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The Elder Scrolls Online > Guides > Relic the Philosopher's Guides
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A Guide to Zone, Guild, and Main Quests
By Relic the Philosopher
A chronological, organized guide to questlines for each faction, prioritizing the solo, casual player. Includes links to zone pages.
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Created by
Relic the Philosopher
Online
Category: Story or Lore, Walkthroughs
Languages: English
Posted
Updated
14 May, 2023 @ 11:09am
18 Nov, 2023 @ 10:30am
1,659 Unique Visitors
76 Current Favorites
Guide Index
Overview
In the Beginning 
Starting Zones (Khenarthi's Roost, Stros M'Kai w/Betnikh, and Bleackrock Isle w/Bal Foyen) 
Starter Cities and their Zone (Auridon, Glenumbra, and Stonefalls) 
Grahtwood, Stormhaven, Deshaan 
Greenshade, Rivenspire, and Shadowfen 
Malabal Tor, Alik'r Desert, and Eastmarch 
Reaper's March, Bangkorai, and The Rift 
Messages Across Tamriel and The Weight of Three Crowns 
Coldharbour 
Cadwell's Silver and Gold 
DLC and Chapters 
Comments
In the Beginning
Welcome to The Elder Scrolls.

I have been playing the series since the third entry, Morrowind, and have been a pretty dedicated player over the years, but have until recently stopped short of ESO due to its MMO nature and distance in mechanics to its predecessors. I have found myself, however, just as immersed in this game as the others after refusing to follow the advice of 90% of Youtubers and playing it MY way -- most HUD elements turned off or with a toggle switch, in first-person, chat ignored, and following the story in chronological order.

This final piece proved to be rather challenging. There are guides that outline order of zones and even forums that outline which guild and main quests to complete and when, but I found them to be short on information in some places and needlessly repetitive in others, so I decided to make this guide. Initially, as a personal source, then a source to be shared to friends, and now available to you.

Of course, this is a work in progress that I will continue to add to, but if you're reading this then it's got enough in it already to be published.

Enjoy.

Your first step after character creation is best taken putting yourself in the correct starting area. You have three options to find yourself in the proper Starting Zone.

1.) Play the tutorial. This will allow you the choice to teleport to your alliance's Starting Zone.
2.) Skip the tutorial, then find a wayshrine and use it to go to your alliance's Starting Zone.
3.) Skip the tutorial, find a wayshrine and use it to go to your alliance's Starter City (not Starting Zone), then talk to the Hooded Figure to begin the Main Quest, "Soul-Shriven in Coldharbour," which will send you to your alliance's Starting Zone afterwards.

When you arrive in your Starter City before or after completing your Starter Zone, there are a few things you should do to ensure you save lots of time before getting lost in the world.

Unlock Skill and Quest Lines
Armor and Weapons
If you haven't already, equip at least three of each type of armor (light, medium, heavy) to unlock their skill trees. Choose which to prioritize of course, but you can also have a mixture of two or three to maximize skill training and mix their benefits. Also, kill an enemy with each weapon to unlock their skill trees.
Crafting
Use each of the crafting stations to unlock their skill lines, including Blacksmithing, Clothing, Alchemy, Enchanting, Provisioning (cooking fire), and Woodworking (and Jewelry if you have the Summerset chapter). There is an NPC nearby who will give a tutorial on their respective crafting if you desire it.

Undaunted
Go to the nearest tavern and talk to the quest giver who mentions the Undaunted (or threatens to fight you) to join the Undaunted, unlocking it's skill tree and allowing experience gain when completing public dungeons.

Mage's Guild
Visit the Mage's Guild and speak with Curinure, Nemarc, or Rudrasa to join, unlocking it's quest and skill line which includes the Persuade ability and gaining experience when reading Lorebooks. This questline is best completed alongside your Zone Stories and the Main Quest.

Fighter's Guild
Visit the Fighter's Guild and speak with Aicessar, Basile, or Halan to join, unlocking it's quest and skill line which includes the Intimidate ability and gaining experience when killing Undead and Daedra. This questline is best completed alongside your Zone Stories and the Main Quest.

Dark Brotherhood/Thieves' Guild
If you have the DLC, it might be worth it to acquire their skill lines and the ability to stealth kill or search Thieves' troves while on your coming journey.

SOUL-SHRIVEN IN COLDHARBOUR; the beginning of the Planemeld Questline
Whether you complete this quest before or after your Starting Zone, this is the quest that will begin the Base Game's Main Quest. This quest is intended to progress alongside your Alliance Quest and the quests for the Fighter's Guild and the Mage's Guild. This quest is given automatically when visiting your Starter City and continues when you Talk to the Hooded Figure. If you've already done this, your next step will be to go to the Harborage and speak to The Prophet.
Starting Zones (Khenarthi's Roost, Stros M'Kai w/Betnikh, and Bleackrock Isle w/Bal Foyen)
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are some zone story quests that work only as pointers bringing you to the next quest in the zone story chain, such as "Missive to the Queen," "To the Wyrd Tree," and "To Aid Davon's Watch." These are denoted on UESP as "missable pointer quests," and will usually not be included in this guide due to their essentially, "optional" nature.

Aldmeri Dominion
Daggerfall Covenant
Ebonheart Pact
Khenarthi's Roost[en.uesp.net]
Stros M'Kai[en.uesp.net]
Bleackrock Isle[en.uesp.net]
"Storm on the Horizon," given by Razum-dar in Eagle's Strand
"The Broken Spearhead," given by Tumma-Shah, Captain Kaleen, or Mihayya
"A Beginning at Bleackrock," given by Captain Rana in Bleackrock Village
"Cast Adrift," given by Sergeant Firion at Shattered Shoals
"Buried Secrets," given by Neramo in Bthzark
"Hozzin's Folly," given by Sergeant Seyne at Hozzin's Folly
"Tears of the Two Moons," given by Gathwen at the Temple of the Mourning Springs
"Innocent Scoundrel," given by Jakarn in Goblin Mine
"The Frozen Man," given by Rolunda at Orkley's Hollow
"The Perils of Diplomacy," given by Razum-dar in Mistral
"Like Moths to a Candle," given by Crafty Lerisa or Telonil
"What Waits Beneath," given by Darj the Hunter at Skyshroud Barrow
"The Tempest Unleashed," given by Zaeri in Eagle's Strand
"The Spearhead's Crew," given by Nicolene or "The Spearhead's Captain," given by Jakarn, Lerisa or Neramo
"The Missing of Bleackrock," begins automatically after completing one of the previous three.
"To Auridon", given by Razum-dar
"Tip of the Spearhead," given by Lambur in Saintsport after all the previous quests are complete.
"Sparking the Flame," given by Captain Rana at Bleackrock Village
"Escape from Bleackrock," given by Captain Rana at Bleackrock Village
Betnikh[en.uesp.net]
Bal Foyen[en.uesp.net]
"The Bloodthorn Plot," given by Gruluk gro-Khazun at the Betnikh docks.
"If by Sea," given by Captain Rana
"Into the Hills," given by Grodagur, Laganakh near Stonetooth Fortress.
"Crossroads," given by Aera Earth-Turner
"Tormented Souls," given by Azlakha near Moriseli.
"Breaking the Tide," given by Eleven-Skips or "Zeren in Peril," given by Darj the Hunter
"Unearthing the Past," given by Rozag gro-Khazun on the outskirts of Grimfield, Frederique Lynielle inside the crypt.
"Warning Davon's Watch," given by Centurion Mobareed or Darj the Hunter
"Carzog's Demise," given by Lambur at Stonetooth Fortress.
"Onto Glenumbra," given by Chief Tazgol in Stonetooth Fortress.



Starter Cities and their Zone (Auridon, Glenumbra, and Stonefalls)
Aldmeri Dominion
Daggerfall Covenant
Ebonheart Pact
Vulkhel Guard, Auridon[en.uesp.net]
Daggerfall, Glenumbra[en.uesp.net]
Davon's Watch, Stonefalls[en.uesp.net]
"Curinure's Invitation," given by Curinure at the Mage's Guildhall, then speak to Valaste to start "Long Lost Lore."
"Nemarc's Invitation," given by Nemarc at the Mage's Guildhall, then speak to Valaste to start "Long Lost Lore."
"Rudrasa's Invitation," given by Rudrasa at the Mage's Guildhall, then speak to Valaste to start "Long Lost Lore."
"Aicessar's Invitation," given by Aicessar at the Fighter's Guildhall, then speak to Sees-All-Colors to start "Anchors From the Harbour."
"Basile's Invitation," given by Basile Fenandre at the Fighter's Guildhall, then speak to Sees-All-Colors to start "Anchors From the Harbour."
"Hilan's Invitation," given by Hilan at the Fighter's Guildhall, then speak to Sees-All-Colors to start "Anchors From the Harbour."
"Soul-Shriven in Coldharbour," given automatically upon visiting, or "The Haborage," given by The Prophet automatically upon nearing a major city.
"Soul-Shriven in Coldharbour," given automatically upon visiting, or "The Haborage," given by The Prophet automatically upon nearing a major city.
"Soul-Shriven in Coldharbour," given automatically upon visiting, or "The Haborage," given by The Prophet automatically upon nearing a major city.
"Ensuring Security,"
"Blood and the Crescent Moon,"
"Legacy of the Ancestors,"
"A Hostile Situation,"
"Bloodthorn Assassins,"
"Delaying the Daggers,"
"In the Name of the Queen,"
"Turning of the Trees,"
"City Under Siege,"
"Rites of the Queen,"
"Ash and Reprieve,"
"Wake the Dead,"
"Putting the Pieces Together,"
"The Wyrd Tree's Roots,"
"Rending Flames,"
"The Unveiling,"
"Seeking the Guardians,"
"Restoring the Guardings,"
"Lifting the Veil,"
"Champions of the Guardians,"
"The Death of Balreth,"
"Wearing the Veil,"
"Reclaiming the Elements,"
"The Coral Heart,"
"The Veil Falls,"
"Purifying the Wyrd Tree,"
"Breaking Fort Virak,"
"Through the Ashes,"
"A Duke in Exile,"
"Evening the Odds,"
"Breaking the Barrier,"
"Wolves in the Fold,"
"The General's Demise,"
"Sever All Ties,"
"Lineage of Tooth and Claw,"
"Aggressive Negotiations,"
"Ripple Effect,"
"Saving the Son,"
"A Step Back in Time,"
"Climbing the Spire,"
"The Nameless Soldier,"
"Opening the Portal,"
"Rally Cry,"
"Sadal's Final Defeat,"
"A Lingering Hope,"
"Hidden in Flames,"
"The Fall of Foalchu,"
"The Lion Guard's Stand,"
"Mastering the Talisman,"
"Mists of Corruption,"
"The Labyrinth,"
"Angof the Gravesinger,"
"Long Lost Lore,"
"Long Lost Lore,"
"Long Lost Lore,"
"Anchors From the Harbor,"
"Anchors From the Harbor,"
"Anchors From the Harbor,"
"Daughter of Giants,"
"Daughter of Giants,"
"Daughter of Giants,"
"Chasing Shadows,"
"Chasing Shadows,"
"Chasing Shadows,"
Grahtwood, Stormhaven, Deshaan
Aldmeri Dominion
Daggerfall Covenant
Ebonheart Pact
Grahtwood[en.uesp.net]
Stormhaven[en.uesp.net]
Deshaan[en.uesp.net]
"Simply Misplaced,"
"Simply Misplaced,"
"Simply Misplaced,"
"The Dangerous Past,"
"The Dangerous Past,"
"The Dangerous Past,"
"The Great Tree," or "Trouble at the Tree,"
"A Dangerous Dream,"
"A Letter for Deshaan,"
"Unsafe Haven,"
"False Accusations,"
"Bad Medicine,"
"The Honor of the Queen,"
"To Alcaire Castle,"
"Proprietary Formula,"
"Fit to Rule,"
"Army at the Gates,"
"Quest For the Cure,"
"The Grip of Madness,"
"Two Sides to Every Coin,"
"The Llodos Plague,"
"Lost in Study,"
"Life of the Duchess,"
"For Their Own Protection,"
"Heart of the Matter,"
"The Safety of the Kingdom,"
"Unwanted Guests,"
"A Lasting Winter,"
"Tracking Sir Hughes,"
"Fighting Back,"
"The Orrery of Elden Root,"
"The Flame of Dissent,"
"Ratting Them Out,"
"Retaking Firebrand Keep,"
"A Timely Matter,"
"Sir Hughes' Fate,"
"Hiding in Plain Sight,"
"Unanswered Questions,"
"Tracking the Plague,"
"Fire in the Fields," or "An Offering to Azura,"
"Death Trap,"
"Azura's Guardian,"
"Payback,"
"A Prison of Sleep,"
"Plague Bringer,"
"Pursuing the Shard,"
"Message to Mournhold,"
"The Signet Ring,"
"A Favor Returned,"
"Evidence Against Adima,"
"The Mournhold Underground,"
"Saving Hosni,"
"The Seal of Three,"
"The Return of the Dream Shard," and "Waiting for Word," if the former has not yet been completed
"Chasing the Magistrix,"
"Another Omen,"
"Restless Spirits,"
"General Godrun's Orders,"
"Rescue and Revenge,"
"Ending the Ogre Threat,"
"A Saint Asunder,"
"Godrun's Dream,"
"Healing Hearts,"
"Azura's Aid,"
"Into the Mouth of Madness,"
"Vaerimina's Gambit,"
"Motive for Heresy,"
"The Judgment of Veloth,"
"Onward to Shadowfen,"
"Castle of the Worm,"
Castle of the Worm,"
Castle of the Worm,"
"The Tharn Speaks,"
"The Tharn Speaks,"
"The Tharn Speaks,"
Greenshade, Rivenspire, and Shadowfen
Aldmeri Dominion
Daggerfall Covenant
Ebonheart Pact
Greenshade[en.uesp.net]
Rivenspire[en.uesp.net]
Shadowfen[en.uesp.net]
"Circus of Cheerful Slaughter,"
"Circus of Cheerful Slaughter,"
"Circus of Cheerful Slaughter,"
"The Prismatic Core,"
"The Prismatic Core,"
"The Prismatic Core,"
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"Halls of Torment,"
"Halls of Torment,"
"Halls of Torment,"
Malabal Tor, Alik'r Desert, and Eastmarch
Aldmeri Dominion
Daggerfall Covenant
Ebonheart Pact
Malabal Tor[en.uesp.net]
Alik'r Desert[en.uesp.net]
Eastmarch[en.uesp.net]
"Chateau of the Ravenous Rodent,"
"Chateau of the Ravenous Rodent,"
"Chateau of the Ravenous Rodent,"
"Proving the Deed,"
"Proving the Deed,"
"Proving the Deed,"
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"Valley of Blades,"
"Valley of Blades,"
"Valley of Blades,"
Reaper's March, Bangkorai, and The Rift
Aldmeri Dominion
Daggerfall Covenant
Ebonheart Pact
Reaper's March[en.uesp.net]
Bangkorai[en.uesp.net]
The Rift[en.uesp.net]
"The Mad God's Bargain,"
"The Mad God's Bargain,"
"The Mad God's Bargain,"
"The Arch-Mage's Boon,"
"The Arch-Mage's Boon,"
"The Arch-Mage's Boon,"
"The Will of the Council,"
"The Will of the Council,"
"The Will of the Council,"
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"Shadow of Sancre Tor,"
"Shadow of Sancre Tor,"
"Shadow of Sancre Tor,"
"Council of the Five Companions,"
"Council of the Five Companions,"
"Council of the Five Companions,"
Messages Across Tamriel and The Weight of Three Crowns
After completing "Council of the Five Companions," or all of your Alliance's Zones Stories, you will be given the quest, "Messages Across Tamriel" by your Alliance's leader (Ayrenn, Emeric, Jorrun) or by Vanus Galerion. Complete it to begin "The Weight of Three Crowns," regardless of alliance. Complete this quest to advance to the final Zone.

"Messages Across Tamriel,"
"The Weight of Three Crowns,"
Coldharbour
"The Hollow City,"
"The Army of Meridia,"
"Light from the Darkness,"
"The Shadow's Embrace," or "An Unusual Circumstance,"
"Into the Woods,"
"Crossing the Chasm,"
"The Harvest Heart,"
"The Citadel Must Fall,"
"The Final Assault,"
"God of Schemes,"
Cadwell's Silver and Gold
After completing the quest, "God of Schemes," you will be given this quest by Cadwell to then experience an opposing alliance's zone stories as if your current alliance's never happened.

Aldmeri Dominion
Daggerfall Covenant
Ebonheart Pact
Starts Ebonheart Pact's Quest Line
Starts Aldmeri Dominion's Quest Line
Starts Daggerfall Covenant's Quest Line
Starts Daggerfall Covenant's Quest Line
Starts Ebonheart Pact's Quest Line
Starts Aldmeri Dominion's Quest Line
DLC and Chapters
Guilds and Glory
Craglorn
"The Star-Gazers"

Imperial City
"City on the Brink"

Thieves Guild
"Partners In Crime,"

Dark Brotherhood
"Voices in the Dark"

Shadows of the Hist
"Sap and Stone" and "Silk and Shadow"

Orsinium
"Invitation to Orsinium"

The Daedric Wars
MORROWIND CHAPTER
"The Missing Prophecy" and "Divine Conumdrum"

Horns of the Reach
"Blood for Blood" and "Falkreath's Demise"

Clockwork City
"Of Knives and Long Shadows" and "To the Clockwork City"

Dragon Bones
"Casting the Bones" and "Plans of Pestilence"

SUMMERSET CHAPTER
"Through a Veil Darkly" and "The Queen's Decree"

Psijic Order Questline
"The Psijic's Calling"

Wolfhunter
"Moonlight Ascent" and "The Great Hunt"

Murkmire
"Ruthless Competition" and "Sunken Treasure"

Season of the Dragon
Wrathstone
"Lock and Keystone"

ELSWEYR CHAPTER
"The Demon Weapon" and "A Rage of Dragons"

Scalebreaker
"The Sanguine Successor"

Dragonhold
"The Dragonguard's Legacy," "The Horn of Ja'Darri," "The Dragon's Lair," and "The Dark Aeon"

Dark Heart of Skyrim
Harrowstorm
"The Frozen Isle" and "Unhallowed Grave"

GREYMOOR CHAPTER
"The Coven Conspiracy" and "The Gathering Storm"

Stonethorn
"Blood of the Past" and "Method and Madness"

Markarth
"The Ravenwatch Inquiry" and "The Despot of Markarth"

Gates of Oblivion
Flames of Ambition
"Into the Deep" and "Burning Secrets"

BLACKWOOD CHAPTER
"A Mortal's Touch" and "A Deadly Secret"

Waking Flame
"A Rose of Many Thorns" and "Quaking Dread"

Deadlands
"An Apocalyptic Situation" and "The Celestial Palanquin"

Legacy of the Bretons
Ascending Tide
"An Order Gone Awry" and "Wright of Passage"

HIGH ISLE CHAPTER
"Ascending Doubt" and "A King's Retreat"

Lost Depths
"Haunted Depths" and "The Stonelore Defense"

Firesong
"Sojourn of the Druid King" and "A Sea of Troubles"

Shadow Over Morrowind
Scribes of Fate
"A War of Scribes" and "Unstuck From Time"

NECROM CHAPTER
"Eye of Fate" and "Fate's Proxy"
3 Comments
< >
Mai Selph 2 May @ 8:13pm 
If this guide is focused on story, then doing Soulshriven in Coldharbour has to be first, before the starter zones. Because every starting zone has at least a mention (and in two alliances it's an important plot point) that our character doesn't have a soul. The dialogue doesn't change, so it makes no sense if you do starter zones first, and then lose your soul.
Phoenix 22 Nov, 2023 @ 4:50pm 
Gracias :D
Czon95 29 May, 2023 @ 6:56pm 
Thank you so much for this. It's very helpful.