While all MMOs tend to focus on everything at once, there’s definitely some that stake their fortunes on PvP. Throne and Liberty, Dark Age of Camelot, Lineage 2, or Eve Online are all renowned for player versus player shenanigans, and now there’s one underdog that’s looking to join their ranks. The Elder Scrolls Online isn’t famed for its PvP but between battlegrounds and the Cyrodiil alliance war zone, it’s got plenty for fans of competitive combat to get stuck into. Thanks to its most recent update, PvP in ESO just got a whole lot leaner, meaner, and better.
The standout feature in Update 44 relates to battlegrounds in the Elder Scrolls Online. Previously they could be a messy, long-winded affair with battles stretching on due to its 4v4v4 setup. Now, the MMORPG has streamlined things considerably, with battlegrounds coming in 4v4 and 8v8 modes only. This means the days of chaos should be long gone, with even the larger battlegrounds being quicker battles you can navigate with improved clarity of who your allies and enemies are.
Seven new battlegrounds have also been added, designed to accommodate the new team structure. 8v8 matches will also grant access to various power-ups dotted across PvP maps, helping you cut through the opposing team or be more robust when in a tough fight. There’s also new item sets you can earn too, giving you a fresh look on the battlefield.
Elsewhere in Update 44 there are two new companions you can recruit to aid you on your adventures across Tamriel; the High Elf Tanlorin and the Khajiit Zerith-var. These will be free for those subscribed to ESO plus, or can be bought in the in-game crown store.
Scribing has also been expanded with a new grimoire, skill styles, and scripts. The Banner Bearer grimoire should help give support skills an extra dimension, letting you buff your team with an AoE. There’s also a new way to earn gear and items, called Golden Pursuits, which let you complete tasks that reward you when you pass certain milestones.
Update 44 is out now for the Elder Scrolls Online. If you’d like to learn what else is new in this patch, head over to the Steam page to get the full details.
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