A new expansion is on the horizon for Elder Scrolls Online players, taking them back to the world of Oblivion with the return of the Daedric prince Mehrunes Dagon. The upcoming expansion is set 800 years before the events of the single-player Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion experience, setting up an incredible backstory to add to the phenomenal lore surrounding Tamriel. But it’s not just a new location and a returning baddie to look forward to. For the first time ever, Elder Scrolls Online will allow for companions that players can spec out to their heart’s content. But first, let’s look at what else was revealed by Bethesda.
With the latest trailer, players have their first look at the Gates of Oblivion adventure, exploring a new tale through the Flames of Ambition DLC and the Blackwood chapter. This saga will continue all year long with new chapters to further unravel the mystery surrounding the Daedric prince with never-before-explored areas of Tamriel and fresh takes on some familiar places as well.
Flames of Ambition launches on March 8 for PC, and March 16 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Blackwood commences a new chapter entirely, beginning on June 1 for PC and June 8 for Xbox One and PS4. There are two more DLC slated with one dungeon pack dropping in Q3 and another Q4 DLC story zone unlocking at an undisclosed time.
As for Blackwood, here is what players can look forward to:
- A new zone: Blackwood
- A fiendish main storyline that ties into the Gates of Oblivion adventure
- The new Companions System
- A new 12-player Trial: Rockgrove
- New world events: Oblivion Portals
- New delves, public dungeons, world bosses, and stand-alone quests
- Updates and quality-of-life improvements
Pre-purchasing the upcoming expansion will unlock the Nagahide Welwa Ravager mount and the Nightmare Bear cub pet, with the latter only being available until March 17 as the pre-order deadline. Even more pre-order bonuses are also on the way, including:
- Dremora Kynreeve Outfit
- Deadlands Wamasu Pet
- 1× Iron Atronach Crate
- 3× Blackwood Treasure Maps
- 2× Experience Scrolls
For those that already own previous chapters of the game and the base title itself, there is the Blackwood Upgrade edition of the expansion and the Upgrade Collector’s Edition. For those that don’t own the game already, there are the standard Blackwood and Blackwood Collector’s Edition options that include previous expansions and the base game itself.
“Including the Imperial City of Leyawiin (first featured in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion), the Niben Forest, and open wetlands of the Blackwood Bog, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a diverse land in strife, investigate the emerging Daedric threat, and discover all-new stories, challenges, and rewards not found anywhere else in Tamriel,” Bethesda Softworks tells us about the upcoming story.
In Blackwood’s main storyline, you shall investigate a conspiracy involving the exiled Longhouse Emperors and uncover a deadly pact that spells doom for the people of Blackwood. Behind it all, of course, is the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon himself, but what exactly are his plans are for Blackwood and Tamriel?
While a stand-alone tale that can be enjoyed in of itself, the events of the Blackwood Chapter’s story progresses the larger Gates of Oblivion narrative that begins with the Flames of Ambition DLC and will continue throughout the rest of the year.
Most importantly? Companions. The single-player counterparts of the Elder Scrolls games include companions that have their own skills; they are characters who add an additional RPG element to build players’ connection to the story. For the first time, ESO is adding companions to the online game, allowing for a chance to spec them out. This also offers fans a chance at building meaningful relationships with them and enjoying the world of Tamriel with help without feeling forced to play with other players.
Thoughts on everything revealed so far in the latest Elder Scrolls Online showcase highlighting what’s new with Oblivion? Are you excited to learn more about the backstory that set up the beloved Elder Scrolls IV title? Sound off in the comment section below! And for those interested in some physical merch to ring in the new expansion, there’s an exclusive Oblivion statue found right here.