The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is one of the most popular MMORPG's available today, which was developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Releasing almost 8 years ago, ESO is still going strong, with over 20 million players and over half having the premium membership, ESO+. Continuing their tradition of year-long story-based expansions, they've finally revealed details about the next expansion, including the story, location, and new features!
Announced during The Elder Scrolls 2022 Global Reveal stream, the year-long adventure will showcase “The Legacy of the Bretons” featuring a never before seen world in the Elder Scrolls series. You will be able to experience an island paradise filled with medieval culture and architecture, magnificent castles, and tournament grounds. Hopefully, the tournament grounds will be a new form of PvP battlegrounds or an arena questline similar to what was in Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.
Taking inspiration from the Mediterranean, the stunning world of High Isle is home to the Bretons, the offspring of elves and humans. Unlike previous chapters, High Isle isn’t seemingly threatened by a daedric prince or similar world-ending event. Ruthlessness within the political society is a virtue here, so you’ll have to watch your back. The elites in the feudalist society live in Gonfalon Bay, the center of all political dealings on High Isle.
The story will focus on political intrigue, with High Isle being the perfect getaway for alliance delegates to begin focusing on peace talks to finally end the three banners war. While the summit is hosted by the Nobel Society of the Steadfast, you should be aware of The Ascendant Order; a shadowy collective who no doubt wants the war to persist indefinitely.
One of the most interesting features being added with this chapter is a brand-new card game called “Tales of Tribute,” playable within Tamriel. Invented in High Isle, it’s a unique, resource-building game with PvP and PvE options.
Tales will have its own leveling system, allowing you to increase your rank. You’ll even be able to unlock rewards like furnishings, transmute stones, and advancing a storyline by competing and winning against specific NPCs found throughout the world. There isn’t much information on how the game is actually played at this time. If it’s done well, this could add a huge new element to the game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see whole guilds pop up with their full focus on the game. Granted the rewards are worth the effort, and maybe we’ll see the ability to wager gold.
Just like the last chapter, High Isle will be adding two new companions to acquire and play with when you’re alone, allowing you to do the harder content without a group. The High Isle chapter releases June 6, 2022, for PC, MAC, and Stadia, and June 21, 2022, for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
