To effectively level up your new ESO character to CP160, focus on completing zone story quests, using dungeon leveling, and gathering Skyshards while unlocking essential skill points, skill lines, companions, and guilds like Fighters, Mages, and Undaunted.
New Character Creation
Start your adventure in ESO by carefully crafting your character to suit your preferred playstyle.
prerequisites
- Decide on a race and class combination that fits your desired playstyle.
- When creating your character, choose whether to skip or complete the tutorial. New players are encouraged to complete the tutorial.
- Equip a weapon immediately to unlock the desired weapon skill line. Killing enemies with the equipped weapon unlocks its associated skill line.
- Assign initial skill points to each of your class skill lines by investing one point in the first skill of each line. Ensure these skills are always on your bar to level them up.
Completing Zone Story Quests
Complete story quests to unlock skill points and gain valuable experience.
steps
- Begin with your faction's starter zone story quest.
- Utilize the zone guide feature to locate and start zone story quests. Open the zone guide and select "Start Zone Story" to find the required NPC.
- Playing zones in chronological release order offers additional immersion and unique dialogue options with recurring characters (no significant impact on rewards).
The zone guide menu displays the 'Start Zone Story' option for the selected area. — Lucky Ghost
Utilizing Companions
Companions provide additional utility in combat and their usefulness grows as they level up.
steps
- Unlock a companion early by completing their introductory quest. For example, Ember is located in Tor Draok and offers an easy rapport system for beginners.
- Ensure your companion is summoned while adventuring so they gain experience and collect gear from chests.
- Companions have their unique skill lines for Fighters, Mages, and Undaunted guilds, which require leveling by completing daily activities with the companion summoned.
Skill Points and Skyshards
Skill points are critical for progression, and quick acquisition is key to leveling efficiently.
steps
- Actively collect Skyshards across multiple zones; every three Skyshards grant one skill point.
- Complete dungeon quests for additional skill points, available on a one-time basis per dungeon.
- Use class abilities and weapon skills in combat to gain experience and level those skill lines.
The in-game map of Blackwood shows Skyshard locations marked with specific icons. — Lucky Ghost
Dungeon Leveling
Dungeons are essential for maximizing experience gain and earning gear for crafting.
steps
- Start queueing for random dungeons at level 10 to receive daily experience bonuses.
- Complete dungeon quests for skill points and additional XP. Each dungeon provides one skill point upon completing its quest.
- Deconstruct gear obtained in dungeons to level up crafting skill lines.
The Dungeon Finder menu displays the Random Normal Dungeon selection and associated daily bonus rewards. — Lucky Ghost
Unlocking and Leveling Guild Skills
Joining guilds early sets you on the path to unlocking key skill lines and passive bonuses.
steps
- Join the Fighters Guild to level its skills through activities like destroying Dolmens.
- Join the Mages Guild by collecting lore books found across all zones.
- Join the Undaunted Guild at level 10 to start dungeon leveling and earn Undaunted keys for monster set gear.
Reaching CP160 and Beyond
CP160 is the gear maximum level and an important milestone for your character progression.
The character's inventory displays equipped CP160 gear and other informational panels. — Lucky Ghost
FAQ
How do I level up a new character in ESO?
Focus on completing zone story quests, unlocking and leveling skill lines by using abilities, gathering Skyshards, and completing random daily dungeons starting at level 10 for bonus experience.
What is the best way to get to level 160 in ESO?
Combine daily dungeon bonuses, Skyshard collection, main story quests, and guild leveling to progress efficiently. Keep guilds progressing alongside character leveling.
Which companions should I pick in ESO?
Ember is a recommended choice for new players due to her favorable rapport system and utility across different playstyles.
What are good tips for new ESO players leveling up?
Unlock guilds like Fighters, Mages, and Undaunted early. Focus on gathering Skyshards, keeping equipment updated, and actively leveling skill lines by using their abilities.
How to start guild leveling in ESO?
Join the Fighters Guild (destroy Dolmens), Mages Guild (collect lore books), and Undaunted Guild (complete dungeon quests) early in the game to start progressing through their respective skill lines.
What skill points and skill lines should I focus on leveling in ESO?
Focus on unlocking and leveling your three class skill lines, preferred weapon skill line, guild skill lines, and passives for all-around character progression.
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 Step By Step Leveling Guide - Level 1 to 300+ — Lucky Ghost, June 14, 2026
Checked against:
- Combat Updates – Update 51 PTS — ZOS_Kevin, 2026-08-13
- 404 — The Elder Scrolls Online
