Although people primarily associate “The Elder Scrolls” with exploring a large, atmospheric game world, it should not be overlooked that the MMO coming out in April will also be designed for epic large-scale battles.
According to the developers, we are talking about the…
[pull_quote_center]largest PvP battles ever seen in a major online role-playing game[/pull_quote_center]
Expectations are already high in this regard, especially since TESO is considered the unofficial successor to the open-PvP classic Dark Age of Camelot – many players still reminisce fondly about the battles of that time.
[quote_box_right]In the meantime, we have also published a guide to PvP in Cyrodiil .[/quote_box_right]Why this connection? Matt Frior, the current game director of The Elder Scrolls Online, was significantly involved as a producer in the success of DAoC. During this time, he became a bit of a celebrity in the MMORPG scene. He also has quite a few threads in hand this time. But let’s talk more about the actual game now.
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So, in a specially designated PvP area called Cyrodiil, the alliances Ebonheart Pact, Daggerfall Covenant, and Aldmeri Dominion will vie for dominance over Tamriel.
In the Q&A series “Ask us anything,” the developers revealed some further details about the upcoming PvP spectacle a few days ago. In short, this is called AvA – Alliance vs. Alliance. Upon entering this world, the player will be assigned to their alliance and a campaign that lasts up to 3 months, which is best explained by a war cycle (by default, you access the alliance war menu by pressing the letter “L,” where you can join a campaign).
As a result, we want to present you once again some facts about the instanced open PvP in a small overview, also taking older information into account.
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Facts about Cyrodiil
Cyrodiil is the seat of the Empire of Tamriel, located in the center of the continent, and is an area in itself that does not interfere with the PvE experience. To get an idea of the size of the map, the following sentence was made:
[pull_quote_center]If you were to run a straight line from the northernmost point all the way down south, it would still take you longer than our team took to present the dungeon at QuakeCon.
We remember: The presentation lasted about half an hour, and considering that there are quite a few obstacles along the way, players can already be certain that the desire for a massive map will likely be fulfilled. However, it is also possible to move on a mount.
The open battlefields can accommodate up to 2000 players per instance, whereas a maximum of 200 can be displayed on screen, which is already quite considerable. The map is available to characters of level 10 and above – in Cyrodiil itself, there will be a leveling up to level 50.
- The leveling will also be possible in this area, whether through PvE quests or PvP battles
- Multiple teleportation routes simplify travel across the vast map
- There’s plenty to discover in Cyrodiil (settlements, crafting resources, runes, and caves) – connected with many quests
Mass battles are certainly the highlight, but that doesn’t mean that other types of fights won’t also occur:
[pull_quote_center]At choke points, at the endpoints of the supply lines of opposing alliances, and in the cities of Cyrodiil, individual fights often occur.
Backgrounds for the War over Cyrodiil
The video explains the motives behind why the alliances are fighting for dominance. The video is in English, but there is an option to enable German subtitles.
Fortresses and Sieges
In principle, the goal is to conquer and control fortresses and other useful outposts. By holding territories, the alliances gain bonuses.
- Castles and supply lines are interconnected through a travel network
- Mines, sawmills, and farms are managed to strengthen the defenses
- Established camps serve as bases for the more flexible resurrection of alliance members
When it comes to the design of the castles the designers were inspired by medieval structures that house both an outer and inner level. Even if the outer level is breached, it does not mean that the battle is over – it actually becomes progressively harder as you move inward. To enhance the combat experience, there was also a significant reduction of bottlenecks like stairs and a focus on height variations.
- Fortresses can be stormed at any time
- There are NPC guards, but they are not too great a hindrance: The focus is on player-versus-player battles
- Mass control is an important tactical element in combat
- There should be enough healers in the party
- Even for a completely unprotected castle, it takes about 15 minutes to take it
- Several siege weapons such as battering rams are necessary
- A single player cannot accomplish this; it requires a group
- 2 captured flags must be held for a period of time in the castle
- It costs a lot of resources to rebuild a destroyed castle
[pull_quote_center]When a castle is attacked, a symbol appears on the map for everyone in the zone that indicates the status of the assault
As you can see, you need not worry about missing the action. Generally speaking, you will be informed of the most important events on screen, such as when a new emperor is crowned.
Rewards and Character Development in PvP
High-level characters have advantages in The Elder Scrolls Online in combat – the character development is designed to be significant, although a healthy balance is still maintained. While you are in Cyrodiil and engage in activities, you will earn alliance points, experience, and gold.
- Special alliance war abilities lines can be earned throughout the game
- There are two lines to choose from here, and the emperor receives an additional one
- The abilities are useful in battles against other players and sieges
- 50 PvP ranks, including 25 titles and several grades to achieve
- Defeating higher-ranked alliance members yields more points
- Guild quests increase your reputation in the respective guild
- The rank of players is publicly displayed and visible to everyone
- Achievements are shown on leaderboards
[pull_quote_center]With alliance points, you can purchase armor and weapons or enhance various abilities lines tailored for Cyrodiil
A special honor: The coronation as emperor in Elder Scrolls Online
Lastly, the greatest achievement is to receive the coveted emperor title and take a seat on the throne of respect.
In principle, every player has the chance to be crowned emperor. Of course, everyone will recognize and envy you just for the exclusive armor that will adorn your valuable character – until the ‘glorious’ term of office ends.
The unique abilities line designed to help maintain your alliance at the top of the ‘food chain’ and solidify your position is another factor. This remains even after losing the title – albeit weakened, it is still desirable – a highly useful reminder of former times of domination.
But how do I become the head of an empire?
This happens once your alliance claims all the necessary castles – afterwards, the highest-ranked player is honored to rule over a gigantic empire. This means that consequently, the one with the most alliance points may take a seat on the throne. Points can be increased by conquering enemy fortresses, defeating opposing players, and healing allies.
The question that I also asked myself is, how can the other alliances even contest the rule without fortresses and fewer bonuses? This was at least addressed somewhat during a Q&A session.
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[intense_testimony_text]When a player is crowned emperor and their alliance holds the castles around the imperial city, how will the other alliances be able to regain a foothold in Cyrodiil without real access? And if the emperor loses their status when killed, what prevents that player from simply avoiding Cyrodiil once crowned emperor?[/intense_testimony_text]
[intense_testimony_author company=”Source of the Q&A” link=”http://elderscrollsonline.com/de/news/post/2013/09/09/fragt-uns-was-ihr-wollt-allerlei-7″ link_target=”_blank”]Mitchell Antico[/intense_testimony_author]
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The answer from a TESO developer: Access to Cyrodiil is always possible and occurs through secure retreat areas that opponents cannot attack or capture. It is therefore always possible to contest someone’s claim to the emperor title. If an emperor is dethroned (i.e., their alliance loses the necessary castles for the title), then this player loses their emperorship as soon as they die, change zones, or leave the game. But the emperorship does not only benefit individual players – the entire alliance receives a bonus if they have the emperor.
That should be it for PvP in The Elder Scrolls Online for now. There is surely much more, but I think this gives a good feel for it. What do you think? Does it sound like this open PvP can surpass that of Guild Wars 2 and not just connect to Dark Age of Camelot but even exceed it?
