As with the PC version last year, people who preorder The Elder Scrolls Online for Xbox One or PS4 will receive the Explorer's Pack, a bonus that provides some in-game content and gives you more flexibility when creating the character.
The Explorer's Pack, available along with digital and physical preorders, consists of three parts: bonus cherish maps, a vanity pet named Warty, and the ability to perform as any race, no matter your alliance.
That last part is arguably the most important. When you choose from the three alliances--Ebonheart Pact, Daggerfall Agreement, and Aldmeri Dominion--it restricts what backrounds you're allowed to choose from. Of the nine complete races, only three are available to each alliance. These backrounds represent not only substantial cosmetic differences, however each also has its own unique bonuses.
This can be problematic if you want to sign up for the same alliance as a friend, but you each want to play as races from various alliances. With the Explorer's Pack, this isn't the problem--assuming you preorder. If the PC version is any indication, the Explorer's Group won't be sold separately. We've asked Bethesda if there will be any way to avoid the competition restriction in the future, and can report back along with ESO Gold XBOX anything we learn.