New to ESO (PS4) and MMORPG - How to Play w/o Social/Multiplayer Aspect

seano287 · June 2015

Hi all,

I'm new to ESO, and MMORPG's in general. I played SWTOR for a few months last year, but didn't think it was very fun. Just very tedious.

I loved the last 2 Elder Scrolls games, so I bought this one as soon as it came out for PS4. It's been so far, but the multi-player aspects are kind of annoying. Dozens are players running around in small areas, people on mic arguing with each other.

So, I have a couple questions:

1. Is it possible to play this game, and enjoy it, without participating in the multiplayer aspects?

2. How do I join a guild, and will this help me enjoy the multiplayer?

3. Which types of missions am I supposed to team up with other players on?

4. What are good ways to find and meet other players to team up with?

Also, just a question about money: How am I ever supposed to be able to afford a horse? I'm at level 10 now and the most coin I've ever had at one time is $2,000.

Thanks in advance!

JJBaboon · June 2015

I can answer most of these questions with my own experiences, but some people will answer differently.

1. It is absolutely possible to disregard the multiplayer experience and just play solo. With the exception of the group dungeons the entire story line of the game can be completed solo. It can be more challenging, depending on your class and skill level, but it is entirely possible. If you truly want to avoid the multiplayer aspects entirely then a few tips would be to mute player voices in options so you don't hear them, disregard mail and invites from other players, and just go on about your adventure. There is so much to do in the game and you can do a lot of it by yourself.

2. Once you reach level 10 you can create a guild of your own, but you can join guilds at any level. Players just need to go to their guild and there is an option to add players using your name (not your characters name but you account name). Keep in mind you can be in 5 different guilds and when you join a guild with one toon, all of your toons will be in the same guild. I would definitely say that guilds are an excellent way to increase your enjoyment of the multiplayer experience, but it may take some time to find a guild that fits you. Ask around. When you join, look for players who share your interests or have rules that appeal to you such as language or harassment policies, or are mature or role play based. There are tons of different guilds so just keep looking until you find the one that works for you, and I assure you it will greatly increase your enjoyment of the game as a whole.

3. The main storyline and all of the quests in the game can be completed on your own. Even the public dungeons anyone can enter can be done alone provided their aren't other players in the dungeon while you are. The only content that is really somewhat restricted to multiplayer is the group dungeons which you likely will struggle to do on your own, the dark anchors which will be tedious when you are in the same level range as the anchor, some of the end game content, and pvp which is obviously multiplayer-centered although even pvp you could go it alone.

4. This question is hard to answer. Trial and error is about the only real proven method. As I stated in answer #2, guilds can be a good way to gather people with similar interests and feelings about gameplay and this is probably a good starting point. Meeting people one on one can work, just keep your mic on and see who's out there. You can always mute or ignore people if they offend you or cause you grief. Lastly I would say to take to the forums (probably the guild recruitment section) and make a small post there about what kind of gamer you are and what you want to get out of the game and see if you can find some like minded people and make your own guild or join theirs if they have one.

That is about it. Don't let anyone discourage you from playing the game if you don't want to socialize. There is plenty of solo content for Elder Scrolls fans, and you should play the way you like. Personally I like the multiplayer aspects but do whatever makes the game fun for you.

Sixsixsix161 · June 2015

I've been playing for a little over two weeks and am already over 13K gold.

You just have to go out and mine ore and wood and use WTS in chat to sell it, and then COD/mail it to the other player. You can mail stuff from anywhere. Also, pick up everything you can and sell it to NPC traders. It slows the game down a little for you to stop and do all that, but if you're in a big hurry - like a lot of players seem to be - you won't get much money.

You could also join a trade guild. I haven't done that yet, but understand you can sell items within the guild, so that would be another way to make money.

And last, when you go into an underground area, like a dwemer/dwarf dungeon (solo) you have to click on all the bottles that are down there, including the really small tiny ones. In one of them, I found a dwemer weapon motif I sold for 4K a few days ago. Do the same with other motifs, unless you want to keep them for yourself.

BTW, I'm a solo player (I have a different character in the three different areas/factions), and haven't had to group yet with anyone. I do my own thing, play at my (slow) speed, and enjoy the game. I see others run around as fast as possible and beat other players to an objective, but that's not my style.

Good luck.

Xendyn · June 2015

1. Yes, you can altho you will be limiting yourself and missing out on some of the best content and experiences in the game.

2. Guilds are the best way for you to find like minded people to run group content with. There are even ones specifically to help people that prefer solo but need help sometimes. I believe @MissBizz took her Lone Wolf help guild to PS4. I'll tag her here for you. Also, there are forum section at the bottom of the main page here for guild recruitment.

3.The game has been dumbed down so much that a lot of the content can be soloed with the right build. Make sure you have a good AOE skill or two. Mostly you will need a group for the Group dungeons (Banished Cells, Elden Hollow etc) Craglorn (which is a V11 and up zone) Trials (12 man raids) and Dragonstar Arena (great 4 man run)

4. IMO guilds are the best way esp for you console players since ZOS saw fit to handicap you with no text chat. Sorry about that, we tried to warn them

Hope that helps a bit

MissBizz · June 2015

1. I'll state what has already been said.. you're going to get different answers from everyone - it's slightly opinion. Alright, yes, you can play through most of the game completely solo. Problems will arise when you want to quest in Craglorn (groups are required for many of the quests) or if you would like to do any group dungeons (there is a quest and skill point in each, plus they advance your undaunted skill line). There are other certain areas you may experience problems (public dungeons) but even though you are running solo, others may happen to be there while you are.. so even though you are not grouped with them - you will all be working together anyways

2. I'm a big believer of guilds. As @Xendyn stated, I started a guild named Lone Wolf Help on PC and it has turned out awesome - I decided to attempt to bring it over to PS4 as well. The original point of the guild was a place for solo players (who enjoyed mostly solo experiences) but know sometimes you needed help. (sometimes world bosses are just too much - or to get group dungeons done) With that said, I have seen MANY players who started the game with completely solo intentions - turn into group fanatics. This actually includes myself. I enjoy that with a guild you are getting to know people, not just bumping into random strangers. I find it easier to be less "solo" when I have had the chance to know people, feels a lot more comfortable. As well, if the guild is geared towards casual/non-competitive play - usually that means it's pretty friendly, and well, non-competitive. As stated above, checked out the guild listings in the forums here, and just leave a post asking for an invite

The guild leader or a member (depends on the guild) will be able to send an invite to you - this will pop up in your notifications in game and you will be able to accept or decline.

3. I kind of already touched on that. Group dungeons and Craglorn quests it's needed. Public delves and whatnot you can solo depending on your skill level, build, level etc.

4.One way is to join a guild! (See - I'm a big believer in guilds) As well if you are using area chat, if you bump into some players in a delve you can ask them if they want to group up and chat with them. As well you may bump into players who you notice are completing the same quest as you - say hello!

You can buy a mount from the crown store OR remember - the 10k horse is just as good as the 47k ones. Save up and you'll get there

(I heard stealing is profitable.. if you're good at it)

[EDIT] I also wanted to touch on something Xendyn said - about limiting the content and yourself. This is true - although it won't be any fun until you are comfortable with the social aspect. Join a friendly guild that you seem to click with, and get to know people. You don't need to start grouping up instantly, but once you feel comfortable socializing with those people, you may actually finding yourself wanting to group up. The group content is tons of fun.

seano287 · June 2015

Thanks you all for your input. It was very helpful!

I'm going to get more into the social aspects, and maybe find a guild or two that I like.

Does most of the guild organizing happen on the forums, or in the game itself?

OzJohnD · June 2015

I am now in 5 player guilds, all found on the Guild Recruitment forums here ( eg. http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/categories/en-ps4-na )

I have joined 3 trading guilds, a vampire specific guild and Lone Wolf

seano287 · June 2015

Okay, I'll look there. Thanks!