Two days ago, what is arguably Elder Scroll Online’s most game-changing update, One Tamriel, has finally been launched. And because of its great impact on how the game is played, it has been highly anticipated ever since its announcement. So for everyone who have ESO accounts, there’s no better time to play than now.
We’ve already discussed some of the changes that will happen in the game (and as of writing, has already taken place). However, we’ve missed one important change: the fact that players can now party with those who are from opposing factions.
“For starters, alliance restrictions (outside of PvP) will be no more. That means players can group up with anyone in ESO, no matter their allegiance. Likewise, Guilds can now assemble more diverse groups for their adventures. In short, it’s now even easier to find a pick-up group when heading out on a quest, exploring a dungeon, or taking on a trial.”
This is a very big deal. This is because not being able to be in a party with those from different faction, despite seeming like a good thing because it adds a feel of realism and adherence to the lore, has been a problem for a lot of players who want to play with their friends in another faction, and at the same time stick to the faction they are convinced that they believe in.
ESO Accounts: A Sad Faction Story
To prove this point, a good example would be what happened to Peter Hines, vice president of public relations and marketing for Zenimax, and his son.
“At the time, he was 11 or 12, and of course he doesn’t listen or he didn’t remember. When he got around to playing, he joined a different faction. He and his friends had been playing and playing and playing, and one weekend he said, ‘Hey dad, we should play ESO together!’ I said, ‘Let’s go!’ And we went, and we both loaded up the game and we went to go play and I’m yelling, ‘Tyler! You’re in the wrong faction!’”
See? Sad isn’t it? Now thankfully, with the One Tamriel update, players no longer have to create a new character – or even new ESO accounts – with the same faction as their family or friends are just so they can play with them.
True to its name, the One Tamriel patch is making the game a more solid and open MMO experience, so much so that it transcends faction. So now you can choose the side you truly want without making alt ESO accounts, because now you can party with anyone, even those who don’t share the same views as you.
Now if only the upcoming US election was this way…