Update 12 of Elder Scrolls Online Brings Players together in One Tamriel

TL;DR

  • One Tamriel removes alliance restrictions, enabling cross-faction grouping in all PVE content
  • Universal level scaling allows players to explore any zone immediately after tutorial completion
  • Dungeons and trials now feature flexible scaling for diverse group compositions
  • New dueling system enables 1v1 combat in non-PVP zones with customizable social controls
  • Craglorn and group zones redesigned for solo play and smaller group accessibility

The One Tamriel free update represents a fundamental transformation of The Elder Scrolls Online‘s core gameplay systems. PC players can now experience this revolutionary overhaul, with Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions scheduled for October 18th deployment.

This update fundamentally reimagines how players interact with Tamriel’s vast world, breaking down traditional barriers that previously limited exploration and social gameplay. The changes reflect Zenimax Online Studios’ commitment to creating a truly accessible MMORPG experience.

One Tamriel is included with Update 12 at absolutely no additional cost for existing ESO subscribers and players. To celebrate the PC and Mac launch, developers have released an “Introducing One Tamriel” video showcasing the update’s extensive features.

The elimination of Alliance restrictions marks one of the most significant changes, enabling players to form groups with anyone regardless of faction allegiance. This dramatically improves the pick-up group experience for spontaneous questing adventures.

Now characters from the Daggerfall Covenant can adventure alongside their traditional rivals in the Aldmeri Dominion, while even the Ebonheart Pact can join these unlikely alliances. This creates unprecedented social flexibility throughout Tamriel’s PVE landscape.

Important note: These changes apply exclusively to PVE content—the fierce faction warfare in Cyrodiil and Imperial City remains unchanged, preserving the core PVP experience that competitive players enjoy.

The universal level scaling system ensures all zones dynamically adjust to your character’s current power level. This means adventurers can immediately explore any region of the open world upon completing the initial tutorial sequence.

Your character’s combat effectiveness automatically scales to match the challenge level of whatever zone you’re exploring. This philosophy of player freedom has always been central to The Elder Scrolls franchise’s identity.

For new players, this means no more being trapped in starter zones—you can immediately journey to iconic locations like Morrowind’s Vvardenfell or Skyrim’s Eastmarch. Veterans benefit by being able to revisit lower-level areas without outleveling the content entirely.



The expanded group finding capabilities extend beyond simple questing to include dungeon exploration and trial content. This opens opportunities for more diverse group compositions to tackle Tamriel’s most challenging encounters.

Craglorn has undergone significant redesign—previously group-only content now offers solo options, including main story questlines. Remaining group challenges have been adjusted for smaller party sizes, with group number restrictions completely removed.

If you’ve already completed Craglorn’s quests previously, the update allows you to experience them again with the new scaling systems in place.

Seasoned adventurers can now mentor newcomers by guiding them through previously inaccessible zones, as character scaling ensures balanced gameplay regardless of experience disparities.


The introduction of spontaneous dueling adds exciting new combat dimensions to Tamriel’s social landscape. Using the /duel command initiates immediate one-versus-one combat encounters.

You can challenge other players to duels anywhere within non-PVP overland zones, including city environments. This provides perfect opportunities to test builds and combat skills outside structured PVP arenas.

For players preferring to avoid spontaneous combat, the Social Panel includes auto-decline duel options that prevent interruption during exploration or roleplaying activities.



Normal & Veteran Dungeons

When forming cross-alliance groups, consider balancing class roles carefully—having multiple tanks or healers from different factions can create powerful synergies previously impossible under old restrictions.

Common mistake: Players often overlook gear set bonuses that scale differently in various zones. Always check how your equipment performs across different regions of Tamriel to maintain optimal performance.

Optimization tip: Veteran players should focus on completing zone-specific achievements and collectibles, as the scaling system makes previously challenging content more accessible for completion.

Time estimates: Exploring all alliance territories with cross-faction groups typically requires 15-20 hours for comprehensive completion.


Action Checklist

  • Form cross-alliance groups by inviting players from Daggerfall Covenant, Aldmeri Dominion, and Ebonheart Pact
  • Test dueling mechanics using /duel command in safe zones
  • Explore previously inaccessible high-level zones with new characters
  • Configure Social Panel duel preferences according to personal playstyle
  • Complete Craglorn quests with new scaling systems enabled

No reproduction without permission:OnLineGames Guides » Update 12 of Elder Scrolls Online Brings Players together in One Tamriel Complete guide to One Tamriel's revolutionary gameplay changes and cross-alliance features