Update 44 Preview—Battlegrounds, New Companions, & More!
Learn about the upcoming Update 44 base-game patch, including major changes to Battlegrounds, new Companions, and more.
The Update 44 base-game patch arrives October 28 for PC/Mac and November 13 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles. This new update introduces new features, changes, and quality-of-life improvements, and it is free for all existing ESO players (with the notable exception of the new Companions, who you can purchase for free with ESO Plus™ membership or with crowns from the Crown Store…more on them below!).
Major Battlegrounds Update
If you enjoy the fast-paced PvP combat of the Battlegrounds, Update 44 introduces big changes to the current format. In this update, Battlegrounds is shifting to two-sided matches, instead of the traditional three-sided. At launch, there will be two main Battlegrounds match types:
4v4—a competitive mode between two teams of four
8v8—a standard mode featuring powerups and two teams of eight
The traditional 4v4v4 game mode will no longer be available for queues; however, it may return in the future for limited times during special mini-PvP events. This new two-sided format also includes seven brand-new maps to battle your fellow players within. Battle within all-new maps
All the traditional Battlegrounds game modes will remain, including Team Deathmatch, Crazy King, Domination, Chaosball (8v8 mode only), and Capture the Relic (8v8 mode only). In addition, the 8v8 matches will also house four unique powerups that spawn during the game. Powerups can provide temporary boosts to your damage absorption, speed, damage output, and ultimate—everything you and your team need to dominate the match.
New Companions
Update 44 also introduces two brand-new Companions to ESO: Tanlorin and Zerith-var. Tanlorin is a scrappy High Elf who mixes Soul Magic with Dragonknight abilities, while the stoic Khajiit Zerith-var utilizes the power of Necromancy.
At launch, you can acquire both new allies for free with an active ESO Plus membership or purchased with crowns from the in-game Crown Store. Once acquired, you can find and recruit them within the zones of Auridon (Tanlorin), and Reaper’s March (Zerith-var). Tanlorin and Zerith-var
Like previous Companions, each will have their own introductory quest that you will need to complete before you can summon them. In addition to being unique new characters (with their own stories, personalities, and quest lines), these two new Companions each also provide a special passive perk when adventuring with them:
Tanlorin grants “Tanlorin’s Finesse,” which 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 grants “Zerith’s Guidance,” which highlights valuable bags of loot found throughout Tamriel.
While these perks are active when adventuring with each Companion in question, they can be permanently unlocked by completing each ally’s unique Achievement.
Scribing Powers Up (Your Whole Party)
Update 44 also introduces the game’s first brand-new Grimoire since Update 42’s launch in June: Banner Bearer. The scribes of the Mages Guild, under the leadership of Votary Nahlia, have been studying Ulfsild’s work in the Scholarium at Eyevea. Banner Bearer is their newest creation, the first new Grimoire of the Second Era.
Banner Bearer is from the Support Skill Line and allows you to throw a banner on your back, leading the charge with an AoE buff to your group’s abilities that match your chosen Focus. No matter what shape your party takes, this new Grimoire will ensure you can give your allies the support they need!
In addition to Banner Bearer, this patch also adds greater support for nine Grimoires by granting them access to 14 additional Focus Scripts, providing more damage options and utility. Check the Patch Notes when they arrive for info on which specific scripts are being added for which Grimoires.
Additional Update 44 Changes and Additions
In addition to the above, this base-game patch introduces a host of fixes, changes, and quality-of-life improvements that all ESO players will appreciate.
Update to the In-Game Tutorial
Update 44 reinstates the first chapter of ESO’s main questline as the game’s primary tutorial. This means that the old tutorial quest “Gates of Adamant” will be retired (although if you’re still in progress you can complete it as normal) in favor of the original “Soul Shriven in Coldharbour” quest.
In addition to returning, ESO’s original tutorial quest has undergone a series of changes and improvements. This includes changes to the quest structure, new and additional weapon drops, a more gradual introduction to game systems, and a modernizing of the combat, lockpicking, stealth tutorials, and more. There’s never been a better time for you (or a friend) to adventure in and explore Tamriel’s Second Era.
Imperial City Itemization Improvements
With this update, the heart of the empire also receives a series of itemization improvements, designed to help better reward those brave warriors willing to battle both the Daedra and their fellow players within the city’s streets and sewers. Chase improved rewards in the Imperial City
This includes changes to how the Imperial Vaults work. For example, Imperial City keys and key fragments have been converted to new Imperial Fragments, the key fragment requirement to enter vaults have been removed, treasure chests have been replaced with vendors, and more.
In the sewers, you can find many changes to the existing vendors, improving the quality and selection of wares, including both item sets and collectibles.
Golden Pursuits
Complete challenges, earn rewards! A brand-new activity and rewards system coming with Update 44, Golden Pursuits are dynamic, one-off campaigns (accessed from the Group & Activity Finder)that allow you to earn additional rewards during special limited-time windows. When a Golden Pursuit is active, you can complete a batch of curated, unique activities to claim in-game items while working towards a special capstone reward.
Rewards will vary but can include collectibles, items, in-game currencies, and more. Keep an eye out for the first Golden Pursuit campaign sometime after Update 44 launch.
New Skill Styles
Helping you stand out in the crowd in this update are four new Skill Styles. To start, both Psijic Order skills Accelerate and Undo (the ultimate) are getting purple variants. Even more dramatically, the One-Hand and Shield skill line’s Puncture ability is getting a molten variant, while the Destruction Staff’s Force Shock ability is getting a wildburn variant. Both Puncture, Lavaburst and Force Shock, Wildburn feature all-new special effects—the first of their kind!
You can acquire these new Skill Styles via new in-game Achievements or with Archival Fortunes, with the exception of the Accelerate, Purple style, which can be rarely found within Psijic Portals. Keep an eye out for specifics on how to get your hands on these exciting new styles at launch!
These are just some of the major changes coming with Update 44, but there’s a host of additional improvements, changes, and features we’re not quite ready to share fully yet. For example, this update also includes an increase of furnishing base materials in regular harvest nodes, adds HDR support for PC, and provides quest pips for Master Writs. Finally, as part of this update, ESO Plus members will also enjoy a 10% bonus to Tel Var Stone and Alliance Point gains—phew!
For everything you need to know, keep an eye out for the patch notes when this base-game update arrives soon!
New Battles, Allies, Powers, and More
We’ve only just begun to delve into what’s coming soon with the Update 44 base-game patch. Keep an eye out for more on elderscrollsonline.com in the coming months as we get closer to release. Are you excited to take to the new Battlegrounds? Which new Companion will you recruit first? Let us know via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
The Update 44 base-game patch arrives October 28 for PC/Mac and November 13 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
Retreat to a Serene Seaside Home with the New Housing Starter Pack!
Pick up the all-new Housing Starter Pack today to enjoy the stunning Seabloom Villa home and Crown bundle.
Do you dream of owning your own piece of Tamriel? Lucky for you, starting today, September 4,2024, you can become a Tamrielic homeowner with the newHousing Starter Pack!
This new bundle is available for purchase from the Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, Epic Games, and ESO Stores for $4.99USD and features items to help you kickoff (or expand) your housing adventure in ESO.
After purchasing this bundle, you’ll immediately receive a System Mail message in your in-game mail inviting you to visit your new abode: an unfurnished, medium-sized home called Seabloom Villa. Once you’ve taken in the breathtaking mountaintop view of Auridon’s cerulean coastline, be sure to also pick up the “Handbook for New Homeowners” furnishing that also awaits within.
Finally, in addition to the home and handbook, the Housing Starter Pack also contains a bundle of 800 Crowns for you to spend in the in-game Crown Store. We suggest looking at some Crown Store furnishings to help decorate your new getaway. Even better, there’s a plethora of furnishings available this month as Daily Login Rewards! Need some decoration inspiration? Try checking out how other players are furnishing their houses through the new Home Tours tool. Housing Starter Pack bundle
Are you ready to move into this gorgeous coastal retreat? Be sure to head over to your preferred platform’s store to claim your new Housing Starter Pack starting today. How do you plan to decorate your new house? We’d love to see your personalized Seabloom Villa, so feel free to share screenshots of your new home with us via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
ESO’s September 2024 Survival Guide
Celebrate 10 years of ESO AND the full release of Update 43 by not missing a beat during what is set to be a very busy month for The Elder Scrolls Online!
This coming September 2024, you can check out a host of fantastic in-game events, participate in a special community contest, and discover what’s coming in Update 44. Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming month!
Xbox Game Pass Perks (8/14-10/13)
If you’re an Xbox player and have yet to claim the latest Game Pass Perk rewards (one Attribute Respecification Scroll and three Gold Coast Experience Scrolls), there’s still time. Visit this blog for more information about this latest wave of goodies.
Anniversary Spotlight: Dungeon Runners, Rise Up (9/1-9/30)
Our next Anniversary Spotlight focuses on Tamriel’s myriad challenging dungeons and the players who take them on. Claim two free DLC dungeons (as Daily Login Rewards), unlock the Dungeon Explorer costume and Thurvokun arms pack, and receive Undaunted Keys when completing dungeon-themed Endeavors. Learn more about this new spotlight in this blog.
Daily Login Rewards (9/1-9/30)
A new month means new Daily Login Rewards, and September is going to be another great one. Pick up a host of furnishings in addition to the two DLC dungeons and more. Check out our preview blog here for all the details.
U43 Console Launch (9/4)
Xbox and PlayStation players finally get their hands on Update 43, allowing them to explore all the new additions to the Infinite Archive and make use of the new Home Tours tool.
ESO Home Tours Contest (9/4-10/1)
In celebration of the new Home Tours tool, we’re inviting the community to share their homes with us for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. Keep an eye out for this new contest’s official announcement on September 4. We can’t wait to see what you create!
U44 Preview Livestream (9/10)
Discover what lies ahead for ESO throughout the rest of 2024 with a brand-new preview livestream! Tune in to Twitch.tv/Bethesda to learn about the update to PvP, our 10-Year Anniversary plans, and more!
Undaunted Celebration (9/12-9/24)
WE. ARE. UNDAUNTED! Get bonus rewards when delving into Tamriel’s dungeons during the Undaunted Celebration in-game event. Check the official website for more details closer to the event’s kickoff.
ESO 10-Year Anniversary Italian Celebration In-Person Event (9/14)
The Italian #ESOFam commemorates a decade of ESO with an unforgettable night of mystery and fun in Grazzano Visconti, Italy.
ESO 10-Year Anniversary North American Meetup (9/21)
Mix and mingle with members of the ESO community and development teams at a new North American gathering in San Diego. Check out the details here!
Fallen Leaves of West Weald (9/26-10/8)
Jump back into West Weald and work together to unlock special rewards for the community during the Fallen Leaves of West Weald in-game event. Visit the official website for more details soon. September 2024 Roadmap
September brings your first look at Update 44, fun community gatherings, and rewarding in-game events. Note that some of the above dates and items may change in the coming weeks, so don’t forget to keep an eye on elderscrollsonline.com for all the latest. Are you ready for another action-packed month for The Elder Scrolls Online? Let us know via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
Crown Store Showcase—September 2024
Behold the vast assortment of incredible collectibles coming to the in-game Crown Store this September 2024!
You can check out all the items coming to the in-game Crown Store throughout September 2024 below and see what’s currently available by visiting the Crown Store page. Anything catch your eye? Visit the Buy Crowns page to acquire the crowns you need. Certain items and offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to click the link below for more info and don't miss out.
Get digging through dungeons and flowerbeds alike with these free rewards available just by logging in to The Elder Scrolls Online!
Whether you’re journeying into distant dungeons or having a cozy staycation at your in-game house, there’s plenty to enjoy about this month’s free rewards.
Curious about how Daily Login Rewards work? Check out this help article to discover all you need to know and take a peek at some of the highlights you can enjoy throughout September 2024 below!
You can unlock the DLC dungeons Fang Lair and Scalecaller Peak for free this September simply by logging in. Fang Lair unlocks upon your third login, while Scalecaller Peak unlocks with your fourth. Both dungeons are part of this month’s Anniversary Spotlight, so prepare to challenge necromancers and cultists while you untangle the ancient legacy of the Dragon Thurvokun.
Assorted Furnishings—Days 5-6 & 8-10 Make yourself at home with these cozy additions
While logging in during September, you can claim a steady stream of delightful decorations. These start with a set of three lovely “Alinor Windowbox, Blue Wisteria” furnishings on your fifth day of logging in and conclude on your tenth day with a “Blue Butterfly Flock” furnishing. During this period, you'll receive too many great furnishings to list here, so check the in-game calendar for full details!
Luminous Ink—Day 7 Customize your Grimoires with Luminous Ink
Receive a trio of Luminous Ink after your seventh day of logins. Prepare a new Grimoire or modify a few skills. Alternatively, sell or trade them to another player to help them along their own Scribing journey.
Weald Arbor Headdress—Day 14 Adorn yourself in autumn
Bedeck yourselves in leaves and flowers suitable to the autumnal colors of West Weald. You can claim this handsome harvest headpiece on your fourteenth day logging in this September.
Seals of Endeavor ×300—Day 21 Receive a hefty helping of Seals
You can pick up some Crown Crate goods with Seals of Endeavor—a purchase that can be made much more convenient with this handy bonus, available when you log in for 21 days this September. You can learn more about Seals of Endeavor in this blog.
As thrilling as these rewards and their ties to the new Spotlight are, they’re not the only things you can claim this upcoming month. You can venture in-game to see the full list in the Daily Rewards section of the in-game Crown Store. Are you eager to claim September 2024’s in-game Daily Login Rewards? Let us know what you think via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
The Elder Scrolls Online is Now Playable on Steam Deck!
ESO players on Steam can now explore Tamriel using the portable Steam Deck!
We are thrilled to announce that The Elder Scrolls Online now has “Playable” status on the Steam Deck. This means that Steam ESO players can now venture into Tamriel’s Second Era using the portable PC gaming device. Never miss a Daily Login Reward again!
If you play on Steam and have a Steam Deck, simply find the game in your Library to begin the download. Note that while the game is now officially “Playable,” it won’t have full “Verified” status until a future update, meaning you might encounter some unexpected UI issues.
Delve deep into special rewards, including free DLC dungeons, during September’s Anniversary Spotlight!
The latest 10-Year Anniversary Spotlight comes to you this September as it shines into the hidden corners of Tamriel’s dungeons. Get free dungeon DLC from Daily Login Rewards, unlock and claim a free costume and arms pack, and earn Undaunted Keys as you complete daily Endeavors!
DLC Dungeons Delivered Free
Log in for just a few days during September 2024 to unlock free DLC dungeons. Your third login during the month unlocks the Fang Lair dungeon, while your fourth unlocks the Scalecaller Peak dungeon. Unlock (and survive) Fang Lair
These exciting dungeons feature unique rewards including item sets, titles, motifs, and more. Challenge the Blackmarrow necromancers or the cult of Peryite to claim them—good luck!
Dress from Success
Of course, the rewards included in the dungeon content itself aren’t the only things you can claim. The Anniversary Spotlight also includes additional unlockable rewards. Complete both dungeons to earn the “Fang Lair Vanquisher” and “Scalecaller Peak Vanquisher” achievements and you can acquire the Dungeon Explorer Costume for free by claiming it from the Crown Store between September 3 and September 24. You can also claim the costume if you have the achievements from prior completions of the dungeons. Earn achievements to unlock free rewards
The Undaunted are of course eager to get in on any dungeon-delving action, so you can earn rewards by completing Undaunted Pledges as well. If you earn or already have the achievement “Returned Undaunted” for completing 10 Undaunted Pledges bestowed by Maj al-Ragath, you can claim the Thurvokun Arms Pack from the Crown Store completely free during the same period as the costume.
Endeavor Alongside the Undaunted
Of course, one of the things the Undaunted are most known for is their treasure, shared with the worthy who earn their Undaunted Keys. During the month of September, these rewards are easier to earn than ever, with certain thematic Endeavors available during the month awarding Undaunted Keys in addition to the normal seal amount for the day’s Endeavors.
Get ready to dive into dungeons and deal with terrible foes! Are you excited for the treasures of this new spotlight? Tell us all about your adventures via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
Join Us in San Diego for a North American 10-Year Anniversary Meetup
RSVP now for our next North American 10-Year Anniversary community meetup this September.
Our ongoing 10-Year Anniversary Celebration continues with a new in-person community gathering. This time, the North American #ESOFam has a chance to hang out with their fellow players and members of the ESO development team for an afternoon of fun in San Diego, California. Already in town for TwitchCon? Swing by! Check out the details here:
ESO 10-Year Anniversary North American Meetup
WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 2024
WHERE: Side Bar, San Diego
WHO: Members of the ESO Community team, Development team (including Game Director Rich Lambert, Encounter Lead Mike Finnigan, Combat and PvP Lead Brian Wheeler, and Scribing Lead Kira Schlitt,) and you!
You can RSVP for the event right now by hitting the hyperlink below. Note that space is limited, so sign up ASAP. We’ll share more information with those attending a little closer to the meetup.
We can’t wait to mix and mingle with the NA ESO community. As always, be sure to keep an eye on the 10-Year Anniversary page in addition to our social channels (X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook), for all the latest regarding ESO’s year-long celebration—see you there!
Join Us in Celebration with the ESO 10-Year Anniversary at gamescom Livestream
Join us on Twitch this Thursday, August 22, as we celebrate ten years of ESO with a special livestream from gamescom!
Tune in to Twitch.tv/Bethesda this Thursday, August 22 at12PM EDT,as Senior Creator Engagement Manager Gina Bruno and Senior Community Manager Amy Schlueter join forces at gamescom with Studio Head Matt Firor and Game Director Rich Lambert. Together, they’ll recap all the amazing 10-Year Anniversary community events and promotions that have been held thus far before revealing a little (just a little!) about what lies ahead for this massive, year-long celebration.
Twitch Drops will be enabled throughout the livestream, so be sure to link your ESO and Twitch accounts here. Tune in to the show for 15 minutes to claim a complimentary Ouroboros Crate. Continue to watch for an additional 15 minutes, and you’ll also receive one Grand Gold Coast Experience Scroll, granting an hour-long 100% boost to XP gains!
Ready to discover what’s next for ESO’s 10-Year Anniversary? Tune in this Thursday, August 22 at 12PM EDT, to learn more!
ESO Live is your official Elder Scrolls Online stream, hosted on Twitch.tv/Bethesda by ESO’s Community Team.
Update 43 Base-Game Patch Now Live on PC/Mac
Return to the Infinite Archive, receive new visitors with Home Tours, and discover other additions and fixes—all part of the Update 43 base-game patch.
The Update 43 base-game patch is now live on PC/Mac. This update introduces new features, content, and improvements to The Elder Scrolls Online, completely free for all ESO players.
New Features
Those who enjoy delving deep into the Infinite Archive or showing off their latest home builds will appreciate the two big new features included in Update 43.
Infinite Archive Update
Return to the twisting halls of the Infinite Archive (ESO’s near-endless PvE arena) and you’ll discover two new unique areas, new monsters, a host of new Visions and Verses, and new rewards. These rewards include new collectibles and seven all-new class sets, not found anywhere else in Tamriel! Discover new challenges and rewards in the Archive
To learn more about the additions coming to the Infinite Archive, check out this preview blog.
Home Tours
Share and showcase your flair for interior design and decoration with Home Tours, a new feature added to ESO’s Housing System. With Home Tours, you can search for homes owned and decorated by another player and filter through labels, such as “Cozy” or “Festive.” Share your homes with the rest of the community
You can also browse the top player homes in the Recommended tab, recommend those homes to others, and favorite them to return to later. List your own home and see what people think of your creation!
Update 43 also introduces a host of quality-of-life improvements for all ESO players. This includes six new skill styles (for the Silver Bolts, Roar, Twin Slashes, Momentum, Elemental Storm, and Annulment skills) that can have their fragments dropped from base-game activities or acquired with Archival Fortunes from Infinite Archive.
In addition, item set curation expands to include monster sets acquired via Undaunted Keys (from the Undaunted vendors), weekly Trial coffers, Trial leaderboard coffers, and Imperial City monster mask coffers. Finally, this update also adds improvements to mount previews within the Crown Store, and both Guild Trader and Guild Bank interfaces now remember the last Guild you interacted with.
For a full list of all the changes, new features, and improvements arriving as part of the Update 43 base-game patch, check out the patch notes on the official ESO forums.
Free for All
As a base-game patch, Update 43 is free for all current ESO players—no additional purchases required! Are you excited to share and showcase your home to the rest of ESO’s housing community? Or perhaps you’re eager to conquer the Infinite Archive’s new stages and claim its new rewards? Let us know what aspects of Update 43 you’re most interested in via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
