Look, we’ve all been there. You’re staring at your gear screen in The Elder Scrolls Online, drowning in a sea of buffs, debuffs, and stats, and you hit a wall.
What really matters when you’re trying to squeeze out that extra bit of performance? Today, we’re tackling a big one: are delves or dark anchors better ESO for your build? It’s a question that pops up more than you’d think, especially when you’re trying to optimize for endgame content or just beat that one boss that’s been giving you grief. Forget the clickbait and the endless forum debates.
I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit grinding, experimenting, and frankly, wasting gold on gear that looked good on paper but fell flat in practice. Let’s cut through the noise and get to what actually works.
Digs vs. Dark Anchors: The Raw Breakdown
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks about whether digs or dark anchors are better ESO for your build. It’s not as simple as picking one over the other, because they serve fundamentally different purposes and offer different kinds of rewards. Think of it like this: digs are like a quick errand where you might find a few useful bits and bobs, while dark anchors are more like a raid – a bigger commitment with a potentially bigger payoff, but also a much higher risk if you’re not prepared.
Digs, for the uninitiated, are small, self-contained dungeons scattered all over Tamriel. They’re typically solo-friendly, meaning you can waltz in, clear out a few mobs, kill a mini-boss, grab a skyshard, and maybe snag a piece of gear or some crafting materials. The loot from digs is usually pretty decent for leveling or filling out a specific set you need for a particular build. You’ll often find them on your way to quest objectives, making them a convenient stop. The main draw here is the accessibility and the consistent, albeit smaller, trickle of resources and gear.
Dark Anchors, on the other hand, are those big, fiery meteor showers that periodically fall from Coldharbour. These are public events, often involving multiple players, where you’re fighting off waves of Daedra and closing portals. The rewards from completing Dark Anchors are generally more significant, especially the ‘Enriched’ chests you get from contributing enough and the loot that drops from the final boss. You can get powerful gear sets, crafting motifs, and sometimes even rare items that are key for top-tier builds. The challenge is higher, and they require a bit more coordination, especially on crowded servers where everyone is fighting for aggro and loot.
When I first started playing, I spent a ton of time just running around, hitting every dig I saw. It felt productive, and I was always getting something. I remember getting a full set of Julianos armor from digs while leveling my first crafter, which was a massive boost. But then I started looking at endgame builds and noticed how many people were rocking specific pieces from Dark Anchor drops or sets that were more efficiently farmed from other sources. It made me question my approach. Was I leaving valuable loot on the table by focusing too much on the smaller, easier content?
The key difference boils down to efficiency and payoff. Digs are quick wins. They’re great for filling gaps in your gear, acquiring specific crafting items, or just getting a little bit of XP and loot while you’re traveling. Dark Anchors are higher risk, higher reward. They demand more time and often more players, but the potential for major gear or rare collectibles is significantly higher. So, are delves or dark anchors better ESO? It depends on what you need and how much time you’ve got.
Gear Farming: Where Do You Score the Best Loot?
Let’s talk about the bread and butter of why we even bother with these activities in ESO: the gear. If you’re asking whether digs or dark anchors are better ESO for acquiring specific gear sets, the answer is nuanced. Neither is a one-stop shop for everything, but one tends to be more reliable for certain types of gear, while the other offers a chance at more coveted pieces.
Digs are fantastic for mid-tier gear sets that are designed to be accessible. Think sets like Julianos, Hunding’s Rage, or Sundercliff. These are often found in the overland zones where digs are located.
The bosses within digs, and the chests you find there, have a good chance of dropping individual pieces. The advantage of digs is that you can typically solo them, making them a consistent source of gear as you level up or if you’re trying to complete a specific set for a build that doesn’t require the absolute top-tier, raid-level equipment. I’ve used digs to complete many leveling sets for alts, and it’s a smooth process. (See Also: Can Concrete Anchors Be Used In Brick )
You can often get a full set piece within an hour or two of focused farming, assuming some luck.
Dark Anchors, on the other hand, are more aligned with dropping gear that’s often part of more complex or powerful sets, and sometimes, they are the only way to get certain unique items. For example, some of the Mother’s Sorrow pieces or pieces from sets that drop in the specific zones where Dark Anchors spawn can be farmed here.
The loot table for Dark Anchors is more varied. You’ll get a mix of common items, but the real prize is the chance at those rarer pieces that are part of meta-defining builds. My personal experience with Dark Anchors has been a bit more hit-or-miss.
I’ve had sessions where I got three pieces of a coveted set in one go, and other sessions where I got nothing but vendor trash. It’s more RNG-dependent, but the potential upside is higher.
Here’s a practical breakdown of what you might find:
| Activity | Primary Gear Focus | Reliability | Potential Rarity | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digs | Mid-tier overland sets, crafting sets | High (consistent drops) | Moderate | Great for leveling and filling gaps. |
| Dark Anchors | Zone-specific sets, higher-tier overland sets, unique items | Moderate (RNG heavy) | High | Worth the time for specific chase items. |
So, when you’re asking if digs or dark anchors are better ESO for gear, consider what kind of gear you’re chasing. For consistent progression and filling out sets that are widely available, digs are your friend. If you’re hunting for that one specific, potent piece that can define your build, Dark Anchors might be your target, but be prepared for a grind.
Resource Gathering and Crafting Materials
Beyond direct gear drops, another important aspect to consider when deciding if digs or dark anchors are better ESO is the acquisition of crafting materials and other valuable resources. This is where the distinction becomes a bit clearer, and my preference definitely leans one way for specific needs.
Digs are consistently good for overland crafting materials. You’ll find ore nodes, wood nodes, and sometimes even cloth scraps within the environments of digs. The enemies you defeat also drop crafting items, and the chests often contain a decent haul of raw materials. If you’re a crafter who needs to stock up on things like Nirncroot, Heartwood, or Ebony Ingots, regularly clearing digs in zones where those materials are plentiful is a solid strategy. I remember when I was trying to craft a full set of Night Mother’s Gaze for my stealthy builds; I would specifically target digs in the shadow-themed zones because the chests seemed to have a higher chance of yielding those important materials.
Dark Anchors, on the other hand, are less about passive material gathering and more about specific, high-value drops. While you can get some standard crafting materials from enemies and chests, the main draw for resources from Dark Anchors is the chance to acquire Daedric motifs, rare crafting recipes, or unique crafting ingredients that are tied to the event itself. These are often more niche and valuable for specific master crafters or those looking to sell rare items on the market. You might also get items like Daedra Hearts or other specific Daedric crafting components, which are often in demand but not necessarily the bread-and-butter materials you need for everyday crafting.
For general resource gathering, especially for common crafting materials needed for popular overland sets or provisioning, digs are hands-down more efficient. They are readily available, can be done solo, and provide a steady stream of materials. If you’re just starting out and need to level your crafting skills or make common gear, focus on digs. The materials you find in chests and on enemies are plentiful. (See Also: Can Cords Be Used To Make Anchors Climbing )
However, if you’re after specific, high-value crafting items like rare motifs or Daedric components, Dark Anchors offer a chance at those. It’s more of a jackpot scenario rather than a steady income. So, when thinking about whether digs or dark anchors are better ESO for your crafting needs, it really depends on your objective. For steady, everyday materials, go with digs. For those rarer, more specialized components, brave the Dark Anchors.
Player vs. Player (pvp) Considerations
Now, let’s pivot to a completely different aspect of the game: Player vs. Player combat. When you’re gearing up for Cyrodiil or Battlegrounds, the question of whether digs or dark anchors are better ESO for your PvP build is quite different from PvE. The emphasis shifts from raw stats and survivability to specific set bonuses that can give you an edge in combat against other players.
Generally speaking, digs are not a primary source for PvP-focused gear. The overland sets you find in digs are often designed for balanced PvE performance or leveling. While a few might have niche applications, most top-tier PvP builds rely on gear from more challenging PvE content (like dungeons, trials) or specific PvP rewards. You might stumble upon a piece of a decent set in a dig, but it’s rarely the most efficient way to farm what you need for a dedicated PvP loadout.
Dark Anchors, on the other hand, can be a more relevant source, though still not the absolute best. The key here is that Dark Anchors spawn in overland zones that also contain valuable overland sets. Some of these overland sets have PvP applications. For instance, sets that offer mobility, resource sustain, or damage buffs can be beneficial. By participating in Dark Anchor events, you increase your chances of looting these zones and potentially acquiring pieces of these sets. It’s an indirect benefit; you’re not necessarily getting PvP-specific gear from the anchor itself, but you’re farming in an area that contains such gear.
My personal experience in PvP is that the truly meta-defining sets come from challenging dungeons, trials, or the Alliance War itself. However, I’ve definitely used pieces found through overland farming (which often involves hitting digs and events like anchors) to bridge gaps in my build while I was working towards those higher-end sets. For example, a well-rolled piece of Hunding’s Rage, which can be found in digs, is a solid option for Stamina builds in PvP due to its weapon damage bonus. It’s not the flashiest, but it’s effective.
Contrarian opinion time: Everyone talks about Trials and Dungeons for PvP gear, and rightly so. But I think people underestimate the power of well-chosen overland sets, and by extension, the zones where they can be farmed. Don’t dismiss digs and Dark Anchors entirely for PvP. They might not be the endgame raid for PvP gear, but they are excellent stepping stones and can provide important pieces that are easier to acquire while you’re working towards more complex objectives. The key is to know which overland sets are actually viable in PvP and then target the zones where those sets drop, using digs and anchors as opportunities to farm.
So, to wrap up this point on PvP: are delves or dark anchors better ESO? Neither is the primary source, but Dark Anchors offer a slightly better tangential benefit by increasing your presence in zones that contain PvP-viable overland sets. Digs are more for general gear acquisition that might have a niche PvP use.
Efficiency and Time Investment
Let’s be blunt: your time in ESO is valuable. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore grinder, you want to know where you’re getting the most bang for your buck in terms of time invested. When it comes to asking if digs or dark anchors are better ESO for efficiency, it really boils down to your goals and how much time you’re willing to commit in a single session.
Digs are the champions of quick, efficient sessions. You can typically clear a dig in 10-20 minutes, depending on your build and how much you’re exploring. This makes them perfect for short play sessions, filling in downtime between queues for dungeons, or when you only have an hour to play. The reward-to-time ratio is generally good for the types of gear and materials you get. You get a consistent stream of loot, which can feel very productive even if the individual items aren’t major.
Dark Anchors, on the other hand, are a bigger time commitment. A single Dark Anchor event can take 15-20 minutes to complete, and these events don’t happen constantly. You have to wait for them to spawn. Furthermore, to get the best rewards (the Enriched chests), you need to actively participate and contribute, which means fighting through waves of enemies and a boss. This often involves grouping up, which can introduce its own time sinks depending on coordination. If you’re aiming to farm multiple anchors for maximum loot potential, you could easily spend a couple of hours doing so, and the RNG means you might not get the specific drops you’re hoping for. (See Also: Can Anchors In Your Shoulder Break )
I remember one evening, I had about 45 minutes to play. I managed to clear two digs in that time and came away with a couple of decent gear pieces and a good chunk of crafting materials. Later that week, I spent over two hours doing a circuit of Dark Anchors, contributing heavily, and I walked away with… well, mostly vendor trash and a few motifs I already had. It felt less efficient for my immediate needs, even though the potential for a rare drop was there.
So, in terms of pure, predictable efficiency for steady progression, digs win. They are a reliable way to get something useful relatively quickly. If you have a lot of time and are hunting for those rare, high-impact items, Dark Anchors offer the potential for a bigger payoff, but with a much higher degree of variability and uncertainty. It’s the difference between a reliable paycheck and a lottery ticket. Both have their place, but you need to know what you’re looking for to decide which one is ‘better’ for your time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When you’re trying to decide whether digs or dark anchors are better ESO for your specific needs, it’s easy to fall into a few traps. I’ve made them myself, and seen plenty of others make them too. Understanding these common mistakes can save you a lot of wasted time and frustration.
- Ignoring the Zone: People often go into digs or anchors in random zones without considering what sets or materials are available there. Every zone has specific overland sets and crafting materials. If you need a particular set, research which zone it drops in and focus your efforts there. Don’t just clear a dig in Glenumbra if the set you need drops in Alik’r Desert.
- Over-reliance on Digs for Endgame Gear: While digs are great for leveling and filling out sets, expecting to find top-tier, raid-level gear from them is unrealistic. They’re not designed for that. You’ll burn yourself out chasing items that simply don’t drop there.
- Underestimating Dark Anchor Loot Tables: Similarly, going into Dark Anchors expecting to get a steady stream of useful items for every build is a mistake. They drop a lot of varied loot. You might get great gear for one character but nothing useful for another. It’s more about the chance of a great drop than a guarantee.
- Not Grouping for Anchors When Necessary: Dark Anchors can be brutal if you try to solo them when they’re heavily populated or if you’re undergeared. While some can be soloed, many are designed for groups. Failing to group up when needed means less contribution, lower tier chests, and a frustrating experience.
- Forgetting About Other Sources: This is a big one. Digs and Dark Anchors are not the only ways to get gear or materials. Dungeons, Trials, World Bosses, crafting stations, and even vendors offer valuable items. Don’t get tunnel vision on just these two activities if they aren’t yielding what you need.
Avoiding these pitfalls will help you make much more informed decisions about where to spend your time. It’s about understanding the purpose of each activity and matching it to your current goals in the game.
Faq: Digs vs. Dark Anchors
Are Digs Good for Gold Farming in Eso?
Digs are not a primary gold farming method. While you can sell the loot you find (gear, crafting materials, recipes), the gold per hour is generally low compared to other activities like running dungeons for specific drops, crafting and selling items, or even certain overland farming methods. They are better for acquiring items for your own use or for filling out your crafting inventory.
Can I Solo Dark Anchors?
Yes, you can technically solo many Dark Anchors, especially if you are a well-geared character with a strong build. However, it is significantly more challenging and time-consuming than doing them in a group. The rewards are also often better when contributing as part of a larger group, as you’re more likely to receive higher-tier reward chests.
Which Is Better for Experience Points (xp)?
Both offer XP, but the efficiency varies. Clearing a dig provides a consistent amount of XP for the time spent, including XP from enemies and quest completions if available. Dark Anchors also provide XP from killing waves of enemies and bosses. For sheer XP per minute, clearing multiple digs quickly might be more efficient, but Dark Anchors offer a large chunk of XP in a single event if you participate fully.
Do Dark Anchors Drop Unique Motifs?
Yes, Dark Anchors can drop unique Daedric-themed motifs and crafting recipes. These are often tied to the specific zone where the anchor spawns. These motifs can be quite valuable on the market and are a significant draw for players who want to customize their gear’s appearance.
Are Digs Always in the Same Location?
Yes, the locations of digs are fixed within the game world. They are permanent fixtures in each zone and do not despawn or change their locations. You can find them on your map marked by a small cave icon. This predictability makes them a reliable farming spot.
Verdict
So, when it all shakes out, the question of whether digs or dark anchors are better ESO isn’t a simple ‘this one’ or ‘that one.’ It’s about understanding what you need at that moment. If you’re leveling, filling out a basic set, or need a quick infusion of crafting materials, digs are your go-to. They’re reliable, accessible, and offer a consistent reward for your time. Think of them as your dependable workhorse.
Dark Anchors, on the other hand, are the wildcard. They offer the chance at those rare, build-defining pieces and unique crafting items. They require more commitment, more risk, and more luck. They’re more like a treasure hunt – you might strike gold, or you might come home with dust. But when you hit that jackpot, it can make a huge difference.
My advice? Don’t ignore either. Learn which zones have the sets and materials you’re after, and then strategically hit the digs and participate in the Dark Anchors in those zones. It’s a balanced approach that respects your time and maximizes your potential gains. What’s your current gear goal? That should be your main driver.
