Tamriel, as we know it, has expanded its horizons. Now we are free to roam the sands, plains, and dusty badlands of Northern Elsweyr. There is nowhere I would rather be, even though dragons have returned and are not wasting time, shouting thu’ums at the locals. This expansion is the third chapter to release for the Elder Scrolls Online and is the first expansion since Morrowind to introduce an entirely new class.
We mentioned in our initial impressions that a lot of the content added this time around is dedicated to the growing fanbase of the series, which has increased by more than a 2 million player count in the last year. Returning players are treated to the same courtesy of finding opportunities to explore despite whichever alliance they belong to and where they last logged off. Everyone is free to start the story at any time. Regardless of your origins, you the player are tasked with assisting the Khajiiti Defense Force in dealing with the dragon menace. A surprise to be sure, but not a welcome one. Along the way we run into new and interesting characters, such as Khamira, who serves the speaker of the Mane and is more than a sassy cat with a bow. We also get to see reoccurring faces as well, like Abnur Tharn and Sir Cadwell.
As we assist the Khajiit Defense Force (which sounds like a TV show with a cat A-team), we will often go off of the main trail and assist the locals with their problems aside from dragons, which don’t nearly show up as much as you would think. They appear like anchors from Coldharbor, if you’re familiar with the base game, and they often require multiple players to band together to drive back. This is just like how it works in regional storylines from way back when. These side quests help you learn more about Elsweyr, level up with experience, and get that wholesome feeling of making the world a little bit better wherever you go.
Also, remember there is a new class to try out! We can finally be necromancers, and there’s nothing the Archmage can do about it (You know, until he bans it later on)! I like this class a lot. Depending how you play, you can really go in there as a DPS with life-leeching effects to keep you in the fight, or even tank encounters. Summoning the undead, using the corpses you leave on the battlefield, is plenty helpful for keeping the heat off you, or even utilizing your thralls to enhance your combat experience. By that I mean, the corpses can empower some of your abilities; you should check the tooltips on the abilities to find out which ones.
Here are the skillsets that are available to this class: “Grave Lord – Imbue the dead with frost, fire, and lightning to bring ruin upon your enemies. Raise relentless hordes of the undead and allow your fallen enemies to intensify your unyielding assault. Bone Tyrant – Bend and break the dead to your will and use their remains to create impenetrable barriers and extend your own life. Control the battlefield with the bones of the departed. Living Death – Draw from the power of life and death to replenish and restore your allies. Resurrect your defeated comrades and keep them in the fight.”
The expansion also includes a new raid, or trial, called Sunspire. This place is said to be where Pelinal Whitestrake (That awesome knight from the Nine Divines DLC in Oblivion) was shouted down by Alkosh (Dragon King of the Cats). Fancy bit of lore for you, because sure enough I just learned it myself! Anyways, dragons occupy the Sunspire and are led by a golden dragon claiming to actually be Alkosh. There are three main dragon fights, which you and eleven other players will take part in. Completing the trial will earn you a mount, a skin, and an achievement.
I had a good time getting to explore the province. I remember always wanting an Elder Scrolls game to take place in this corner of Tamriel, especially when wondering what these cities/settlements look like. Rimmen is not entirely what I expected, but it’s cool. It’s immersive, it’s new compared to what we usually see, and it’s great to see the world get fleshed out just a little bit more. We’re well on our way to seeing it all. I think a fair rating for this expansion is an 8.5 out of 10.
Check Out The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr E3 2019 Cinematic Trailer:
Related: Bethesda’s E3 2019 Showcase: The Elder Scrolls Online
Steam Review
I like to think of myself as the average Joe who grew up alongside video games. I have fun playing strategy games, RPGs, shooters, sandboxes, the whole shebang! Every game provides an experience whether it strikes you as profound, mundane, or someplace in between. I'd like to weigh in my two cents before you spend a single penny.
More Stories
The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty Review for Steam
Wishlist Sonorous Deep Down Below Continuous Fight for Survival Game on Steam
REIGNS BEYOND Review for Steam