Restarting ESO

Malyore · May 8

I've played ESO on Sony for years, and I intend to still main it on console. But I recently got ESO on PC as well so I could play with more folks. In doing so I've found an interesting experience for myself. By completely starting over and only having access to the base game, the game has began to feel more alive, more down to Nirn.

I'm not torrenting through the overland at mach 10 on a mount, instead I have to walk and I hear the sounds of the volcanoes in the distance of stonefalls, or I hear the birds in a the woods of auridon. I have to actually react to combat mechanics and fight to survive. Even NPC interactions feel detailed. I saw an argonian woodchopper say a prayer before he began to chop wood, which is a wonderful detail for a hist worshiping fellow to do.
I feel like by starting over in this way has helped the game feel more like an elder scrolls game. It feels less rushed or grind focused. There also feels like some more spice to interactions, as the dialogue for the NPC who gives you a free apartment made me laugh by giving a fun dialogue option.

I think because of the graphical differences and ease of content, most people really distaste the base game. Myself included for a time. But this has helped me relearn to appreciate it. In comparison, when I went into IA, it felt almost completely different. I think it was that feeling of an infinite grind. I'm not sure really.

Just felt like sharing that experience. Especially that argonian woodchopper, that was so cool haha.

Tandor · May 8

Glad you're enjoying it, I think a lot of players find a new lease of life when they start over on a new platform or server, less so on an extra account unless they discipline themselves not to mail gold and stuff to it from an original account.

I also think you hit the nail on the head when you say you're not racing everywhere on a mount or grinding. If more people - new and old players alike - focused on the journey rather than the destination they might be surprised to find how much more they enjoyed it.

Lixiviant · May 8

I agree with you. I've started over on the PS5 EU server, and I'm actually enjoying the game from a fresh point of view. I've taken what I've learned on the NA server as far as character creation and builds, and having a blast with it.

furiouslog · May 8

Nice post, OP. It's great to sometimes stop and smell the Murkmire trap plants.

Araneae6537 · May 8

I’m having a similar experience playing on another server.

Not that I didn’t enjoy many quests and characters along the way, but all the DLC quest NPCs! I had no idea about this starting out, and expected quest givers to sort of guide along the way with main story and local side quests, but these of course send you off to something else entirely. I’m sooo glad ZOS finally fixed this, especially for new players.

I do enjoy the change of pace, even the additional challenge of not having my conveniences, and taking things slowly, even getting those achievements afresh. But the main thing is experiencing the richness of the game world.