Can You Change Servers in ESO?
Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a popular MMORPG game with millions of players worldwide. Many players may wonder whether it’s possible to switch between servers or not. The answer is yes, players can switch between servers, but with some conditions.
Server Structure in ESO
ESO operates on a mega server, which means that all characters are part of one unified server, regardless of which region or faction they’re in. This setup helps to maintain a healthy balance of population across all areas of the game, but it also means that character data is shared between multiple servers.
Server List and Locations
The North American (NA) servers are based in various data centers around the United States, while the European (EU) servers are primarily located in the European region. Some players might ask, "What are the most populated servers?" However, due to ESO’s mega server setup, every server has a share of the population.
Here are the most populated zones:
• Wayrest (Wrothgar region) – a busy area with many players
• Elden Root (Rivenspire region) – also experiencing high activity
• Mournhold (Valenwood region) – packed with players
• Belkarth (Craglorn region) – always buzzing
Switching Between Servers
As mentioned earlier, players can switch between servers, but there are conditions to keep in mind.
• NA/EU Servers: Players from both regions can switch to an opposing region’s server to play with friends from that region. However, all characters on the server you switch to will still maintain their NA/EU identities.
• New-to-ESO and Experienced Players: New players usually start on a newly-created character and can decide on a server later on, while experienced players who haven’t played ESO for some time may want to jump back into the action or switch servers for personal or social reasons.
To change servers:
- Log in to the ESO Launcher
- Select your game profile and click View Profile
- Click on Settings, then Game Settings, then Account
- Choose the new server you’d like to move to from the list.
- Accept any prompts and confirm your transfer.
Character Lock vs. Account Lock
You should note the distinction between character lock (when your character data, including your character level and inventory, is migrated) and account lock (when your ESO account remains tied to one server and you won’t be able to move accounts).
- Character locks are done for your new server to match, including your current character and possessions.
- If an account is locked to one server, it may hinder your ability to join online events, play in various regions, or change zones.
Phasing (Server Capping) System
Phasing allows a server to grow up to a specific capacity. Above this cap, some character data (e.g., characters) might temporarily experience loading delays or desync issues.
- Phased out servers don’t restrict other servers or prevent cross-realm grouping, chat, or online events. Just be patient if it means waiting a bit before receiving your updates.
Some Final Tips for Switching Servers:
- Take caution when choosing a server that might affect your group setup or game preferences, in case your new friends live on different servers or want to change zones in another region.
- Set up an ESO Group to help organize groups by server and zone if planning to stay with an exclusive group.
In summary: Yes, you can switch servers in ESO with some caveats related to character locks, account lock, and server limitations in the Phasing System.
FAQs:
Q: Can I keep my characters on my previous server while switching servers in ESO?
A: No. As you move to another server, all your existing character data (including their character level, inventory, etc.) is transferred or stays on your new server for your ESO character set.
Q: Does joining a specific server group help me meet new people when switching servers?
A: Yes! Switching to a populated or popular server, particularly among your target server faction group, could lead you towards meeting fellow players eager for social gaming.
Stay wise, explore the Vvardenfell’s Ancient Scrolls (optional for experienced players), experience cross-realm play for shared events and zones to unlock the thrill of an alternate server for yourself or an existing account.
Explore Now!