The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is introducing an exciting new feature that enhances immersion and player agency: Player Response Options. While it might sound like just another role-playing mechanic, it has far-reaching implications for how you interact with NPCs, make choices, and most importantly—how you earn unique quest rewards.

In this guide, we’ll break down how this system works, why it’s more than just flavor text, and how savvy players can use it to their advantage, especially in new zones.

What Are Player Response Options in ESO?

The Player Response System is a new dialogue mechanic being added to ESO’s questlines. While players have always been able to make choices (e.g., bribe, intimidate, or persuade), this new system brings emotional tone and nuance into conversations with NPCs. According to Narrative Director Bill Slavis, these new choices allow for a wider role-playing range, including:

    Kind
    Grim
    Merciful
    Ruthless
    Joker
    Flirty

These options won't appear in every quest, but they are becoming more common and are clearly marked. They're also currently available to test in the new Prologue quest, giving players a first look at how this system changes interactions.

Why These Dialogue Choices Matter

The biggest impact? These new response options can influence quest outcomes—and in some cases, even change the final rewards.

In the past, ESO players have seen minor reward changes based on quest decisions. However, with this system expanding, we may see more impactful and varied rewards, including:

    Alternate item drops
    Unique gear traits
    Cosmetic unlocks
    Dialogue-exclusive bonuses

To illustrate why this matters, let’s revisit Blackwood, a DLC zone in ESO. When it launched, there was a high demand for the Frostbite set, especially for frost-focused builds. While most players were grinding public dungeons and Oblivion Portals for gear, few knew that a simple side quest in the city of Gideon awarded a Frostbite Ice Staff with a good trait—for free.

By completing that short quest across multiple characters, players were able to farm the item and sell it for over 100,000 eso gold each, earning millions in profit.

The takeaway? Side quests can contain hidden value, especially in new zones where overland sets are still fresh and highly desirable.

How This Ties into the New Player Response System

If player choices now affect quest endings—and by extension, rewards—then testing different outcomes could unlock different gear pieces or rare cosmetics.

Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Prioritize Side Quests in New Zones

When a new DLC launches, don’t rush past side quests. They may offer guaranteed drops from valuable overland sets.

2. Test Multiple Dialogue Paths

If you’re farming on multiple characters, try selecting different dialogue responses to see if it leads to different rewards or endings.

3. Watch for High-Demand Sets

Sets from new DLCs usually retain good resale value early on. Look out for weapons especially, as they're harder to acquire than armor.

Long-Term Potential of This System

This update could mark the beginning of more interactive storytelling in ESO. If expanded upon, this system might:

    Encourage multiple playthroughs of the same quest with different responses.
    Offer exclusive cosmetic rewards for specific personality choices (e.g., choosing “flirty” might unlock a romance scene or emote).
    Deepen bonds with fan-favorite characters like Razum-dar, who already features in this new system.

Although some players might shrug off this system as “just roleplay,” it has real consequences for reward farming, player progression, and zone economy—especially in newly released content.

The Elder Scrolls Online has always rewarded players who explore and complete content thoroughly. This new Player Response feature adds another layer to that strategy—and potentially, a new way to get rare items or gold with minimal grind.