Many of us excitedly watched as developer Zenimax Online Studios revealed this year’s top expansion for Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle. But what’s new in High Isle? What can existing, new, and returning players expect for their time and money investment? As it were, a lot. This year’s expansion is quite extensive, and it does away with the whole saving the world theme that past content introduced.
What is High Isle?
As part of the Legacy of the Bretons adventure in Elder Scrolls Online, High Isle is the major expansion release for the MMORPG. It comes alongside multiple story-based DLCs, including Ascending Tide, Ascending Doubt, and A King’s Retreat.
In all, this is the sixth major story arc for Elder Scrolls Online, with the most recent being the Gates of Oblivion storyline.
In High Isle, players will uncover a secret plot threatening peace talks determined to end the Alliance War.
What’s New in High Isle?
As the major expansion coming this year, High Isle includes a boatload of content for players to grind through.
We have a new zone to explore, new storylines and main/side quests to complete, a collectible card game, unique world events, two new companions to recruit, a new trial, and countless new item sets such as mythic items. It’s a lot to sift through.
World Zone
First and foremost, we have a new world zone to explore. High Isle includes various towns, delves, public dungeons, and a large playable area the size of, say, Blackwood, to explore.
You’ll note the zone splits in two. This is the Systres Archipelago and includes High Isle to the south and Amenos in the north.
High Isle is home to noble families and knightly orders. It’s more medieval in style.
Amenos, on the other hand, is a violent, dangerous jungle rife with gangs of prisoners and pirates to battle.
Storylines and Quests
Legacy of the Bretons is a year-long event, with new storylines and quests across multiple DLCs and the major expansion, too. We’ll uncover secret plots by the Ascendant Orders who plan to derail peace talks among the races.
You can expect fully-voiced side and main quests in High Isle, along with various tidbits to discover around the map.
Collectible Card Game in ESO
While I’m not personally sold on a collectible card game, I can wholly ignore the new feature. But perhaps you’re excited about a new mini-game in your favorite MMO?
Tales of Tribute, discoverable in the Gonfalon Gaming Hall, tasks the player with utilizing decks of cards to beat their opponent and win rewards.
It’s unclear what the precise mechanics of the card game entail, though.
World Events
Like with past expansions, like the Gates of Oblivion in Blackwood, High Isle features unique world events to contend with. Here, we have Volcanic Vents.
These vents spew forth fire Daedra and volcanic monstrosities. You’ll help the local druids to close each vent by defeating waves of monsters and biding time while they work their magic.
For completing each world event, you’ll receive varying rewards depending on the scope and difficulty of the Volcanic Vent.
Companions
Introduced in the previous expansions, companions allow you to recruit a traveling partner to help beat mobs and complete quests with greater ease while playing solo.
In High Isle, we’re introduced to two new companions: Ember and Isobel Veloise.
Ember, a crafty yet chaotic Khajiit sorcerer, offers magic in the heat of combat. Isobel Vloise, a Breton knight, will take to your side, sword in hand, to best your foes.
Once you complete their respective quests, you can recruit either companion, both of whom are customizable. You can alter their outfit, skill bar, and even select a mount.
Trial
The new trial included in High Isle is Dreasdail Reef.
It’s a 12-player trial, with challenging bosses, unique item sets, and a few new achievements to complete, too.
Like other trials, you can complete Dreasdail Reef in either normal or veteran difficulty, plus an optional hard mode for more experienced players.
Item Sets
Of course, being an MMORPG, one would expect copious amounts of new item sets to collect.
High Isle includes the Overland Sets, Crafted Sets, Trial Sets, and a slew of Mythic Items, including Sea-Serpent’s Coil, Oakensoul Ring, and Dov-Rha Sabatons.
Note: Item sets may change or be removed from the game before the expansion’s launch.