Utilize high-frequency grinding locations like Dolmens in Alik'r Desert or instance dungeons such as Skyreach Catacombs and Blackrose Prison. Pair these activities with experience buffs from consumables, training gear, and events to maximize your leveling efficiency.
Dolmen Grind in Alik'r Desert
Dolmen grinding in Alik'r Desert is one of the easiest and most popular ways to gain experience in The Elder Scrolls Online. To get started, locate the Dolmens on the map, which are marked with hurricane-like symbols. Dolmens spawn in a predictable clockwise or counterclockwise rotation within the region, and you can teleport between them to follow the grind efficiently.
Using server-specific commands in zone chat (such as "X" on NA servers or "+Dolmen" on EU servers), join groups focused on Dolmen grinding. Once at a Dolmen, it is crucial to touch at least one enemy to receive experience from the kills and contribute to breaking the anchor for additional experience. Completing the anchor also grants significant Fighters Guild experience, making it a great way to level up that skill line early in your character's progression.
The in-game map displays Dolmen symbols in the Alik'r Desert region. — Lucky Ghost
Skyreach Catacombs Farming Tips
Skyreach Catacombs offer an instance-based leveling method without competition from other players. Grinding here is best done with a group of two players to minimize downtime and increase experience efficiency. Since instances take five minutes to reset, disband the group after completing a run and reform it immediately to force an instant reset.
The optimal route involves gathering mobs from the first room into hallways and staircases. Open bookshelves during runs to help level abilities. Avoid mobs with low XP yield to save the most time and effort. Always focus on maximizing mob aggregation to ensure the best experience gains.
The player approaches glowing mobs inside the Skyreach Catacombs. — Lucky Ghost
Blackrose Prison Leveling
Blackrose Prison offers the fastest leveling option in the game when played on normal difficulty. Focus exclusively on repeating the first arena, as later arenas are less efficient for grinding experience. Complete all enemy waves until the boss spawns.
The party menu in Blackrose Prison is open, displaying group details and options. — Lucky Ghost
Optimize XP Gain Using Training Gear
Training gear is highly effective for boosting XP while leveling. Equip training gear in all available slots, including body armor and weapons. Higher quality gear, such as purple or gold, provides greater XP bonuses. While gold gear yields the highest bonus, purple gear is often sufficient for short-duration use during leveling.
Experience Buff Consumables & Events
Consumable items such as XP Scrolls and Potions significantly boost experience gain, with bonus percentages ranging from 50% to 150%. When a double XP event is active, the event bonus stacks with buffs from scrolls, potions, and training gear to drastically increase experience gains.
High-tier XP potions can be costly, so players may benefit from using moderately priced consumables or relying on login rewards to acquire scrolls. During double XP events held quarterly, prioritize leveling alts for maximum benefit.
FAQ
Where are the best leveling spots in ESO?
The best spots include Dolmens in Alik'r Desert, Skyreach Catacombs, Blackrose Prison, and Spellscar for efficient leveling.
How can I grind XP at Dolmen in Alik'r Desert?
To grind XP, join a group by using server-specific commands in zone chat, touch one enemy per Dolmen, and follow the hurricane-like symbols on your map to move between Dolmens.
What is the Skyreach Catacombs farming route in ESO?
The route involves gathering mobs from the first room into hallways, opening bookshelves for additional ability leveling, and using group resets to avoid downtime between runs.
What buffs help increase experience gain in ESO?
Experience buffs come from consumables like XP Scrolls and Potions combined with training gear traits and double XP events.
Can I use the training trait to level faster in ESO?
Yes, gear equipped with the Training trait enhances XP gain, and higher quality gear provides larger bonuses.
Sources
Screenshots on this page are frames from the videos below, used to illustrate the steps they describe. All rights remain with their creators.
- ESO - Power Level Guide - Grind Levels and CP Fast! — Lucky Ghost, May 1, 2026
Checked against:
- Combat Updates – Update 51 PTS — ZOS_Kevin, 2026-08-13
- 404 — The Elder Scrolls Online
