As all those who play RPGs or MMOs know very well - the first decision you make in the game is often the most crucial. When you download that initial patch for Elder Scrolls Online and start it up on your Xbox One and PS4 console, you'll be met with a choice that'll determine the character you level up as for a long, long time. Naturally, you're going to want to make a good decision.

Obviously, there is no perfect way to start playing Elder Scrolls Online, it's entirely up to you in terms of what you want to achieve out there in the wilds. But I thought I'd give you some insight into the races and classes you'll uncover within ESO. Hopefully, this will be a useful guide to making your first crucial step in this massive MMO on its release date for the Xbox One and PS4!

If you're still undecided with regards to whether ESO is actually the game for you, then you can check out our guide for starting players over here - hopefully it helps! But with that aside, let's take a look at the options laid before you upon entering the Summerset Isles. For those that are familiar with Elder Scrolls games, some of this may seem familiar. However, there are some big changes to classes and factions that you'll want to know before joining!

The Races in ESO
Breton - These are the most normal-looking humans in the game. They excel in spellcraft and swordplay, with bonuses to magicka, spell resistance, light armor and conjuration magic. We'll discuss the classes they are more suited to later, but they have a great boost when it comes to swordplay.

Orc - You'll know these guys very well if you're familiar with any of the Elder Scrolls games from the past. In Elder Scrolls Online, I guess they can be classified as tanks. They have bonuses to both heavy armour and health regeneration and if you're looking to be a big buff monster in ESO, they're a good choice!

Redguard - In terms of looks, these guys are very similar in appearance to the Breton. If you like to play defensively and have stat boosts to help you out with sticking around that bit longer, they're a recommended option. They have bonuses to shield usage, stamina regeneration and increased power.

The following three classes are members of The Aldmeri Dominion.
High Elf - In terms of appearance, these are your classic Elves! So naturally, all of their stats are in line with what you'd expect from your typical elf. They have a magical affinity, with buffs that increase spell damage and the rate at which they replenish magicka. They're great candidates if you desire to launch a flurry of spells throughout your time with ESO.

Wood Elf - These guys actually appear rather human, at least in Elf terms. But they still carry some of the typical characteristics of the race - think of Legolas. They're competent in archery and have great stamina along with boosts to health. Any class that helps your abilities in archery will aid your fight.

Khajiit - These are the cat-like race of the Elder Scrolls universe. They resemble lions or panthers and are apparently quite a popular choice when it comes to picking your race. After looking at their appearance, it will come as no surprise what they specialise in - agility. Their primary bonuses are stealth and melee combat.

The Ebonheart Pact is the final Alliance in Elder Scrolls Online, which these three races belong to.
Argonian - These guys resemble George Bush and his companions - you know, the lizard people! They have bonuses to healing, restoration and poison resistance. This obviously makes them the ideal healing class if you're looking to keep yourself protected in ESO!

Dark Elf - These are the most dark-skinned beings of the Elves and they have the dark power to go with it! They focus on high intellect and agility, with bonuses that include dual wielding, fire magic and overall fire resistance. They're pretty well rounded in comparison with other races and a good choice for ESO.

Nord - These are pretty standard looking humans, however they do have a lot of differences in comparison with the Breton. They have bonuses to two-handed weapon combat, health regeneration and frost resistance. The health regeneration alone makes them a good tanking class if that's your thing!

The Classes in ESO
Dragonknight - The Dragonknight class is probably the most well-rounded option in terms of making it gel with races. Almost every race will fair well with the Dragonknight class. It's a class that's tailored towards dealing damage and keeping you alive, with abilities such as Ardent Flame.

Sorcerer - You can probably guess what this class will be good at - magic. It's the only class capable of summoning combat pets and teleporting in ESO. Sorcerers are more suited for dealing high amounts of damage, rather than survivability and these attacks are predominantly lightning based.

Nightblade - The Nightblades are the ninjas of The Elder Scrolls Online. It is a class more suited for stealth and surprise attacks rather than survivability -though, they do feature health-draining abilities. If you've liked playing stealthily in previous Elder Scrolls games, this is the best choice available to you.

Templar - The Templar class is the only one which has a specific skill line based on healing. They use a lot of elemental powers and draw from the world around them in combat. You'll protect yourself well as a Templar.

The Best Class & Race Combinations in ESO
Breton - Templar for swordplay and spellcraft, Sorcerer for spellcraft, magicka, conjuration magic and spell resistance for defensive purposes. They're fairly well rounded characters so they can do well in any of the classes, even as a Dragonknight they're not bad what with their sword buff.

Orc - Due to the fact that these guys are basically tanks, the Templar class is well suited. Though you can tank up pretty well with the Dragonknight class too - although the Templar class is more versatile!

Redguard - The stamina regeneration that you get as a Redguard and the increased power come in handy as a Templar, but work well as a Dragon Knight or Nightblade. Nice to have a choice with these guys.

High Elf - These guys are basically made for the sorcerer class. They have huge boosts for magic - though if you don't want to get them locked into a specific skill set you can always try out the Dragonknight class as they use fire-based attacks.

Wood Elf - These guys are one of the best candidates for the Nightblade class as they excel in archery and stealth. That being said though, their stamina works well with almost any DPS class, including Templar and Dragon Knight.

Khajiit - They have a similar skill set to the Wood Elf, in that they are the ideal race for the Nightblade or Templar classes. The Nightblade deals heavily in stealth combat, while the Templar can be played using primarily melee attacks.

Argonian - These guys have bonuses to healing, restoration and potions, which obviously makes them the ideal healing class, corresponding primarily with the extremely versatile Templar class. However, these abilities also go well with solo adventuring, which works best on the Nightblade class.

Dark Elf - A Dark Elf paired with the Dragonknight class is a great mix due to the dark Elf's proficiency with fire magic and the ability to dual wield. I can't really give any other recommendation then this class - it suits this race very well.

Nord - All humans are very well rounded in The Elder Scrolls Online. For instance the health regeneration alone makes these guys a good tanking class, which is generally going to be a Templar. However, if you plan to solo as a Nightblade, the health regeneration would come in handy there as well. As an alternative, their two-handed skills work well when paired with the Dragon Knight class. Bit of an all rounder I suppose.

So there you have it! Hopefully that can help you on your adventures in The Elder Scrolls Online in terms of making the right choice from the beginning on its release date for the XBOX One and PS4. The rest, as they say, is up to you!