On November 1, 2021, the new Update 32 Deadlands for the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online was released. MeinMMO author MiezeMelli introduces you to the most important changes and explains what this means for you.
The latest Update 32 Deadlands belongs to the zone DLCs. This means you get a new area with this DLC, or in this specific case, even two. The story continues from the main quest of the chapter Blackwood.
However, you don’t necessarily need to have played Blackwood to directly start the story in the Deadlands. For the additional final quest series, however, you do need it. The order does not matter for unlocking this quest.
Additionally, some features have been added to the base game, which we want to address first.
1. The Introduction of the Arsenal System
With the new tool, you can now save your builds, which means equipment, skills, and Champion Points. You can also optionally add a disguise or a curse (Vampire or Werewolf).
2 slots for compositions are free.
Another Arsenal slot costs 1,500 Crowns in the Crown Store. However, be aware that the slots are not cross-character.
For many PC players, the “new tool” is not really something new. For many years, players have been able to save and call their various builds using add-ons. A significant advantage of this variant is that it is free. You can save as many builds as you want.
Furthermore, you can use them anywhere. The Arsenal system can only be accessed through an Arsenal table or an Arsenal assistant (available for 5,000 Crowns in the Crown Store).
The point where the Arsenal system differs from add-on functions is the selection of a curse for individual builds. You can turn the Vampire or Werewolf on and off as you wish. You can also save different modifications of a skill.
You wouldn’t have to reset your skills for gold anymore. Ultimately, it’s a matter of weighing which of the two options you choose. For console players, the Arsenal system with the 2 free slots is a helpful addition to the base game.
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
Currently, there is a free Arsenal table available in the Crown Store. You can place this in your home. I would recommend every player to take this free item and take a look at the Arsenal system. Anyone who wants to buy more slots later can do so optionally.
If you prefer to stay with add-ons, you can continue to do so. Here’s an overview of the different options:
My personal favorite is Wizard’s Wardrobe because you can also save Champion Points and the add-on automatically switches sets for different bosses, etc.
2. Curated Chance for Item Sets
Previously, you received purely random loot. This is now changing, at least partially regarding your collection and item sets. With Update 32, you have an increased chance to get weapons, equipment, or jewelry pieces that are still missing from your collection.
You should be able to complete your collection faster in the future.
Tip: If you need a specific item, team up with a player who only lacks that one item in the collection. Since they have an increased chance for this item and nothing else is left, it is likely that you will also get that exact item.
3. Hard Cap for Critical Damage
So far, you could increase critical damage indefinitely through sets and buffs. This is now over, as a hard cap for critical damage was introduced with the update. The limit is set at exactly 125%.
Theoretically, you could still equip gear that would continue to increase it. But in combat, only 125% is taken into account. So, it is not worth focusing solely on critical damage as before.
What does this mean for my build? Take a thorough look at your character and consider whether you want to change your gear or Champion Points. Be mindful of buffs and passive abilities. For more details, check out this article:
ESO: Update 32 Deadlands brings 4 major combat changes
4. Hybridization of Equipment Sets
The sets and their bonuses that are currently in the game have been further adjusted:
- Sets that granted either Magic or Weapon Power now grant both
- Sets that granted Physical or Magic Penetration now grant both
- Sets that granted critical Magic or Weapon hits now grant critical hits in general
This makes many sets interesting again for characters using the other attribute. For example, the set Mother’s Tear is now not only interesting for Magicka DDs but can also be used by Stamina DDs.
These set changes currently result in many players farming the set Kinras’ Wrath (Black Drake Villa) like crazy. This is a medium armor set that has become interesting for Magicka DDs due to the described change. Here’s an overview of the set bonuses:
- (2 items) Grants 121 Magic & Weapon Power
- (3 items) Grants 618 rating for critical hits
- (4 items) Grants 121 Magic & Weapon Power
- (5 items) When you deal damage with a light or heavy attack, you gain 5 seconds of up to 5 stack Burning Heart. While you have 5 stacks, you radiate an Aura of Wrath. You gain Berserk, increasing your damage dealt by 10%. While you have an Aura of Wrath, allies within 12 meters gain Minor Berserk, increasing their damage dealt by 5%.
5. New Areas: Fargrave and the Deadlands
Update 32 is a zone DLC. Thus, ESO receives two new areas. Both areas are located outside of Nirn. You may already know something similar from the areas of Coldharbour, Artaeum, and the Clockwork City.
Fargrave is an area where the known races coexist with the Dremora and trade peacefully. The whole city resembles a giant bazaar with winding alleys. It sparkles everywhere, and the glittering items quickly attract attention with their bright colors.
The Deadlands, on the other hand, are pretty much the opposite of Fargrave. It is a bleak and hostile environment. Bare rocks are inhabited by hostile daedric creatures, and every now and then, a lightning strike booms loudly next to you.
And of course, there’s also a concluding quest line for the “Gates of Oblivion” story in the areas, as well as several side quests.
With the new area, ESO also gets some other new things:
- 6 new equipment sets – In this article, you can learn more about the new equipment sets from Update 32 Deadlands
- 3 new Mythic Items:
- Belharza’s Band
- Markyn Ring of Majesty
- Shoulder Pieces of Doom
- 2 new homes:
- Ossa Accentium
- Ascendancy of Torment
There are also some Sky Shards to discover again. They will now also be displayed on your compass as soon as you approach one of the shards. After collecting, you will also find a symbol on your map.
In this guide, you can learn where to find the new Sky Shards from Update 32 Deadlands.
