The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) will soon be having a large update to the game with new companions, changes to PvP, and much more. The popular MMORPG, set in the world of Elder Scrolls‘ Tamriel, celebrated its tenth anniversary this year and has already had a busy time with celebrations and its Gold Road expansion. An upcoming patch, known as Update 44, is expected to have many free features and changes for players, including some quality-of-life improvements, in addition to new companions that can be purchased in the game.
While the big excitement in ESO in 2024 was the Gold Road expansion, Update 44 will include new features and changes to the base game, so even those who have not purchased the expansion can benefit. Among its improvements, there is a base-game patch that includes a massive change to the in-game tutorial to aid new players, itemization improvements, a new Grimoire known as Banner Bearer, and much more. Banner Bearer is from the Support Skill Line and can add support for allies with an AoE buff.
Patch 44 Releases Soon
Different Release Dates For PC/Mac And Consoles
Update 44 for The Elder Scrolls Onlinewill arrive on October 28 for PC and Mac users, and then will come to Xbox and PlayStation on November 13. The majority of this update is free for all existing players and will be applied to the base game, with no expansions necessary to benefit from it. Two new companions will be introduced to the game and are free for players with an active ESO Plus membership, or can be purchased by any player from the in-game store using crowns.
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Update 44 for ESO is currently live on the Public Test Server for anyone who wishes to get a closer look at the changes before it goes live in the game. This includes the reworked Battlegrounds, new companions, Scribing Grimoire and more. Of course, any bugs or glitches should be reported to developers so that they can be corrected quickly, particularly while playing in the Public Test Server.
Two New Companions Are Free With An ESO Plus Membership, Or Purchased In Game
Two new allies, Tanlorin and Zerith-var, are joining ESO‘s ranks. Both are free for players with an active ESO Plus membership, or they can be purchased by spending crowns in the in-game store. After they are unlocked, players can find Tanlorin in Auridon and Zerith-var in Reaper’s March to begin their introductory quest lines.
Tanlorin is a non-binary High Elf outcast with a bit of a checkered past. They use a mix of Soul Magic and Dragonknight abilities and use medium armor and daggers. Meanwhile, Zerith-var is a warrior Khajiit necromancer who uses his necromantic powers to redeem fallen souls. He is from the Order of the Hidden Moon and has traveled forward in time from the First Era. With Zerith’s necromancy, all classes are now represented through companions in The Elder Scrolls Online.
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In addition to their lore and introductory quests, each of the companions has special benefits to having them along for the adventure. These non-combat perks are passive buffs that a player will have while the companion is with them.
|
Companion |
Perk Title |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Tanlorin |
Tanlorin’s Finesse |
Provides an increase to the time it takes to pick a lock, an increased chance to force a lock, and a reduced chance to break a lockpick. |
|
Zerith-var |
Zerith’s Guidance |
Highlights valuable bags of loot found throughout Tamriel. |
These perks can be permanently active after completing the unique achievements related to the respective ally.
Major Battlegrounds Update Introduces New Matches
Changing To Two-Sided Matches
PvP combat is getting a big focus in Update 44, with changes to the current format. Battlegrounds will be shifted from the current three-sided matches to two-sided matches instead. This means the traditional 4v4v4 mode is going to be unavailable after the launch of this patch, although developers hint that it may return for special events in a limited-time fashion.
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The two main Battleground modes for PvP after Update 44 has launched will be a 4v4 competitive mode for two teams of four and an 8v8 standard mode for two teams of eight which features power-ups.Team Deathmatch, Crazy King, Domination, Chaosball (8v8), and Capture the Relic (8v8) will still be available. Seven new Battleground maps will also be introduced with this patch for players to enjoy these new modes, which are tailored for the new two-sided matches.
- 4v4 Alik’r Desert Battleground
- 4v4 Arena Coliseum Battleground
- 4v4 Castle Courtyard Battleground
- 4v4 Sewer Battleground
- 8v8 Bosmer Forest Battleground
- 8v8 City Streets Battleground
- 8v8 Temple Battleground
Before the new Battlegrounds arrive,
ESO
will have a special Battlegrounds Deathmatch Weekend from October 17 to October 22. These 4v4v4 battles will provide bonus Alliance Points for those competing.
Leaderboard rewards are also getting some improvements and additions, including a new Battleground set piece in gold.
Witches Festival, Experience Boost Weekends, And More
That’s not all that ESO has going on, though. Besides Update 44, the annual Witches Festival Event is coming back to ESO for Halloween celebrations. This event will last from October 24 to November 6, 2024, and will feature special event quests and rewards. In November there will be several events, including another Domination Weekend and the autumn-themed Legacy of the Bretons event. December will also bring the annual holiday celebration, the New Life Festival.
With all of these events and features coming, and more, there is plenty for players to be excited about. Continued anniversary surprises and events are expected to happen until June 2025, with Update 44 only being a small piece of the puzzle. This is the perfect time to jump back in to the game, or gain a little more excitement for the MMORPG world of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online.
Elder Scrolls Online
- Platform(s)
- PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Stadia , PC , macOS
- Released
- April 4, 2014
- Developer(s)
- ZeniMax Online Studios
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer , Online Co-Op
- Engine
- proprietary engine, hero engine
- ESRB
- m
