The last DLC of The Elder Scrolls Online in 2020 is called Markarth and brings the Skyrim year to a close. In addition to new areas, you can expect the arena “Ground of the Vateshran”. This is a type of dungeon for solo players that has now been introduced in detail.
What kind of content is this? The Ground of the Vateshran is a solo arena located in the Reik. It is reminiscent of the existing Maelstrom Arena in Orsinium, which is also accessible to only one player.
However, it is said to differ in structure:
- In the arena, you can expect 3 portals, each leading to different enemies of the Reik.
- Behind each portal, you will find 3 paths that you can take in any order. At the end of each path, you will encounter Daedric Princes that you must defeat, each offering various mechanics in battle.
- The order of the paths is said to have an impact on the outcome, as Mike Finnigan, ESO’s Encounters Lead, explains in the blog post. Additionally, exploration and discoveries are meant to play an important part in the solo dungeon.
- If you manage to complete all paths and portals, you will receive the title “Ghostblood Champion”.
A brief glimpse of the new arena is already provided by the official trailer for Markarth:
Brutal Dungeon and Exciting Loot
How difficult will the new arena be? Finnigan describes the arena “Ground of the Vateshran” more as a “classic dungeon for one player”. This is also said to have been the designers’ design goal.
Accordingly, the challenge is expected to be quite difficult, which is emphasized multiple times in the blog post.
If you are still underwhelmed by the normal mode, you can activate the veteran mode, as with the dungeons. In veteran mode, you can also expect better rewards.
What rewards are there? In the arena, you can expect:
- Collectibles like the “Weapon Style of the Hungry Void” (normal mode) and the “Appearance of the Void Pathos” (only in veteran mode)
- 3 new item sets, including “Pestilent Host,” which creates burn flies when you defeat an enemy with poison
- 6 new and powerful weapons, each enhancing various weapon skills
When does the new arena come out? The “Ground of the Vateshran” will be released together with the new DLC Markarth on November 2 for PC, Mac, and Stadia, as well as on November 10 for PS4 and Xbox One.
If you can’t wait until November 2, you can currently play the new prologue quest for the DLC. Otherwise, we recommend these 5 activities you can do if you are currently bored in ESO.
