Which is the Best Alliance in Elder Scrolls Online?

Wondering which Alliance to choose in Elder Scrolls Online? Here's what you need to know.

Starting up an MMO can feel a little daunting; new lore to learn, mechanics to master, and rules to respect. With The Elder Scrolls Online, you're faced with some pretty major decisions straight out of the gate, not least of all which Alliance to choose.

While in most games, your background or allegiance might only change how you start or a few minor things along your journey. In ESO, your choice of Alliance can have a pretty drastic effect on your experience. Soon after starting ESO, players will be faced with a choice of three Alliances: the Aldmeri Dominion, the Daggerfall Covenant, or the Ebonheart Pact. Similar to WoW, your choice of Alliance also limits which races you can choose to play. Though players who have purchased the Collector's Edition or Adventurer's Pack aren't limited by the choice.

Below, we've detailed what you need to know about each Alliance so you can make an informed choice on how to go about your journey.

Alliances in Elder Scrolls Online

First, let's take a look at each Alliance and their associated races and starting zones.

The Aldmeri Dominion

The Aldmeri Dominion consists of the regions of Summerset Isles, Valenwood and Elsweyr. This means that the races associated with this Alliance are Altmer, Bosmer, and Khajiit. Its capital city is Elden Root. Players who choose the Aldmeri Dominion will find themselves in certain zones such as: Auridon, Grahtwood, Greenshade, Malabal Tor, and Reaper's March along with the starting island of island of Khenarthi's Roost.

The Daggerfall Covenant

The Daggerfall Covenant extends to the regions of Hammerfell and High Rock, consisting of Bretons, Orcs, and Redguards. Players choosing this Alliance will find themselves in Glenumbra, Stormhaven, Rivenspire, Alik'r Desert, and Bangkorai. In addition, this region also includes the starter islands of Stros M'Kai and Betnikh.

The Ebonheart Pact

The Ebonheart Pact features regions in more familair territory, such as Morrowind, Skyrim, and Black Marsh. The races associated with this Alliance are Dunmer, Nords, and Argonians. Choosing this Alliance will see players head to the zones of Stonefalls, Deshaan, Shadowfen, Eastmarch, and The Rift. Starter islands include Bleakrock Isle and Bal Foyen.

Which is the Best Alliance in Elder Scrolls Online?

It's worth pointing out that after completing the Main Story, players will have the option to go through the other two Alliance storylines. So, regardless of which Alliance you choose, you will have the chance to experience all three through a single character.

But, for the most part, a player's choice of Alliance depends on what they're hoping to get from the MMO.

Each Alliance has their own storyline and recurring characters, with the player's character taking a slightly different role in each. The Aldmeri Dominion sees the player take more of a sidekick stance, supporting some of the storyline's main characters as they under go growth overtime. The story focuses largely on the internal divisions of the Alliance.

As for the Daggerfall Covenant, players will find themselves largely central but still taking a backseat to some of the storyline's NPCs. Like the Aldmeri Dominion, the story leans more towards the internal conflicts rather than the war at hand.

For the Ebonheart Pact, the character is often put at the center of it all, in a story that focuses more on the war between the Alliances and just why it's so important.

In addition to the storyline, it's also worth considering which Alliance is more popular. Traditionally, the Ebonheart Pact has always been the more populated Alliance, though that's not to say that the alternatives are uninhabited. But, if you're looking for more player interactions, the Ebonheart Pact is a great place to start.

Regardless of which Alliance you choose, your experience in ESO will be one to remember and you'll never feel like you've made the wrong choice.