The Elder Scrolls Online recently received a new DLC pack called “Horns of the Reach”. In the first expansion since Morrowind, the focus is not on Dark Elves, but on Minotaurs, Barbarians, and Nords. We explored the new dungeon “Falkenring” together with the developers and defeated the final boss.
The new add-on for The Elder Scrolls Online is called “Horns of the Reach” and primarily revolves around horns. Whether the antlers are on the helmets of grim Reikgarten or on the skulls of fully grown Minotaurs – there is no shortage of horned enemies!
But what is the DLC about? Horns of the Reach is – like “Shadows of the Hist” – a dungeon DLC, which besides some gameplay conveniences primarily brings two new instances. This time, it revolves around the siege of Falkenring and a detour into the Bloodwell Forge.
The Elder Scrolls Online – Skyrim nostalgia in Falkenring
To optimally familiarize ourselves with the Falkenring instance, the developers at Zenimax invited us for a little dungeon run. Together with Mike Finnigan (Dungeon Lead), Jeremy Sear (Lead Content Designer), and Rich Lambert (Creative Director) we set off to Skyrim to the city of Falkenring. The settlement is currently besieged by wild barbarians and gruesome Minotaurs.
Those who remember Falkenring from Skyrim will often encounter familiar locations. The developers have taken the original map from Skyrim as a template for the surroundings of Falkenring. Only the city itself is much larger in the ESO timeline. After all, the city was at the height of its power back then.
The Elder Scrolls Online – A mammoth task
But we don’t have much time to admire the architecture and landscape. The wicked Reikgarten and their horned comrades have formed a tight siege ring around the city that we must break through.
Along the way, we quickly encounter the first boss, who commands a catapult position. She is swiftly defeated, and we soon arrive at the gates of Falkenring, where a massive war mammoth is attempting to break through the gates.
We are already in the second boss fight, which is distinctly tougher than the duel with the commander earlier. The giant beast stomps around and swings its tusks wildly. Those who aren’t careful will quickly be done for. Cool detail: The defenders on the wall also join in and bombard the mammoth with arrows and set it on fire. This makes it even wilder and hits harder.
The Elder Scrolls Online – Little trash, but strong trash
However, there is still no peace in the city, as the enemies have broken through in another location and are marauding through the streets of Falkenring. There, we often encounter huge Minotaurs, all of which are tough opponents. In addition to the usual brawling Minotaurs, there are also some that use earth and fire magic, making them particularly dangerous.
Additionally, there are “Tramplers” who live up to their name and particularly enjoy toppling and hindering their opponents. Fortunately, not too many of the Minotaurs have broken through, and we quickly move on to the next boss. The design philosophy in “Horns of the Reach” clearly aims to present boss fights in rapid succession and even tackle trash mobs as small, yet fine challenges.
The Elder Scrolls Online – Undead bosses with a system
At the end of the city, we encounter a gigantic bone monster, which only reveals itself after we slay three of its minions and collect their souls. The souls must be purified in shrines for the boss to appear. If we are too slow, the boss does not come, and we will have to deal with the trash forever.
Hardly has the boss been defeated when a plethora of ghost souls rush into the nearby tombs. The survivors have also taken refuge there, and we rush to help. Deep in the caves, however, lurks an undead Jarl, who has been resurrected by the spirits.
Similar to a necromancer from Diablo 3, he constantly summons new undead, and their corpses explode regularly unless we cleanse them with a special effect beforehand. Especially in veteran mode, these corpse explosions can be a real party wiper.
The Elder Scrolls Online – Duel with the giant beef
Finally, the undead ruler is defeated, but that is by no means the end. We still need to check on the Jarl of Falkenring. And indeed, the hall of the Jarl seems to be in order. Inside, we meet the ruler, who complains about the siege.
While he is still grumbling, the developers point out to me to pay close attention. Suddenly, there is a loud crash and a gigantic Minotaur jumps through the wall and simply squashes the complaining Jarl!
The Elder Scrolls Online – My friend, the pillar
The giant beef is “Domihaus the Bloodhorned”, the leader of the Minotaurs, and a truly powerful endboss! Domihaus is not only a wild fighter, but he is also a powerful sorcerer who wields the powers of earth and fire.
Therefore, he regularly summons Atronachs and powerful fire attacks. This magic causes immense damage and can kill a hero instantly. Hence, one must seek protection behind the pillars in the hall in time.
Unfortunately, the pillars cannot withstand such an attack and there are only a limited number of them. Therefore, one should always position themselves as a group behind a pillar to save cover. But even if you master the pillar trick, the fight against Domihaus is a tough challenge, and once the beef finally lies in the dust, one has truly earned the loot.
The Elder Scrolls Online – The loot – Horned helmets, trophies, and cool emotes
The loot from Falkenring is impressive. There are three new armor sets: a light, a medium, and a heavy set. All armors are styled in the cool design of the Reikgarten and flaunt furs and horned helmets. Additionally, there is a trophy for housing.
If you like, you can stick Domihaus’ skull on the wall. On the other hand, if you prefer to become the wild beef yourself, spam the new emote ” /Bullhorns” and transform into a mini-bull.
“Horns of the Reach” is free to play for all ESO Plus subscribers during the subscription. Alternatively, you can also purchase the DLC for 1,500 crowns (12.99 euros) in the real-money shop in the game. This only applies to the PC version.
On the Xbox One and PS4, Horns of the Reach will be released on August 29, 2017.
Also interesting: The first new chapter add-on Morrowind in review
