  What level do I need to be to join in AvA?

4.  Is there a good list somewhere of 'things you wish you knew' when you started ESO?  All those quality of life tips and tricks. 

Thanks!  Hope to see some family on ESO this weekend.

I've found good 'things you wish you knew' here: http://tamrielfoundry.com/topic/general-tips-for-new-or-returning-players/

I haven't played in a while but I patched this morning and was going to try a new character- I made only VR1 on 2 characters before I stopped playing - so I don't know if any of the instancing things were changed (although there are no dynamic levels like in GW2). 

AvA is level 10 iirc 

And if you want cookie cutter builds the tamriel foundry forums are a good place to look although many of those are end game pvp/pve builds.  Mostly with leveling you just want to train all the skills which gives you options later on but makes leveling more about trying all the things with weapons/armor/class skills. This makes it way less frustrating to level say different armor types later on if you decide you want to change up how you are playing.

You can group for many things, but the quests have sections that are phased.

It isn't so much a level difference that matters, as XP and loot is based off you getting in that hit or heal for credit and the mob being in your leveling range (~5 levels below stops giving stuff other than leather mats.)  Players can easily group for most things, and skipping a few quests is not the end of the world (in fact they have made any skipped quests useful at higher levels by increasing XP rewards for low level quests done by high level players with the addition of the champion system.)

Level 10 is correct for AvA.

For simple builds:  it depends on the class and weapon you would like.  General rule of thumb should be that your first 10 character stat points should go into whatever resource stat you want to use (magicka for class skills and staves, stamina for all other weapons.)  Your first 10 skill points should unlock class skills, guild skills, weapon skills, and world skills you want to use/level.  Each class has solid abilities built in, and so does each weapon tree.  There is so much room for growth (I have all my class skills, most of 2 weapons, most of the guild abilities, and every craft fully maxed on my main with skillpoints left over) that you can easily swap builds around some.  If you post the class and/or weapon you want to use, we can offer more information for you.


Starting tips:

Deconstruct spare weaponry.  You get that skill in crafting from it, and almost as much gold.
Avoid provisioning and alchemy to start crafting.  You can easily get these two skills up fast... the others are more work.  *The only exception is if you want the daily quests, at which point these are easy dailies if you can get the cooking recipe drops.  You can use recipe drops without any skill points spent, so you can be ready when you want to cook.*  These are the two most bag space intensive crafts... so you don't have as many inventory issues when avoiding them.
Theft is a solid means of generating income at lower levels.  You can easily earn hundreds of gold in Davon's Watch without worry... which may help you earn those first few bag and bank upgrades.
You can turn on a text copy of what NPCs are saying in your chat window.
Skill points to earn are all over (main zone quests, skyshards, public group delve challenge, levels, and AvA.)
Research is nice for later crafting.  Until VR, you shouldn't have issues with quest and drop gear, although you can always ask for somebody to make a set for you.  Due to set bonuses, leveling may be slightly faster with a set.  For the convenience of crafters who may not have lower level materials, you should stock deconstructed materials for the gear you would want if you are going to want people to craft for you... or have the raw materials to refine for making said gear.
You can upgrade gear at the appropriate crafting station, making it the next rarity quality.  This requires materials which are gained by breaking down rare quality weapons/armor... and potentially sent to you via hirelings in your mail.
Horses are nice, and you can get one at the stables.  New to 1.6 you have to use the collection tab 'default U' and mouseover a horse, then hit 'E' before you can ride it.  Mounting is still 'H' by default after this.  Also, training is now for the character, not the horse... and you can max all three skills to 60.
You now land in the town at the first zone, skipping the starter islands.  Go to the docks to get to the islands if you want.
Heavy attacks restore your stamina/magicka slightly.
Skills level off both XP from kills, and from quest turn ins, based on what you are wearing and what you have on your skill bar.  This means you can level skills (and skill lines) you are not using by having them on your bar.  Additionally, you can have your weapon swap bar at 15 set up with extra skills you wish to level, and merely swap to it when turning in quests.

Of note, when this starts Thursday there have been talks that several people will be grouping up.  You may also find some of us veteran players running low level alts to help people *At least, I was intending to do this some.*  Feel free to talk in guild or RC with us, and to group up with some of the people who are either playing the free weekend or are on low alts to play with you!


Champion stuff (feel free to ignore unless you are curious for now!)--
Also, the champion system will be largely invisible to you, having not played a character to the VR levels on live (CP are only earned at VR levels, but are earned much quicker than VR levels.)  Of note, VR is now XP based rather than VP based, so many more things count to leveling.  The leveling curves seem to have been reduced (I am almost VR3 on an alt less than halfway into the VR2 zone.)  Champion points, if you play longer, are accrued for the account.  Every character on the account has the same number of points to spend, but spends them separately.  There is also a bonus to how fast you earn CP, based upon how long ago you last worked on earning CP.

I really like that I don't have to buy mounts for lowbies if I've already purchased one, but it did take a bit to figure that out \o/

The theft thing I'm still working out but stealing everything not nailed down without getting caught was sort of my favorite part of ES games lol!  So far the changes look pretty nice.  

Once I sorted my bank and bag space alts it looks like provisioning takes a lot less space then it used to as well. Good to know about the recipes as well. Provisioning is the only thing I have at 50 - mostly to get the recipes out of inventory!

From my experience... in the beginning for soloing any build works.  I have tried all the classes so play what sounds like fun - for the first 20 levels it's not a big deal.   But, yes, there are quite a few builds out there that folks have come up with so do read through them as suggested and maybe you'll want to work towards one of them.  I can't tell you how many times I've died in AvA but it is A LOT... and it won't matter what build you have.  Yet, if you are having fun with your class then it doesn't seem to matter - at least to me.  As an example... I die a lot less on my Nightblade but I have a lot more fun on my Sorc... play what is fun you'll always enjoy the game more.   FWIW - a lot of people like to be vampires and werewolves... so that is another option to think about.

JOIN THE GUILD!!!  This won't be automatic - input your ESO user ID into your profile  -the @name - and request an invite.   If you know someone that is in the game at the same time as you who is in the guild - have them check to see if an elder is on - they can send you a temp invite which will get you communicating with the guild and you won't feel alone.  This way you can also ask any questions you might have in guild chat.

Thanks for all the awesome answers and tips.   I have a little reading to do but it should be fun!

Two more questions:

1. do I need to roll on a specific server, or a specific race>  I just don't remember how that part worked.

2. what does "VR" stand for?  I see it in lots of ESO articles, but none of them define it.

Thanks!

Ugh, never mind.   I just spent a couple hours reading about classes and builds and I'm far more confused than I was before.  I think it will probably take me all weekend just to understand the character system well enough to choose a class.   Doesn't seem like a wise way to spend my time.

Again, thanks for your time and thoughtful answers but I don't think I'm cut out for a game with this much complexity.  :(

North american server > Ebonheart Pact > Any race you wish.

VR stands for Veteran Rank. (50 and vr1 are the same. Veteran ranks go until vr14)

Lakshmi, I believe the game is much more simpler then people sometime give it out to be, in their article and videos.  In fact, you can make it as simple OR as complex as you wish it to be.

In reality, all classes can play the build of your choice. Do you wish to be a sorcerer wielding lighting and storm? A DragonKnight pulling mobs with fiery chains? A Nightblade leaping at your enemy from shadow? A templar throwing aedric spears at your foes and self healing along the way?

So, here is the main things to know for you to have an AWESOME WEEK-END OF ESO MADNESS!

1. Ebonheart Pact is the faction Gaiscioch is with.

2. Any race will do, really! (Yes, every race has bonuses specific to them, but every race is playable as any type of class, built, etc. )

3. Choose one of the 4 classes:

- Dragon Knight (Lots of fire based class skills, traditionally used as tank but can play any role you wish.)

- Sorcerer (Storm and lightning based class skills, as well as the ability to summon daedric pets to fight for you.  Can do any role you wish.)

- Templar ( Light/Sun and healing based class skills, can play any role you wish.)

- Nightblade ( Shadow and health sapping based class skills, can play any role you wish.)

4. Once you start leveling, you can put the attributes wherever you wish, keeping in mind you will eventually need to compensate for some of the skills, with enchantments, food buffs, potions, etc.

5. Skill points: There is no wrong way to use them. The game contain enough through itself, but as a general advice, I would say to put the first few to unlock the 3 skill classes, as well as the fighter guild and mage guild (intimidation and persuasion).

6. You can use whatever armor you wish. The more pieces of one kind, the more a bonus you usually can get, once you put points in the armor skill tree.

7. Any weapon you wish to use is viable and will level up as you use it and keep it equipped to turn in quests.

8. Do NOT underestimate the power of blocking! 

9. Raidcall always has players eager to help:), run groups or even one on one to help family members. Guild chat is awesome that way as well!

10. There is nothing but the alliance, race and base class, that is set in stone. Everything else can be modified as you wish along the way. Trust me, there is no need to over-think this.  Just set yourself the goal, to get in the game to have fun!  Cause trust me, IT IS alot of fun:)!

Anyhow, you know what is best for you, but I do hope to see you around:).

VR is vet ranks.

The North America (NA) server is the one you would want.  EP races are Nord, Argonian, and Dark Elf.  These will be your default options to play with the majority of the guild.  *Imperial edition allows any race should you decide to upgrade, but start with one of those three!*

Honestly, looking at builds is silly when you are starting out.  Instead of focusing on that, just pick up a weapon, take some class skills, and go.  Don't get into the super complexity.  ESO is designed so that you can do anything you want, and it will pretty much work.  *To a point, if you put all your character stats into stamina, and use a magic based build, you won't do so well.*

The game itself isn't that complex, especially to start off... but looking at builds can feel like it!

It's the explorers pack, not the Imperial edition that allows all races anywhere, but you will know what races you can play in ebonhart pact with your set up when you go to chose one.  I think for now I would go for one thing and just run with it.  I've done like 10 different builds in this game and I have FIVE that made it to 40 and above.  I know if the toon is going to work out by the time I hit 20 for sure, a lot of times earlier.

So it looks complex but can be downright simple too.  Pick any race you can play in EP that looks like something you can stand looking at.  Pick one of 4 classes and just have fun winging it because for the most part it will work.  ::chuckles::

And I do have a lowbie or two that can run around with you to help.  One of them is still in the very start of Stonefalls so not even 10 yet that I will gladly run with anyone wanting help during the freebie time.  =)  I might even remake one to go from scratch if need be.  I got one or two I wouldn't mind doing that on in my 8 slots LOL

So a lot of my build anxiety come from my beta experience.  I picked sorcerer, and I wasn't able to keep up with the pack, leveling-wise.  It was weaker-than-average, and I had to drop my group because everyone else leveled past me into areas I couldn't follow to yet.  That left me soloing alone on my weak class.  It took me an entire beta weekend (about 15 hours of playtime) to reach 10 level.  I had 1 hour at the very end of Beta to run around AvA.

Or maybe sorcerer wasn't weaker, maybe I just picked wrong when all those choices came at me.   You guys SAY it's simple, but I bet you already know what the right and wrong choices are from playing the game.

I'm just looking for a solid set of BASIC choices.  I don't care if I like the class or playstyle.  I don't care about end game.   I don't care about having to reroll if I buy the game.  I just don't want it to be so painfully slow.

My vote, Templar with emphasis on magicka.  The 1st skill you can use (Biting Jabs) aka pokie, pokie, is viable as an end game skill, good damage, some AOE, and later some self heals.  Pick a skill from the other 2 lines, pick a weapon line (i like resto/sword and board)....you will be able to quest 3-5 levels above yours.

It's an idea, but truly you can play any class anyway you want and be successful, focus on having fun.  Ya get stuck somewhere or want an assist with a world Boss, give a shout, there are lots of helpful folks playing that will jump at the chance to assist.

The game is way easier than it was during beta, too.  A lot of things have been tweaked for ease of play, but still enough fun challenge.  This is why we keep saying don't sweat it and go with trying something despite one beta weekend.  The game has changed enough since then that remembering that is not really worth it.

Quests are the same - the whole start a new character phasing - DIFFERENT.  The streamlined the initial tutorial of Coldharbor and added a lot more good helpful tips and things into the mix to help players know the game.  I only figured this out because I made a new toon early last week.  

I have two different sorc styles I play that are both viable in the current state of the game.  I did die more on the "Glass Cannon" build, but I had a blast.  This build I went with storm calling and made sure I had the first daedric pet and upgraded it to a Clannfear when I could.  I ran with a destruction staff.  I added resto staff at 15.  This one is hanging around at VR5 atm.  I run light armor only.  The point of this one is to have the clannfear as a bit of a tanking distraction while she blasts the snot of things.

The other build that I have is more of a tanky setup with a 2H sword.  This one is in full heavy armor.  She uses only the dark magic line and her 2H primarily.  I do have a little work done with resto staff and the use of a daedric pet, chose to upgrade it to the one that blows up causing damage when it dies rather than the clannfear.  However, that is mostly when I'm in a super 'OH NO' moment.  She was mostly soloed, but has done the group dungeons and some map clear events with the family.  The point of this build was crowd control and be in their face beating on them with a sword mode.  This one is 5 levels higher than the area she is on due to me being a completionist and having MOST of the 4 man dungeons done on her already.

Templar is also a good build and one I've actually played the most since I was that more often than not in testing and my first live toon was Briseadh as a Nord Templar.  Had to go that way, fits with how Briseadh has been formed in almost every MMO I ever used the name in.  I pretty much worked on building up all three parts of her class line and went 2H on her.  Later for grouping only I made a full heal build, which defiitely kills NOTHING, but keeps parties alive in dungeons and trials.

Nightblade I tend to go duel wield and bow combo.  Still feeling around which things I like better from the three class lines, but pretty much wind up with a mix of three.  The one thing I noticed with the nightblade is it is lower in AOE, but popping to bow for such things worked well.

I have gotten past Molag Bal with a Templar, Nightblade and the "Glass Cannon" Sorc.  The tanky sorc is going to be there shortly.

Hope this helps.  Tried to keep it simple as to what I did on various classes.  I can't say much on Dragon Knight as I don't play that one much and he's stuck at L16 still collecting dust.  ::chuckles::  

My bigger issue I have found when trying to get used to the game is the difference in how you must control the game and trying to find the 'happy' setup due to my disability.  If you are used to GW2, the amount of skills you can use at once will be somewhat similar, but the how you move and do things will be a lot different feeling.  I think that is the bigger hurdle, but once you get that most things will flow pretty easy.

For Sorc, should you want to play it:

Get the class skills.  You don't need to focus on the weapon skills early on, but I would suggest you unlock and level both staff skill sets.  (Restoration staff can help a lot, because you can only use healing spells while holding one.)
You can move while casting, and at early levels you should target with Crystal Missiles and cast, then repeat while slowly backing away.  You can, when pulling two enemies, alternate which one you attack for the knockdown, which keeps them at range.  You really don't need much of anything else, other than the weapon attacks, early on.  Also add in the Mage's Fury from Stormcaller for a finisher.
Place most of your points in Magicka.  Place some in health so you won't die as often if you would like.
For really tough fights, use a light staff attack and block while your pets take agro.  They can be used to help whittle away an enemy while you move and hide, so that you can re-summon them while not getting hit.
With both pets (when you get them,) crystal missiles, mage's fury, and a healing spell you have a full bar.  This build can easily take you through any questing content in the game.

Thanks guys, these suggestions help a LOT.  I'm especially relieved to hear the new player experience is so much improved since beta.  OMG, that was such a slog!

I have the game downloaded and patched now, so I'm giving it a try tomorrow morning.  Thanks for all you info and reassurances :)

If you also load RaidCall and come into the Elder Scrolls Channel Lobby there are peeps that can answer questions or help out with bosses.  I can't talk for the others but i do bite.......

if you want too be a Werewolf or a Vampire LOL

North american server > Ebonheart Pact > Any race you wish

I could use some pointers, as well. I participated in some of the Beta, at least, but I don't recall much except for being somewhat frustrated. Similar to Lakshmi, I remember a lot of falling behind, and soloing. I also recall a lot of running long distances, and never being at the right level for the area in which i found myself.

Unlike Lakshmi, I don't recall which classes I tried. I could use some pointers here. My best frame of reference is GW1/2, where i find that I prefer casters, healing and DPS. I am not a glass cannon kind of person. I was looking through the classes, and I don't know that I see which class might fit the bill.

If anyone could provide some guidance, I would be grateful. 

Cyvil:

The exact same advice offered applies.  If you like healing, consider Templar, although any class can heal with the staff Templars get some class skills that offer more variety.  Of note there is one AoE heal and the ultimate heal which Staff based healers will lack.

Templar or Sorc are going to be your classes with more of a caster feeling.  Any class can feel somewhat caster-like, with skills from the Mages guild and Destruction staff.

To avoid complete glass cannon while playing caster style, wear a piece of medium, and maybe 2 of heavy armor.  Assign a few of your points to health, some to magicka.

For more advice, ask in guild or RC with specific questions.

Finally, look for those of us who will note that we are playing alts.  We have a number of people specifically with low level alts to quest with welcome back weekenders!

Ack!  Forgot all about mentioning to join the RC channel - so glad Eiahn did. 

Bris is a heck of a sorc and a wealth of info and she is so right about having at least two builds for your class - not only does it make it a hell of a lot of fun... but I have found that while one build can clear certain mobs without an issue another set just might eat you alive - really some of the inhabitants of this would like to eat us.  But change it up a bit and you can then hold your own against them. 

I had a sword and board sorc for a awhile (well she actually still exists I just turned her into my crafter) and she was pretty amazing against most things - reflecting spells, charging in while in lightning form....  as I stated earlier - if you have fun that is the most important.  I just love calling down lighting and zapping people.  I also use a frost staff while many use the fire... but frost staff lets me freeze people in place for a sec or two and as Bris stated, for soloing the pet is quite useful.    With the changes to the armors they made recently I have gone full cloth - and while I'm kind of a glass canon I also carry a healing staff which helps with survivability - and once you can carry two weapons whole new worlds open up.

I wanted to thank everyone for last nights rampage. I would be more specific, but everything was such a whirlwind that I don't remember much. I am planning to try playing again, alone, such that I can get my controls laid out. I was fat fingering consistently, as well as trying to use the mouse to move. That "mouse to move" error, is caused by my GW2 habits, and caused me to pull a boss too soon when simply trying to wander around.

Another example is hitting the wrong key first, hitting the right key next, resulting in me stealing something from a back pack in front of the town gate. not 30-seconds later, a guard wanders over and ask a question. He didn't like my answer.....

So far my only frustration with the game is related to my key mapping and GW2 muscle memory. I use a logitech game pad, and the GW2 key mapping just doesn't work well with TESO.  I hope to get that straightened out tonight. Let the fun continue!

Glad you are enjoying!  If you do have questions, let us know!  (Also, stealing is great for money, but you need to do it right!)