Bethesda has lifted the veil on the upcoming expansion for The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). As attendees of the Global Reveal, we have the privilege of sharing all the details we know about the world of Tamriel’s latest chapter – The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road.
Welcome to West Weald
Set against the backdrop of the enigmatic West Weald, the Gold Road chapter includes an expansive new zone, situated between Cyrodiil, Gold Coast, Reaper’s March, and Craglorn. It introduces us to the vibrant and diverse landscapes of The Gold Road, Valenwood Annexation, and Colovian Highlands.
As we and many online predicted from a cryptic letter sent in the mail to influencers and media, the hub world will be Skingrad. The city offers a familiar setting for those who explored the world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, bringing a sense of nostalgia with this chapter in the ESO saga
The storyline picks up where the previous chapter, Necrom, left off. A new Daedric Prince emerges and we find ourselves thrust into the West Weald, a region plunged into chaos as a jungle mysteriously springs up overnight.
The Recollection, a splinter group of wood elves, takes centre stage as they work to restore the powers of Ithelia, the escaped Daedric Prince. We will navigate through the jungle’s chaos, discovering Ithelia’s lost memories and untangling the web of relationships between the Daedric Princes.
Ithelia presents a unique character with an affinity for crystal and colour, contrasting the cosmic horror of Necrom. Without any memory of her identity, we must uncover the truth and her connection with the other Daedric Princes.
A series of capper quests will add depth to the storyline, requiring completion of both Necrom and Gold Road main stories to unlock the full narrative.
Scribing the future of magic
One of the most exciting features of the Gold Road expansion is the introduction of the Scribing system. This innovative game mechanic serves as a precursor to potential spell crafting in the future, providing enhanced customisation options for their characters.
Scribing allows us to collect and personalise skills, enabling a tailored approach to character builds. The focus at launch is on Weapon and World lines, ensuring accessibility for all classes. With three major resources – Grimoire, Scripts, and Inks – we can now modify abilities and add a new layer of strategy gameplay.
As part of the Scribing system, we can also change the visual effects of abilities, with 22 styles available at launch, all of which can be earned in-game.
Dungeons, Housing, and PvP
The ESO team has an action-packed roadmap for 2024, catering to the diverse interests of the community. In the first quarter, we can look forward to two new dungeons – Oathsworn Pit and Bedlam Veil – with a preview stream scheduled for 27 January.
The second quarter marks the release of the Gold Road Chapter, featuring the Scribing system and a new trial, Lucent Citadel. Quarter three holds the promise of a housing feature, with developers keeping tight-lipped about the details. Closing out the year, we can finally look forward to more PvP features (not Cyrodiil related) and the introduction of two new companions.
For eager fans, key dates have been revealed to mark in their gaming calendars:
- Update 41 Preview Stream: 27 January 2024 at 7 AM AEDT (3 PM EST) on twitch.tv/bethesda
- Update 41 PTS (Public Test Server): 30 January 2024
- Update 41 Live on PC & Console: March 2024
- Update 42 & Gold Road Chapter Release on PC/Mac: 4 June 2024
- Update 42 & Gold Road Chapter Release on Xbox and PlayStation Consoles: 18 June 2024
With the Gold Road expansion, it seems like The Elder Scrolls Online continues to captivate with immersive storytelling, exciting new mechanics, and a roadmap that promises endless adventures in the vast world of Tamriel. As we eagerly await the release, one thing is certain – the journey through West Weald will be nothing short of epic.
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Omi Koulas
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