The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom Preview – Unleash cosmic horror

The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom is the MMO’s thrilling step into the world of cosmic horror. Bethesda Softworks and ZeniMax Online Studios will first launch the new chapter on 5 June 2023, with an early taste from the Public Test Realm (PTR) set to open on 17 April.

Rich Lambert, Creative Director at ZeniMax Online Studios, recently gave a presentation about the upcoming chapter, the seventh for The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). Since launching in 2014, ESO has grown into one of the largest cross-platform RPGs on consoles and PC, with a passionate community that has supported the game for over eight years. It has even been nominated for a BAFTA, which is a testament to its success and popularity.

Necrom takes you back to areas of Morrowind that haven’t been seen since The Elder Scrolls: Arena in 1994. The chapter’s story starts in the giant mushroom-infested Telvanni Peninsula, home to the most powerful mages in Tamriel and is so otherworldly it feels almost alien to the universe. Follow the tale of The Prince of Fate, who holds secrets too dangerous for mortals or Daedra to comprehend. Hidden yet turbulent powers threaten Hermaeus Mora’s realm of Apocrypha, and if the Daedric Prince’s secret is uncovered, it could unravel all of reality.

The peninsula is divided into three stunning biomes, each with its own unique charm. The Southern biome is a beautiful, yet perilous flooded, coast filled with rocky spires, islets and towering fungi. The Vvardenfell’s Edge biome offers a glimpse into the absolute rule of the Telvanni, with similarities to nearby Bal Foyen and Stonefalls. The Ebonheart, Apart biome is located near the Pactlands, and offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty and mystical wonder. At the heart of it all lies Necrom, the capital city and hub for players, and the revered City of the Dead, where noble families across Morrowind bury their departed.

Step into the realm of Apocrypha and you may feel a sense of familiarity wash over you. The eerie astral greens and blacks that characterise this realm are reminiscent The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and there are plenty of references to the popular game in both design and tone. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that you’re simply revisiting old territory. While there may be echoes, Apocrypha has a unique feel all its own that sets it apart.

The chapter’s main quest, led by Lermil, an agent of Hermaeus Mora, will take players on an exhilarating journey through the Telvanni Peninsula. Your mission? To stop a heinous conspiracy against the Prince of Fate. The story is rife with twists and turns as Vaermina and Peryite, two powerful Daedric Princes, also get involved. But fear not, you won’t be alone in this perilous journey. Master Shelreni, a Telvanni mage with hidden motives, will lend a hand to aid you in your quest.

As you delve deeper into the conspiracy, you’ll encounter individuals determined to block Hermaeus Mora’s all-seeing eyes. What will you uncover in your quest to save the Prince of Fate? Only time will tell. This latest addition to The Elder Scrolls Online boasts more than 30 hours of gameplay.

Unleash your inner forbidden knowledge with the new Arcanist class in the Necrom chapter, the first new class since the Elsweyr DLC. The class is immersed in cosmic horror and dark magic, inspired by the enigmatic Hermaeus Mora. The Arcanist seamlessly fits into the chapter’s vibe and story, with strange visuals and colours that will make your character stand out.

You’ll have the opportunity to team up with two new companions, each with their own distinct personalities and abilities. Meet Azandar Al-Cybiades, a Redguard Arcanist, and Sharp-as-Night, an Argonian Warden. Befriend them, level them up, and equip them with special gear and abilities that complement your playstyle. Unlock their favour to access new quests and have them accompany you on your adventures across Tamriel.

Sanity’s Edge introduces another challenging 12-player trial set in the mind of a powerful member of the Mages Guild. On the fields of Dreams and Nightmares, a war for control rages between the mage’s consciousness and an agent of Vaermina. Sanity’s Edge is similar in size and scope to other trials like High Isle’s Rockgrove and Dreadsail Reef, offering players the chance to test their skills and teamwork against powerful enemies.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom promises to be an exciting new chapter. The expansion will launch on PC on 5 June, followed by PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on 20 June 2023.