The Master Merchant achievement in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a challenging but rewarding goal for players who enjoy trading and crafting. It's not about achieving a specific percentage, but rather reaching a high level of proficiency in several key areas of the game's economy. This guide will break down the various aspects contributing to the achievement and clarify common misconceptions about specific percentage requirements.
There's No Single Percentage Target
Unlike some achievements with clearly defined numerical targets, Master Merchant doesn't have a single "percentage" you need to reach. Instead, it requires significant progress across multiple intertwined systems. The achievement is earned by completing a series of smaller objectives, each involving different aspects of the game's economy. These objectives broadly encompass:
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High-volume trading: This suggests consistent and substantial participation in the player-to-player market, buying and selling goods regularly. While there's no publicly stated minimum volume, achieving Master Merchant clearly necessitates a significant trading history.
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Profitable trading: This means making a profit through your trading activities, indicating shrewd buying and selling strategies. You're not merely trading for the sake of it; your trades need to yield a net gain. The magnitude of profit isn't specified.
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Mastering crafting professions: While not directly a percentage, your success in crafting high-quality and in-demand items significantly fuels your trading capabilities. Proficiency in multiple crafting skills greatly enhances your chances of achieving Master Merchant.
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Consistent market engagement: This means regular interaction with the game's trading guilds, marketplaces, and other players involved in trading. It's about being a consistently active participant in the game's economy.
Factors Influencing "Success"
Several factors contribute to your progress towards the Master Merchant achievement, none of which are explicitly represented as percentages in the game's UI:
- Number of trades completed: The sheer volume of trades you've executed is a critical factor.
- Total profits earned: While the exact profit margin isn't a stated requirement, accumulating substantial profits over time significantly increases your chances.
- Variety of goods traded: Trading a wide range of items demonstrates broader economic understanding and participation.
- Market manipulation: Avoid suspicious or exploitative trading practices. ZeniMax Online Studios (the developers) actively monitor the in-game economy and penalize players for any form of market manipulation.
Dispelling Common Myths
Many players incorrectly believe there are specific percentage thresholds related to this achievement (e.g., a certain percentage of items bought/sold). This is a misconception. The achievement's requirements aren't presented as percentages or specific numerical targets within the game itself. Focusing on consistent trading and economic activity is key.
Strategies for Achieving Master Merchant
To improve your chances of achieving Master Merchant, consider these strategies:
- Specialize in a niche: Focus on a specific area of the economy like high-end crafting materials or rare collectibles to build expertise and potentially higher profit margins.
- Join trading guilds: Network with experienced traders to learn tips, strategies, and access broader market information.
- Analyze market trends: Pay close attention to supply and demand to identify profitable opportunities.
- Master crafting professions: Learn to craft high-quality items in demand to supply your own trading activities.
The Master Merchant achievement rewards dedicated players who deeply engage with ESO's economy. While percentages aren't explicitly part of the achievement's criteria, consistent high-volume trading, profitable dealings, and a robust understanding of the game's market dynamics significantly increase your likelihood of success.
