The Elder Scrolls Online offers a wide range of Player versus Environment (PvE) content. From the easiest normal difficulty dungeons to the challenging Veteran Hard Mode trials, there’s something for every level of player. Players can choose a dungeon or trial from the group finder tool or queue system, where they are matched with three or eleven other players to tackle challenging content. Dungeons generally feature a linear path with a boss fight at the end, while trials are larger and more complex instances with multiple bosses and mechanics to overcome.
For those seeking a casual PvE experience, normal difficulty dungeons are a great starting point. A group is composed of one tank, one healer, and two damage dealers. Tanks are responsible for mitigating damage directed at the group and holding the boss’s attention, while healers ensure the group stays alive and buff their teammates. Damage dealers focus on dealing as much damage to the boss as possible, and interrupts and crowd-control abilities when necessary. Trials also offer a normal difficulty option, which provides a less punishing experience with reduced boss health and damage output.
For more experienced players, Veteran difficulty dungeons and trials offer a more challenging experience and better rewards. However, this type of content requires a higher level of coordination and teamwork. Veteran dungeons feature more difficult boss mechanics and trash mobs, while Veteran trials introduce additional challenges such as enrage timers, adds, and puzzles. Completing Veteran content will reward players with better gear and achievements, and is a great way to test their skills and work as a team.
Adventures in the Public Dungeons
Public Dungeons are instanced areas that can be accessed by any player. They are a great way to experience some of ESO’s group content without having to find a group or commit to a long dungeon run.
Public Dungeons are typically filled with enemies that are slightly more challenging than those you would find in the overworld. However, they are still designed to be accessible to players of all levels. In addition to enemies, Public Dungeons also contain various puzzles and challenges. Solving these puzzles and challenges will often reward you with loot or experience points.
Clearing out the Grounds
The first step to completing a Public Dungeon is to clear out the grounds, this involves killing all of the enemies in the entrance area. This is usually a relatively straightforward task, as the enemies in this area are usually not very strong. Once you have cleared out the grounds, you will be able to proceed to the main part of the Public Dungeon.
The main part of the Public Dungeon is usually a more challenging area than the grounds. The enemies in this area are typically stronger, and there are often more of them. You will also encounter more puzzles and challenges in this area. If you are struggling to complete the main part of the Public Dungeon, you can always ask for help from other players in zone chat or join a group finder and ask for help there
Defeating the Main Boss
The main goal of a Public Dungeon is to defeat the main boss. The main boss is usually the strongest enemy in the Dungeon, and they will often have special abilities that you will need to be aware of. To defeat the main boss, you will need to work together with your group to coordinate your attacks and strategies.
Once you have defeated the main boss, you will be rewarded with loot and experience points. The loot that you receive will vary depending on the Public Dungeon that you completed and the difficulty level that you played on.
| Dungeon | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Delve |
Small amount of gold, potions, crafting materials |
| Public Dungeon |
Slightly more gold, potions, crafting materials, equipment |
| Group Dungeon (Normal) |
Good amount of gold, potions, crafting materials, equipment, set item |
| Group Dungeon (Veteran) |
Large amount of gold, potions, crafting materials, equipment, set item, monster helm |
| Trial (Normal) |
Very large amount of gold, potions, crafting materials, equipment, monster helm, trial item |
| Trial (Veteran) |
Massive amount of gold, potions, crafting materials, equipment, monster helm, perfected trial item, skin, title |
Arena Battles: Solo vs. Merciless Hordes
In the heart of Tamriel’s bustling cities lie the Arenas, where warriors of all creeds gather to test their mettle against formidable adversaries. These solo or group-based challenges offer an adrenaline-pumping experience that will test your skills and endurance.
Solo Arenas for the Lone Adventurer
For those who prefer the thrill of combat without relying on others, Solo Arenas provide an unparalleled opportunity to prove your worth. These arenas pit you against waves of increasingly challenging enemies, each with unique abilities and strategies that will push you to your limits.
Merciless Mines: A Team-Based Gauntlet
Merciless Mines is a group-based arena where players team up to navigate through treacherous mineshafts infested with relentlessly vicious hordes. Communication and coordination are crucial as you face off against relentless waves of goblins, spiders, and even Daedric minions. The final boss, the Shadowmaster, will test your teamwork and resolve like never before.
Maelstrom Arena: The Ultimate Solo Test
Considered the pinnacle of solo arena challenges, Maelstrom Arena is designed for seasoned veterans seeking an unparalleled test of skill. This arena consists of nine increasingly difficult stages, each featuring unique environments, traps, and formidable adversaries. The final stage pits you against the Executioner, a powerful boss who will put your combat prowess to the ultimate test.
| Arena | Recommended Level | Difficulty | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Arena | 10+ | Moderate | Gear, gold, Gladiator’s Proof |
| Merciless Mines | 30+ | Hard | Gear, gold, Merciless Charger mount |
| Maelstrom Arena | CP 160+ | Very Hard | Unique weapons, Master Crafter Writs |
Delves: Challenging Group Experiences
Delves are dungeon-like instances designed for groups of four players. They offer a challenging and rewarding experience with unique bosses, puzzles, and loot. Delves can be found all over Tamriel, and they vary in difficulty from easy to veteran. Veteran delves are recommended for experienced players with well-equipped characters.
Progression and Rewards
As players complete delves, they will earn experience points, gold, and loot. The loot from delves includes a variety of items, including weapons, armor, jewelry, and crafting materials. Players can also find rare and unique items that are only available in delves.
Group Roles
In order to successfully complete a delve, players will need to work together and fill specific roles. These roles include:
- Tank: The tank’s job is to protect the group from damage by taunting enemies and absorbing their attacks.
- Healer: The healer’s job is to keep the group alive by healing their wounds and restoring their resources.
- Damage Dealer: The damage dealer’s job is to kill enemies quickly and efficiently.
- Support: The support player’s job is to provide buffs and debuffs to the group, and to help control the flow of battle.
Recommended Delves for Beginners
The following delves are a good starting point for players who are new to group content:
| Delve | Location | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Banished Cells | Reaper’s March | Easy |
| Bleakrock Isle | Stros M’Kai | Easy |
| Coldharbour Delve | Coldharbour | Normal |
Cyrodiil PVE: Unconventional Warfare in the Imperial City
The Streets of the Imperial City
The Imperial City, once the heart of the Empire, is now a war-torn battlefield locked in a perpetual state of conflict between the three alliances. While most players flock to Cyrodiil for large-scale PvP battles, there are unique PvE opportunities to be found within the Imperial City’s chaotic streets.
Unconventional Warfare
Unlike traditional PvE content in ESO, the Imperial City offers a more dynamic and unpredictable experience. Players must adapt to the ever-changing battlefield, navigating treacherous streets and facing off against powerful enemies from all three alliances.
Sewers and Dungeons
Beneath the Imperial City’s surface lies a labyrinth of sewers and dungeons teeming with deadly creatures. Players can explore these hidden depths in search of loot, rare equipment, and hidden bosses. The Imperial City Prison, in particular, offers a challenging dungeon experience with unique mechanics and boss fights.
Boss Battles
Scattered throughout the Imperial City are numerous boss fights, ranging from mundane guards to fearsome Daedric champions. These encounters provide a significant challenge and offer valuable rewards, including rare items and powerful gear sets.
Public Dungeons
The Imperial City features two public dungeons: the White-Gold Tower and Imperial Sewers. These areas are home to powerful enemies and offer a more structured PvE experience than the open streets. Players can team up with others to complete objectives and earn rewards.
Tel Var Stones
Tel Var Stones are a unique currency earned in Cyrodiil. Players can collect these stones by killing enemies, capturing resources, and completing objectives. Tel Var Stones can be used to purchase gear, consumables, and other valuable items from the Imperial City’s merchants.
The Siege
Once per week, a siege event occurs in the Imperial City, where one alliance attempts to conquer the district of the Colovian Estate. Players can participate in the siege as either attackers or defenders, earning rewards and glory for their contributions.
Imperial City District Quests
The Imperial City offers a series of district quests that provide an immersive PvE experience. These quests involve exploring the different districts, completing objectives, and interacting with unique NPCs.
Rewards
Completing PvE content in the Imperial City rewards players with a variety of loot, including valuable gear sets, weapons, and crafting materials. Players can also earn Tel Var Stones, which can be used to purchase unique items and upgrades.
| Reward | Source |
|---|---|
| Powerful Gear Sets | Boss Fights, Public Dungeons |
| Rare Weapons | Chests, Dungeons |
| Crafting Materials | Resource Nodes, Enemies |
| Tel Var Stones | Enemies, Objectives |
| Unique Items | Imperial City Merchants |
Best PvE Content in ESO
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is known for its vast and diverse PvE content, ranging from dungeons and group content to solo questing and exploration. Each type of content provides unique rewards, challenges, and experiences, making it difficult to definitively determine the "best" PvE content. However, based on popularity and player feedback, here are some of the top PvE content options in ESO:
**Dungeons:** ESO features a wide variety of dungeons, both solo and group-based, offering various challenges and rewards. Dungeons are typically shorter than other PvE content, making them suitable for quick gameplay sessions or farming specific gear or items. Some of the most popular dungeons include:
- Blackreach Delves
- Fang Lair
- Scalecaller Peak
**Group Content:** For players who enjoy cooperating with others, ESO offers several group-based PvE activities. These include:
- **Trials:** Trials are challenging group dungeons designed for 12 players. They require coordination, strategy, and a high level of skill to complete. Trials offer unique rewards, such as powerful gear, titles, and mounts.
- **Arenas:** Arenas are fast-paced group battles against waves of enemies. They are perfect for players who enjoy a competitive and action-packed experience. Arenas offer gear and rewards that can be earned through participation and leaderboards.
- **World Bosses:** World bosses are powerful creatures found in the open world of ESO. Defeating world bosses grants rewards such as gear, crafting materials, and rare items.
**Solo PvE Content:** For players who prefer to adventure alone, ESO offers solo questing, exploration, and public dungeons. These activities can be done at your own pace and provide opportunities to earn experience, gold, and other rewards.
**Overland:** The vast overland regions of ESO are filled with quests, events, and various activities. Exploring and completing quests in these areas can lead to discoveries, rewards, and a sense of accomplishment.
Ultimately, the best PvE content in ESO depends on your individual preferences and playstyle. Whether you prefer group dungeons, solo questing, or competitive arenas, there is something for everyone in this diverse and immersive MMORPG.
