The Elder Scrolls series includes some of video game history's most memorable titles. There was Oblivion, Morrowind, and the heavyweight that made the series a household name, Skyrim. Elder Scrolls Online, the MMORPG that takes place in the same universe, walks the same path that Bethesda's stand-alone library has also followed. ESO has some of the most fascinating quests seen in video games. Its incredible attention to detail, mysterious elements with ancient factions, and well-realized worlds help this series rise above all of the rest.
That is why the idea of an MMO Elder Scrolls game made so many fans equally excited and worried when it was announced. That trepidation has since dissipated, and Elder Scrolls Online has held its own in the cut-throat and fickle gaming market. You can't have great quests without great zones, however. ESO nails this for the most part but sometimes misses the mark. Here are the best and worst zones found in The Elder Scrolls Online.
Updated on August 19th, 2021, by Kristy Ambrose: Now that ESO has been up and running for more than seven years, the game has gone through some updates, and the zones have changed accordingly. The world of Tamriel is even more detailed and interactive than before, so we've updated our list of the best and worst zones. It should be noted that the following list doesn't include dungeons or unzoned areas, like Dark Brotherhood hideouts or secret areas restricted to certain guilds or factions. There are a few entries on the list that are only available if you've purchased the DLC.
10 Best: Stonefalls
- Location: Central Morrowind
- Faction: The Ebonheart Pact
- Major Cities: Davon's Watch, Lukiul Uxith, Ebonheart, Kragenmoor
- Notable Landmark: The Brothers of Strife, two massive statues grappling in eternal combat, located in the southern part of the stone.
Ebonheart players will find themselves at Stonefalls early on in their adventure. This zone does a great job of presenting a variety of biomes and quests for players to do throughout their leveling experience, which also has some compelling lore and exploration involved.
The public dungeons here are great introductions to group content, not being too easy or hard. Fungal Grotto, this zones group dungeon, is again a great introduction dungeon to teach players how to work together. Its main issue is how far the towns are from each other, and how Davon's Watch does not contain everything players would want compared to other zones.
9 Worst: Alik'r Desert
- Location: The northern coast of Hammerfall.
- Faction: Daggerfall Covenant
- Major Cities: Bergama, Kozanset, Satakalaam, Sentinel, Tava's Blessing
- Notable Landmark: The Motalion Necropolis, a massive graveyard located in the northeast part of the zone.
Nothing is inherently wrong with this zone, but that's part of the problem. The vastness of the desert is quite beautiful, however, Elder Scrolls Online has never struggled with creating engaging quest zones or visually appealing locations, and that's not enough to hold your attention.
The Alik'r Desert offers fantastic questlines on par with most Elder Scrolls games and unique architecture compared to the rest of the zones. However, those who are less keen on questing will find this zone lacking. It is a fantastic experience farm because of its Dolmens and beaches, but otherwise contains a lackluster dungeon and empty overworld to explore.
8 Best: Reaper's March
- Location: Between Valenwood and Elsweyr.
- Faction: Aldmeri Dominion
- Major Cities: Arenthia, Dune, Rawl'kha
- Notable Landmark: Two Moons Path, an ancient Khajiiti Temple in the eastern part of Dune.
This amalgamation of jungle and plain is where Aldmeri Dominion players will find themselves throughout their questing experience. This zone contains interesting architecture, fun dungeons, and enjoyable quests.
The main questline here is somewhat lacking compared to other zones, but the side missions available are well made and enjoyable to play. Quests provided to the player change based on decisions made in this zone and previous, making the world feel more alive and reactive than most other MMOs.
7 Worst: Malabal Tor
- Location: Deep in the jungle of northwestern Valenwood.
- Faction: Aldmeri Dominion
- Major Cities: Baandari Trading Post, Silvenar
- Notable Landmark: The Chancel of Divine Entreaty, an Ayleid ruin and temple west of Silvenar.
Forests are all players will see in this rather boring zone, and the heavy foliage tends to feel like it's closing in on you. This Aldmeri Dominion location contains one blase biome with generic enemies. T
he towns scattered throughout the zone are interesting to explore, but the quests here are somewhat boring compared to other zones this faction progresses through. The group dungeon, Tempest Island, saves this zone from being lower on the list.
6 Best: Coldharbour
- Location: This is Molag Baal's realm and is located outside of Nirn.
- Faction: Neutral
- Major City: The Hollow City
- Notable Landmark: The Halls of Submission, where Molag Bal has hidden a dangerous spell, the Mortuum Vivicus.
A controversial choice, Coldharbour houses some of the most inspired imagery in The Elder Scrolls series. This soulless place is teeming with Molag Bal's servants and other creatures from Oblivion.
More than that, the quests here are well-written and enjoyable to play, giving a sense of urgency some zones lack. Unfortunately, the large open world and long quests can make this area a slog on future playthroughs. The dungeon, Vaults of Madness, is also one of the best dungeons in the game.
5 Worst: Eastmarch
- Location: The easternmost section of Skyrim.
- Faction: Ebonheart Pact
- Major City: Windhelm
- Notable Landmark: Bonestrewn Crest, a crypt in central Eastmarch, that not only looks impressive but is also full of handy crafting items and quest lines.
Skyrim is still too fresh in our minds to be nostalgic, so if you're one of those players who are still playing one of Bethesda's best stand-alone games, its most isolated and desolate area has even less of a draw. Windhelm, the zone's only city, is the same dull black stone and general ugliness, and it's just as awful here as it is in the PC game.
There are some nice delves and ruins to explore, which makes it worth a visit. Unless you're a homesick Nord or a curious explorer, however, it's worth skipping Eastmarch.
4 Best: Vvardenfell
- Location: An island off the northern coast of Morrowind.
- Faction: None, it functions as a Chapter Zone.
- Major Cities: Balmora, Sadrith Mora, Vivec City
- Notable Landmark: The Shrine of Azura, a locale with a stunning view found on Azura's Coast.
Nostalgia will hit any fans of Morrowind who play through this island, containing many fan-favorite locations from that vintage game. This alien landscape is one of the most memorable locations in all of the Elder Scrolls and some of the images became emblematic of the whole series.
A plethora of quest content is available here for those who wish to partake in it. Plenty of repeatable quests are here as well for players who just want interesting gear and crafting motifs. On top of the stunning landscape, this zone offers an amazing Trial, an Elder Scrolls raid, and good dungeons. It is locked behind a DLC, but it is one of the best expansions The Elder Scrolls has seen.
3 Worst: Grahtwood
- Location: Hidden in the jungles of Valenwood, a secure location for the Aldmeri capital.
- Faction: Aldmeri Dominion
- Major City: Elden Root
- Notable Landmark: The Temple of the Eight, a temple located in central Grahtwood.
You better not be claustrophobic if you enter this zone. Towering trees cover the entire zone, making this place feel more enclosed than it actually is. The quests here are a pain to play through, making this zone an easy skip.
Players work with the Thalmor, which should already set off alarm bells, but the content itself is rather boring. If players can get past that, they are surrounded by impassable cliffs and a city that runs worse than most other zones. Unless you are a massive fan of Wood Elf lore, skip this zone if possible.
2 Best: Rivenspire
- Location: The northern part of High Rock.
- Faction: Daggerfall Covenant
- Major Cities: Northpoint and Shornhelm
- Notable Landmark: Westwind Lighthouse, located on a small island off the coast of Northsalt Village.
Vampirism, gloomy setting, and a large variety of enemies make this zone a must-play. Not only is the story here some of the best the game offers, but the dungeons here are some of the most enjoyable.
The lore and backstory here make it worthy on its own, but the large variety of enemies and gloomy setting push it above the rest. Plentiful skill points, interesting item sets, and a fantastic story propel this zone into one of the best players can enjoy.
1 Worst: Shadowfen
- Location: The northwestern part of the Black Marsh.
- Faction: Ebonheart Pact
- Major City: Stormhold, Murkwater
- Notable Landmark: Weeping Wamasu Falls, not only a peaceful and scenic hideaway but also contains several handy features for players like a merchant and crafting station.
The Black Marsh is known for its brooding and flightless lakes, poisonous animals, and dark, soggy swamps. It's an unforgiving place and Shadowfen is the epitome of that.
Prepare to be unmounted constantly while exploring this location. Crocodiles are everywhere and will chase you across the whole region. The quests are alright here, but nothing spectacular to make the trouble worth it. Towns are boring, the enemy variety is laughably bad, the dungeons are not fun. It's just a complete slog.