In a stream today on the official Bethesda Twitch channel, the developers behind MMORPG Elder Scrolls Online announced the newest update (read: expansion) for the game. And after much anticipation…the fan-favorite world of Morrowind will be open for exploration ESO this summer. The update is scheduled for release on June 6, 2017 at a price of $40.
Not only is this expansion adding a new landmass, it’s also opening up a new class and some interesting PvP options for players to have a shorter and more concise combat experience.
Bringing Morrowind to Elder Scrolls Online
Almost the entire map of Vvardenfell — including the massive mainland of Morrowind and isolated cities featured in its Tribunal expansion — is set to host both new and old adventurers alike. There’s a brand new tutorial coming for players who want to start their journey in the homeland of the Dunmer, and lots of fan service for older players who pine for the olden days of The Elder Scrolls franchise.
Keep in mind that Elder Scrolls Online is set 700 years prior to the events in Morrowind, so veteran players will be able to experience the area in an entirely new way.
Set 700 years prior to the events of Morrowind, the update’s new story arc will center around helping Vivec — one of the three immortal god-kings of Vvardenfell — fortify his waning power. The quests in this expansion will culminate in a new end-game trial, where players will have to test their mettle against the brass god, Numidium, inside the workshop of another god-king, Sotha Sil.
According to the devs, this new map is as faithful as possible to the original map found in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. But given the time frame of this expansion, many of the catastrophes that characterized the landscape of the main series game haven’t happened yet. Dagoth Ur is still sleeping under Red Mountain, and the world hasn’t yet been blanketed in ash or struck with Blight. So many of the biomes won’t be quite as bleak as players of the original game might remember. And some zones — most notably the City of Vivec — will still be under construction when players visit.
And yes, there will be Cliff Racers. So. Many. Cliff Racers.
New Class, 3-Way PvP, & Other New Features
The Morrowind update will also introduce a new class to ESO: the Warden. Wardens will be an ice magic, pet-based class with a strong nature focus. Their skills will include the War Bear Ultimate, which summons a giant battle bear that can be healed and buffed, and will stay alongside the player until it is knocked out in combat. If the bear isn’t knocked out, it will continue to travel with the player outside of combat engagements.
Bethesda is also making an effort to listen to their PvP-centric players, and will be offering new options for player combat. This update will add Battlegrounds — a three-way 4v4v4 battle that’s only meant to last around 15 minutes. To start, there will be 3 maps and 3 modes — with Deathmatch and Capture the Flag confirmed as of right now.
New housing will be made available in the patch as well, adding fresh content to the Homestead patch that’s already planned to go live on February 6th.
The Morrowind update is coming to all consoles and continents when it drops on June 6th. Pre-orders are currently live on Bethesda’s official website, with collector’s editions, physical copies, and other rewards available.
Stay tuned to GameSkinny for buying guides and more Elder Scrolls Online content as the Morrowind update draws near!
