It seems that the Aldmeri Dominion will be very imbalanced in Group PVE compared to the other factions.

Why you might ask?

- Because they lack races that will be played as a dragonknight or tank in general.

The Aldmeri dominion has 3 races:

Altmer – mostly used as Sorcerers, sometimes Templar.

Bosmer – Nightblade.

Khajit – Nightblade.

Most players will play Nightblade in the Aldmeri dominion, followed by Sorcerer and Templar. There will probably barely be any Dragonknights. Surveys support me in my theory:

tamrielfoundry.com/2013/05/eso-by-the-numbers-part-2/

tamrielfoundry.com/2013/11/eso-btn2-alliance-breakdowns/

That will assembling an optimal group with at least one tank pretty hard in endgame dungeons.

Other Alliances are much more balanced. This might be a big disadvantage if you play in the Aldmeri Dominion (as non-tank character).

Thought if you pre-ordered, even the regular copy, you got the ability to play as any race no matter the chosen faction?? Just can't play as an Imperial unless you get the Imperial Edition?

The flaw in this theory is suggesting you need a DK to tank.

Surveys from a single site only really reflect how the users on that site will behave. It's better than no data of course, but the reality may be different.

If anyone pre ordered the game, they will get to choose their race and alliance anyway, which makes the race question obsolete for a good portion of potential ESO players.

Yes but that will only affect the start of the game, i hope the game won′t be that much of a fail and most players will actually buy the game after release.

Most people who want to tank will play either Templar or Dragonknight, both classes are underrepresented in the Aldmeri dominion.

Anyone can play Imperial in any faction. Imperial's racial abilities are ideal for DragonKnight. Seems they will be in high demand.

Umm, no they can't. At least that was my understanding.......that you had to buy the imperial edition in order to play that race.

I dont think Imperial Dragonknights will fill the void alone.

Yea that will limit the number of Imperial Dragonknights

Ahh ok. My mistake. I got it mixed up with the pre-order play any race. But that is true after the pre-order period is over. Only Imperials (will still be an upgrade option in the cash shop) can play any faction.

AD imbalanced? Nah, they're just all raving lunatics. /rimshot

So you are saying that tanks do not use magicka? Altmer racials are not just amazing for spellcasters, they are amazing for anyone who regularly uses class skills. They also get a +6% fire damage boost, sounds pretty nice for DK's and Templars to me.

You can also play Imperial in the AD, which is great for tanks, so yeah.

AD has the best racials imo. Dominant stealth racials in PvP, and dominant magicka user racials. Daggerfall gets the best stamina pve racials, 2nd best magicka user racials, and Ebonheart gets... garbage hehe.

And those who want to tank, who also want to play Templar or DK in Aldmeri, will still do so.

I'm not overly worried. If there is a demand for tank roles and people want to step up, they will adjust their sorcerer's and NB's to do so. The game gives you plenty of skill points where it isn't an issue to play two radically different playstyles.

Word is Sorc actually makes a better tank than DK, too...

useless thread. people play what they want not what is best for their selected race.

Most "whats the best race for dragonknight" threads dont mention AD races. And most people will go after the typical feeling: bosmer are archers, khajit assassins, Altmer Sorcerers.

AD stealth racials and magic racials were nerfed recently so they are only average.

No, that's not right either.

ALL digital pre-orders come with bonuses, i.e. the explorers packs, so you get a scuttler vanity pet, early access, bonus treasure maps and you can play any race in any alliance.

We may well see a shift in what is being represented now on forums, to what will actually be in game when they turn on the lights.

Most People play either stereotypes or whats best for their build.

Yes, but I was under the impression that the Imperial race was still locked to the Imperial Edition? Since it's one of the focused selling points for the IE on the Bethesda website.

Aside from the fact that racials are just added flavor, why wouldn't an Altmer or Khajit make a good DK?

Altmer get's magicka and spell damage bonuses.

Khajit gets health regen and critical bonuses.

^this

Yes it is, but the Imperial upgrade will continue to be available after launch in the cash shop (but will not include the explorer pack which is preorder only). So upgrades to Imperial Edition after the preorder period will get the Imperial race, the white horse, Imperial crafting, rings of mara.

Well I guess my Dunmer DK in the AD will have plenty of work as a tank then...

Any race could make a nice tank. Khajiit and Altmer seems especially suited for it. AD should be fine even without pre-order ability.

If there is a lack of tanks, see that as opportunity to become one yourself. Don't see an issue at all here!

Not saying they make or make not good DK. I say there are not enough people who will play DK in the Aldmeri Dominion. Most people play either stereotypes (e.g. brutish Orc tank) or min-max their character (which also means they are not taking Aldmeri Dominion Dragonknights as far as Dragonknight race threads go)

Only the Imperial Edition includes playing as an imperial.