There are three alliances in Elder Scrolls Online with their own set of races. With the amount of content in the game, it can sometimes get hard for new and returning players to choose which alliance is best for them. In this article, we will try to help you with the decision of which alliance is the best in Elder Scrolls Online.
Alliances in Elder Scrolls Online do not really matter as much hence there is no best alliance in the game. It all comes down to what kind of a player you are. Depending on that, you will have to pick the race that serves your desired playstyle. Each race belongs to an alliance and that would be the best choice for you.
Alliances in Elder Scrolls Online
In Elder Scrolls Online, factions/alliances define your character’s loyalty and beginning area. You will choose a Race for your character and set off in a certain zone based on your choices.
Regardless of your initial faction selection, you will be able to explore and perform tasks across all factions, but your PvP allegiance will never alter.
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Daggerfall Covenant
The Daggerfall Covenant is formed by the three races of northwest Tamriel, united by High King Emeric to fulfill a common goal and take back the Ruby Throne. The Bretons have the gifts of magic and diplomacy. The Orcs are stalwart soldiers and talented armorers who manufacture the finest weapons and armor in all of Tamriel.
The Redguards are supremely athletic and raised to be outstanding warriors from the moment they’re born. The Daggerfall Covenant’s varied talents make it a force to be reckoned with.
- Leader: High King Emeric
- PvE Capital: Wayrest in Stormhaven
- PvP Port: Southern High Rock Gate
- Starting Area: Stros M’kai
Races of Daggerfall Covenant:
- Breton
- Redguard
- Orsimer (Orc)
Ebonheart Pact
The Ebonheart Pact is the most unlikely of the three alliances. The Nords and Dark Elves have a long history of conflict, and the Argonians were enslaved by the Dark Elves for thousands of years.
It was the Akaviri invasion that forged a bond between them. Now they are determined to control their own destiny by defeating the Empire while preserving their own fiercely independent homelands.
The Nords are the brash, boisterous front line of the Pact; fierce warriors and expert weapon masters. The Dark Elves have a natural affinity for magic. The Argonians are the best guerilla warriors in Tamriel. The combined strength of these unlikely allies makes the Ebonheart Pact a fighting force of extraordinary power.
- Leader: Jorunn
- PvE Capital: Mournhold in Deshaan
- PvP Port: Southern Morrowind Gate
- Starting Area: Bleakrock Isle
Races of Ebonheart Pact:
- Nord
- Dunmer (Dark Elf)
- Argonian
Aldmeri Dominion
The Dominion was formed in an attempt to take control of the Imperial City and restore Elven’s rule to Tamriel. It is said that the three allied races were the most intelligent, patient, and rational in Tamriel.
Members of the Aldmeri Dominion believe that the short-lived and young races of men are unfit to rule and that this role is meant by the Divines to be filled by the Aldmeri Dominion itself.
The Aldmeri Dominion has adopted as its symbol the eagle sigil of the High Elves of Summerset. For the Altmer, the high-soaring eagle represents their ancestors the Aedra, who came from the heavens and were trapped in physical form by the creation of Nirn.
- Leader: Queen Ayrenn
- PvE Capital: Elden Root in Grahtwood
- PvP Port: Eastern Elsweyr Gate
- Starting Area: Khenarthi’s Roost
Races of Aldmeri Dominion:
- Altmer
- Bosmer
- Khajiit
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Which Faction/Alliance And Race Is The Best Option To Choose For You?
There are two reasons for choosing a particular Alliance and Race. Either you want to roleplay a certain type of character which will ultimately influence your choice or there is a specific build that you want to play as.
Roleplay is a very subjective matter and one where your desires have the final say. As for builds, there are certain Races that excel at certain build playstyles. Now if you haven’t already figured out what build suits which Race from the information given above then we will summarize it for you in the table below:
| Build | Best Race For The Build |
| Tank | Nord – Ebonheart Pact Imperial – Independent Race Argonian – Ebonheart Pact |
| Healer | Argonian – Ebonheart Pact Altmer (High Elf) – Aldmeri Dominion Dunmer (Dark Elf) – Ebonheart Pact Breton – Daggerfall Covenant Khajiit – Aldmeri Dominion |
| Stamina DPS | Dunmer (Dark Elf) – Ebonheart Pact Khajiit – Aldmeri Dominion Orsimer (Orc) – Daggerfall Covenant Bosmer (Wood Elf) – Aldmeri Dominion Redguard – Daggerfall Covenant |
| Magicka DPS | Altmer (High Elf) – Aldmeri Dominion Dunmer (Dark Elf) – Ebonheart Pact Khajiit – Aldmeri Dominion Breton – Daggerfall Covenant |
| Solo & Hybrid | Orsimer (Orc) – Daggerfall Covenant Altmer (High Elf) – Aldmeri Dominion Khajiit – Aldmeri Dominion Dunmer (Dark Elf) – Ebonheart Pact Argonian – Ebonheart Pact Nord – Ebonheart Pact Imperial – Independent Race |
No alliance has any particular advantage over the other. However, it is the race you choose that determines the way you play the game. Each race has a distinct playstyle, which should be considered when choosing the alliance you want to be a part of.
We have listed a bunch of builds/playstyles along with the race and faction above. Assess which type of player you are and choose the race and alliance combination accordingly. Alliances in themselves are not important.