Summary

The Elder Scrolls Onlineis the first installment in the titular series to integrate many sub-locations found in earlier games into one experience. It combines the detailed RPG mechanics ofgames likeSkyrimandOblivioninto a fully online world, where players can interact and create their own experiences together. Thanks to the live service model the game has, and the continuous development it has seen since its release in 2014, many parts of earlier games have slowly been getting introduced in DLCs.

The game has been making waves yet again thanks to the next major updateThe Elder Scrolls Onlineis set to feature. The Gold Roadupdate was first announced back in January 2024 and is all set to be released next month on July 01, 2025. Combining a new story and fresh gameplay mechanics with just the right amount of nostalgia, Gold Roadwill incorporate the city of Skingrad, a prominent map location fromThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivionthat calls for anElder Scrollsalum-retreat.

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What Fans of Oblivion Are In For In The New ESO Update

The beautiful vineyards and engaging quests found in Skingrad are probably the first things that pop into mind for many fans ofOblivion. However, the landscape, this time around, might be far different back from whenThe Elder Scrollshad last explored this region. Attacks fromDaedric forceshave changed the landscape of this area, damaging Skingrad and even forming a new magic jungle in the region. In addition, the iconic Gold Road that remains a focal point inOblivion’s map is faithfully recreated inESO,allowing fans to revisit some of their strongest memories in fully rendered HD graphics.

ESOhas a few more tricks up its sleeve, though, as the upcoming update will likely introduce deeper lore surrounding the Gold Road and Skingrad.Oblivionfans will be able to find out more about the locations surrounding the Road and how it came to be. Interactions with other players could change experience significantly as well — for instance, it will certainly change the way returning fans will interact withthe Gold Roadand Skingrad.

How ESO’s New Story Pays Homage To Oblivion

The upcoming Gold Roadupdate features a story centered around a new Daedric prince named Ithelia.Oblivionplayers might remember that his story was centered around Daedric forces, too. Aside from characters like Mehrunes Dagon who served as central antagonists in the main story, the Shivering Isles DLC explores the Daedric world further and allows players to eventually replace Shegorath,the Daedric Princeof Madness. A new story focusing on the Daedra could explore many examples set byOblivion,and might even feature returning characters, bringing the evil forces of the Daedric world back to the limelight.

The Elder Scrolls Online’s latest update will introduce some sweeping changes to deepen the RPG mechanics the series is known for. It’s been dubbed the Scribing system and will allow players to collectskills called Grimoiresand customize them to their heart’s content. These Grimoires will come in all shapes and sizes and feature area-of-effect attacks, the ability to escape from combat, and more.

A feature like this one could have knock-on effects on the entire game, as it opens up doors to entirely different builds and play styles that were not feasible before. Being able to customize any skills players collect will allow them to tailor their build to any situation, and it’s not too far off compared toOblivion’s own skill system - especially magic. It will be a refreshing change forTheElder Scrolls IV: Oblivionfanseager to revisit the Gold Road and give them deeper RPG mechanics to chew on.

The Elder Scrolls Online

WHERE TO PLAY

Experience an ever-expanding story across all of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online, an award-winning fantasy RPG. Explore a rich, living world with friends or embark upon a solo adventure.Ultimate freedom—Create your ultimate RPG character, play solo or adventure with friends, and determine your fate in an ever-expanding world. With no level restrictions, go anywhere at any time in a truly open world.Choose your adventure—Begin your adventure where you like: emerge from Coldharbour in the Base Game, battle Dragons in the Elsweyr Chapter, or get ready to face the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, in Blackwood. All content is accessible for new players, and you can switch adventures whenever you like.