The Elder Scrolls Online is a very large MMO RPG game, and there are tons of different pieces of customization that come together to allow you to choose exactly how your character appears to other players. One of the most important types of customization in ESO are the motifs that allow you to change the appearance of your light armor, medium armor, and heavy armor.
Motif chapters can be obtained in many different ways in ESO, including completing dungeons, searching chests, and finding them throughout the game world. Since there are so many different motif styles, some of them are more worthwhile to obtain than others because of their unique appearances.
Aldmeri Dominion Motif
- Color Scheme: grey with gold accents
- How To Get: search chests in Cyrodiil and the Imperial City as part of the Aldmeri Dominion faction
The Aldmeri Dominion is one of the 3 different factions in ESO, and it has one of the best styles found in the game because of its elegance and pretty colors.
The different armor styles for light armor, medium armor, and heavy armor all look quite similar to the Aldmeri Dominion motif, and they are all a gray color with gold on the helmet. To obtain chapters of this motif, you must search chests in Cyrodiil and the Imperial City while part of the Aldmeri Dominion faction.
Silken Ring Motif
- Color Scheme: Deep brown, navy, and silver
- How To Get: Complete the Cradle of Shadows dungeon
The Silken Ring motif is somewhat rare, and it's no surprise that most players like this style since it is perfect for players who enjoy decorated helmets with a lot of character. The heavy armor of the Silken Ring style is arguably the best because it contains a strong-looking helmet and torso armor that is fit for a knight.
To obtain the different chapters of the Silken Ring motif, you must complete the Cradle Of Shadows dungeon, and at the end, you will have a chance to obtain a chapter.
Daggerfall Covenant Motif
- Color Scheme: blue and silver
- How To Get: unlock chests in the Imperial City and Cyrodiil as part of the Daggerfall Covenant
The Daggerfall Covenant is another one of the factions in ESO, and its style is even better than the Aldmeri Dominion motif because it has a lot of personality. It allows you to customize your character with the pride of a lion.
The ends of each helmet have a unique ornament on every type of armor, and there is enough distinction between the three different types that you will want to equip every type of this armor onto your different characters. You can obtain chapters of the Daggerfall Covenant motif by opening chests inside of Cyrodiil and the Imperial City while you are fighting for the Daggerfall Covenant faction.
Xivkyn Motif
- Color Scheme: black, dark grey, and red
- How To Get: claim it from Imperial City Treasure Vaults
The Xivkyn motif and style were added into the game with the Imperial City DLC, and a lot of players consider it to be an upgraded version of Daedric armor since it is themed around a type of Daedric enemy.
As previously mentioned, the Xivkyn style has a theme that best reflects the Daedra and the type of armor that they prefer to wear. You can obtain Xivkyn motif chapters from Imperial City Treasure Vaults which makes this motif rare compared to other motifs that are obtained outside of PVP zones.
Minotaur Motif
- Color Scheme: white, black, crimson, and gold
- How To Get: complete the Looming Shadows mission in the Gold Coast DLC zone
The Minotaur motif is unsurprisingly themed around the Minotaur enemy. This enemy has the head of an animal, and the helmet of this style resembles a minotaur's head accurately.
The Minotaur style is made of mostly dark colors, while the helmet has horns sticking out of the top, resembling a minotaur. This style isn't difficult to obtain; however, acquiring every chapter of the motif is a grind. The Minotaur motif is found while completing the Looming Shadows mission which is located in the Gold Coast DLC zone.
Ebony Motif
- Color Scheme: midnight black, grey, brown, dark red, and green (potentially)
- How To Get: purchase from Rolis Hlaalu using Writ Vouchers
Skyrim players are familiar with ebony armor because it was one of the strongest types of armor in the game. The ebony motif in ESO essentially copies the appearance of Skyrim's ebony armor for the most part, and it looks great in this multiplayer game.
Players that equip the ebony style will quickly notice how familiar it looks because of the Ebony Warrior from Skyrim. This armor style is one of the best motifs for The Elder Scrolls franchise nostalgia. You can purchase this motif and its chapters from Rolis Hlaalu.
Ebonheart Pact Motif
- Color Scheme: gold, red, and silder
- How To Get: open chests playing for the Ebonheart Pact across the Imperial City and Cyrodiil
The final faction style in ESO is themed around the Ebonheart Pact. This style of armor and weapons is intimidating, and it will strike fear into the hearts of your PVP enemies. Similar to the other faction styles, this motif can be obtained by searching chests in Cyrodiil and the Imperial City while playing as an Ebonheart Pact character.
The heavy armor for this style is the best; its helmet has small wings on the sides of it, and the torso armor has a beautiful yet intimidating presence. The different types of armor in this style vary in color, from black to red.
Hollowjack Motif
- Color Scheme: black and bright orange
- How To Get: defeat bosses in the Witches Festival to get plunder skulls
The Hollowjack motif is a style that glows orange and has a dark overall color scheme. The attribute that sets the armor apart from other styles is the glowing orange torso piece that immediately stands out when you first look at it.
Hollowjack style weapons have an almost Daedric appearance; however, they are distinct from Daedra by having a different shape. Hollowjack motif chapters are located inside of plunder skulls that you can acquire by defeating bosses during the Witches Festival.
Elder Argonian Motif
- Color Scheme: multi-color
- How To Get: finish daily quests in the Murkmire DLC zone
Argonians have many different styles and costumes themed around them in ESO. This is most likely because their culture is so fascinating, and the type of clothing they usually wear is so distinct from the other races of Tamriel.
Regardless, the Elder Argonian style is beautiful because of how light it looks in appearance and its beautiful green color scheme. On top of this, the helmets for each level of armor are very unique, while the different weapons have an ancient-looking style. You can obtain the Elder Argonian motif by completing the daily quests located in the Murkmire DLC zone.
Stalhrim Frostcaster Motif
- Color Scheme: Dark blue, white, light blue, and white
- How To Get: find it in the crown store at particular times of year
Elder Scrolls fans that played the Dragonborn DLC in Skyrim will be quite familiar with the appearance of Stalhrim gear. The armor in this style is covered in warm clothing as if the wearer needed a coat for a walk up a snowy mountain.
The weapons in the Stalhrim Frostcaster style have an appearance similar to ice; however, it is actually a tough stone that can defeat any enemy that comes your way. You can only obtain the Stalhrim Frostcaster style in the crown store at certain times of the year.