TL;DR
- ESO features three distinct alliances with unique racial compositions and strategic advantages
- Faction choice affects PvP opportunities, storyline progression, and available allies throughout Tamriel
- The Aldmeri Dominion excels in magical prowess and ranged combat with Altmer, Bosmer, and Khajiit
- The Daggerfall Covenant combines human ingenuity with Orcish strength for balanced gameplay
- Your alliance decision impacts endgame content accessibility and should align with preferred playstyle
The Elder Scrolls Online presents players with a crucial decision at character creation: selecting one of three major alliances that will define your journey across Tamriel. These factions consist of nine distinct playable races strategically grouped, with Imperials available exclusively through collector’s edition purchases. Your chosen alliance determines available allies, enemy territories, and PvP dynamics in Cyrodiil’s massive siege warfare.
Each alliance combines three races from specific regions of Tamriel, creating unique cultural and strategic synergies. The three-way conflict system prevents the stalemates common in two-faction games, ensuring dynamic player-versus-player engagements. Beyond faction warfare, players can join renowned guilds like the Mage’s Guild, Fighter’s Guild, and Dark Brotherhood, though some require completing specific quest chains for membership eligibility.
Elder Scrolls Online Factions
The political landscape of ESO stems from catastrophic events during the Second Era. A devastating arcane explosion in the Imperial City decimated the mage population, causing widespread death and madness. This magical catastrophe enabled Daedric forces (demonic entities from Oblivion) to breach dimensional barriers and invade Tamriel, creating chaos across the continent.
Amidst this turmoil, the absence of imperial leadership created a power vacuum that various factions sought to fill. Each alliance formed with distinct motivations and governance philosophies, united by necessity but divided by ambition. Their competing agendas reflect deep ideological differences about Tamriel’s future governance and cultural direction.
The Aldmeri Dominion commands the southern provinces of Summerset Isles, Valenwood, and Elsweyr, operating from their capital city Elden Root. Dominated by the Altmer (High Elves), this faction leverages superior magical aptitude, extended lifespans, and deeply ingrained cultural superiority. Under Queen Ayrenn’s leadership, they’re joined by the agile Bosmer (Wood Elves) and cunning Khajiit feline race.
Altmer society prioritizes magical excellence and cultural preservation, considering themselves Tamriel’s natural rulers. Their isolationist tendencies stem from belief in their inherent fitness to govern and protect the continent from further instability. This faction excels in ranged combat and spellcasting roles.
Bosmer communities embrace forest harmony and reject rigid hierarchies, developing exceptional stealth and archery skills. Their physical appearance reflects Valenwood’s natural environment, maintaining youthful vitality uncommon among other elven peoples.
Khajiit natives of Elsweyr contribute intelligence, agility, and natural stealth capabilities. Their feline physiology enables exceptional thievery talents while maintaining formidable combat prowess as warriors and skirmishers.
The Daggerfall Covenant consolidates power across High Rock, Orsinium, and Hammerfell territories, with Wayrest serving as capital on Iliac Bay. This alliance combines Orcish martial prowess with Redguard combat expertise to complement Breton magical capabilities. High King Emeric leads their campaign to restore imperial trade networks and economic stability.
Bretons originate from High Rock’s mountainous regions, descending from Altmer and early human (Nedic) ancestry. This heritage grants natural magical affinities combined with physical resilience surpassing their elven ancestors. Their intuitive grasp of arcane arts makes them exceptional spellcasters, healers, and magical specialists.
This faction believes the legitimate emperor will emerge from their ranks, bringing sustained peace and prosperity to Tamriel through structured governance and economic development.
Choosing your alliance requires careful consideration of playstyle preferences and long-term goals. The Aldmeri Dominion suits magic-focused builds and ranged specialists, while the Daggerfall Covenant accommodates balanced approaches combining martial and magical capabilities.
Common mistakes include selecting factions based solely on aesthetics rather than racial passives that significantly impact gameplay effectiveness. Advanced players should consider endgame PvP meta and available gear sets tied to specific alliance territories.
Your decision affects available allies throughout Tamriel and storyline progression paths. Consider completing our Class Guide to understand how faction choices interact with class selection for optimal character building.
Action Checklist
- Analyze your preferred combat style (melee, magic, ranged, stealth)
- Research racial passives for each alliance’s three races
- Review faction-specific storyline content and PvP advantages
- Consult our Complete Guide for additional context
- Test character builds using faction-aligned racial abilities
No reproduction without permission：OnLineGames Guides » The Elder Scrolls Online Factions Guide Master ESO's three warring alliances with strategic insights, race advantages, and faction selection guidance