The Elder Scrolls Online is the plucky underdog that beat the odds. Whilst it hasn’t undergone a revolution like Final Fantasy XIV did, it turned itself around and became if not a juggernaut, then a well-maintained, exciting MMO that’s become almost a full Elder Scrolls game in its own right. Filled with lore, quests, and enough content to keep anyone happy, The Elder Scrolls Online in 2022 is a big game with big ambitions. The next chapter, High Isle, looks set to expand the game in all the right ways too.
Taking us to a brand new location never seen before in an Elder Scrolls game (outside of maps), High Isle is also introducing new mechanics to while away our time with, giving us unique rewards for participating.
There’s a lot to cover in ESO: High Isle so get off your mount, stow your weapons, take a moment, and let’s get you up to speed on everything you need to know so you’re ready when the game releases on the 6th of June, 2022.
ESO High Isle Story and New Area
Players are off to a brand new location in High Isle – the Systres Archipelago. Made of three islands, we’ll be spending most of our time on the largest of them – High Isle (hence the name of the expansion). That said, we will also be visiting the prison island of Amenos nearby.
Situated between Summerset Isle, High Rock, and the Hammerfell islands of Stros M’Kai, High Isle is mostly populated by Bretons after it was sold to them by the Colovian Estates. High Isle is a forested outpost that has rolling hills and a Mediterranean climate. In opposition to that is Amenos, which has a much harsher climate with jungles covering much of its surface.
But why are we there? High Isle is a location chosen where secret negotiations are taking place to seek to end the Three Banners War. As it’s so far from everywhere it seemed unlikely to draw attention, but alas – attention was nonetheless drawn. The Ascendant Order will be our main antagonists throughout this chapter of ESO’s story, as they intend to foment discord and keep the war going – at any cost.
Of course as an archipelago is our setting for the expansion we’ll be coming up against sea-faring creatures and pirates of all flavours. We may even bump up against the Maomer, the Sea Elves from Pyandomea, as we will be adventuring fairly close to their stomping grounds.
New Companions
ESO: Blackwood added the companion feature to the game which allows us to be accompanied by an NPC who helps out in combat and has a few…choice words to say if we do things they don’t like.
High Isle is adding two more companions to the mix, Ember and Isobel.
Ember is a Khajiit who grew up on High Isle itself, becoming a skilled Destruction sorcerer able to wield devastating magic on the battlefield. You’ll find Ember a little cynical as they join you on your adventures, which is understandable as she’s had a pretty hard life.
Isobel is a strong warrior from a line of proud Breton knights. She’ll join you, fighting side-by-side in the melee, but be warned – if you turn against what she views as best for High Isle’s Bretons she may turn against you.
Tales of Tribute – A New Collectible Card Game
Many Elder Scrolls Online expansions come with new mechanics, such as the Antiquities system added in Greymoor. This time we’re getting a brand new card game you can play in the taverns dotting High Isle. It’s called Tales of Tribute and it looks set to take over ESO like Gwent did for the Witcher 3.
As you gain new cards and upgrade your deck, you’ll be able to take part in a questline that introduces you to the game and how to play it. You’ll also be able to win currency, crafting materials, cosmetics, furniture and other rewards by participating.
ESO High Isle Trailers
There’s several High Isle trailers that will help you get a feel for this expansion. Firstly, take a look at the cinematic announcement trailer titled Legacy of the Bretons:
It wouldn’t be an ESO chapter without conflict and High Isle is no different. This beautiful island appears peaceful but scratch the surface and there’s a wealth of dark undercurrents ready to sweep away the unwary adventurer.
Take a closer look at the lore behind this expansion with the History of the Systres trailer:
Finally, welcome Billy Boyd who joins the voice acting cast as Brahgas:
And Laura Bailey who will play the companion Isobel:
ESO High Isle Gameplay – New Events and Trials
In addition to the new questlines and side quests you’ll be undertaking in this expansion, High Isle will also bring a new Trial to the game. Titled Dreadsail Reef it’ll see players take the fight to some local pirates’ lair, with the aim of taking home four armour sets which are only available in this Trial.
ESO chapters always include special world events you can participate in for loot and experience. Volcanic Vents will see you descend upon smoke vents across the archipelago, fighting off waves of enemies before plugging up the vent to ensure the safety of the local area.
System Requirements
Check if your system is beefy enough for this latest chapter in the ESO saga, here’s what you’ll need to be running:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 7 64-bit
- Processor: Intel® Core i3 540 or AMD A6-3620 or higher
- Memory: 3 GB RAM
- Graphics: Direct X 11.0 compliant video card with 1GB RAM (NVidia GeForce 460 or AMD Radeon 6850)
- DirectX: Version 11
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 85 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 7 64-bit
- Processor: Intel® Core i5 2300 or AMD FX4350
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Direct X 11.0 compliant video card with 2GB RAM (NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 750 or AMD Radeon™ HD 7850) or higher
- DirectX: Version 11
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 85 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card
ESO High Isle Pre-Purchase Bonuses
Anyone who pre-purchases The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle will get immediate access to bonus content, in addition to the bonus content received at launch.
Pre-purchasers who pick up the expansion will get the Palefrost Elk Mount when they next log into the game.
When the expansion launches on the 6th of June, 2022 they will also receive the following:
- Knights of the Flame Pup Pet
- Abecean Privateers Apparel Costume
- Dark Chivalry Crate
- 3× High Isle Treasure Maps
- 2× Crown Experience Scrolls
That should help make those first steps on a new island a little more welcoming.
Shop ESO High Isle Here
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