The Elder Scrolls Online receives Update 40 with the new dungeon Endless Archive. As the name suggests, it has no end and lets you face enemies in increasingly difficult levels. MeinMMO editor Alexander Leitsch tried it out with developer Mike Finnigan on the test server and is thrilled.
You can visit the Endless Archive either completely alone or together with a teammate or companion. There are different leaderboards for both modes, but the difficulty level remains the same. So going in pairs makes it easier.
The setup is initially a bit confusing, but you’ll get used to it fairly quickly:
- First, you face opponents you already know from the game world in three rounds. After each round, you learn a verse that gives you a bonus only for the next round.
- After three rounds of enemies, there comes a boss round. Here, too, you encounter a familiar foe.
- These four fights are referred to as a cycle. After each cycle, you receive a vision. This gives you a buff for the entire dungeon run.
- If you survive four cycles, you meet the new boss for the first time. This boss is initially quite easy but becomes harder with each higher level and learns new abilities.
- Once you defeat the boss, a new “arc” begins. You go through the same procedure, but at a higher difficulty.
The endless dungeon run is spiced up by spontaneous events and additional “portals into the unknown”. There, bosses await, as well as NPCs who give you an additional quest. For example, you have to collect bundles that are hidden somewhere in the rounds.
Additionally, there is the constant danger of being thrown out of the dungeon if you die more than three times. In a group, however, that means the whole group must wipe. A single death does not count towards the statistics.
But is it really fun, and is it suitable for every type of player?
Besides ESO, Alex is mostly engaged in Guild Wars 2, New World, and Black Desert and tests almost every new MMORPG out there.
Accessibility and strong rewards attract everyone
The answers are: Yes and yes. Because the first rounds and bosses are achievable for everyone. I was even a bit disappointed by the initial battles because Mike and I cruised through the enemies far too easily – and this was with a build that was only quickly adjusted.
We had enough time to discuss a few things about the dungeon or even ESO itself. It’s a cool activity if you want to do something with your best buddy or listen to a podcast on the side.
Even for the initial levels and runs, you receive the new currency Archive Prophecies. With these, you can purchase useful rewards including gold, furnishing items, temporary and permanent buffs for the next dungeon runs, and a completely new set for each class.
Additionally, there are various achievements that bring you, among other things, a brand new mount.
The rewards are very well done and invite you to visit the Endless Archive repeatedly – whether you are a beginner, veteran, or hardcore player. Especially the latter can look forward to the high difficulty levels.
The difficulty is somewhat random
However, the Endless Archive will not be a walk in the park. I was unexpectedly faced with this during the third boss. Because while we could chat casually before, we encountered Yolnahkriin, a giant dragon, there. And he is quite the challenge.
He can throw enemies off the platform with his wing flap and also burn them with a large AoE field in seconds. During our first attempt, we were a bit unfocused and Mike and I immediately felt the wing.
In attempt number 2, the AoE field caught us, and in the third attempt, we failed again after the flying phase due to the AoE.
Although our joint run was over, I went back in and managed to reach the new boss.
In this one, you have to dodge large crystal fields, block a strong attack, and be careful when the mirror is set up. Because everything you shoot into these comes back at the end as a concentrated damage. That can lead to your death if you don’t dodge.
And there are also adds and a giant laser beam!
However, during my second run, I had it much easier, even though I replaced one player – in this case, even a developer – with a companion. The reason for this was the different boss fights. Here, the randomness plays a role determining whether a dragon can throw you off the platform or you are only fighting against a necromantic wizard.
This is also one of my minor criticisms of the Endless Archive. Not every run is the same. Sometimes it’s too easy, and sometimes it suddenly becomes significantly harder. That can be frustrating.
Additionally, I find the phases without boss fights a bit too long. For me, two enemy rounds before each boss would have been sufficient. This can lead to a bit of boredom in between.
Everyone should try the new dungeon
Overall, the Endless Archive is an absolute enrichment for ESO. Casual players have a new daily task. They can play through to the end of the first arc and earn good rewards for it.
Veterans can level indefinitely and thus place themselves on the leaderboards. However, these do not value the time but the highest level you have achieved.
Moreover, you don’t have to venture out alone, but can complete the dungeon together with a friend or partner. This greatly strengthens the feeling of belonging.
And the coolest part is that you don’t need any expansions, no DLC, and no subscription. Anyone who wants to dive into the Endless Archive can do that right with the release on October 30 on PC or November 14 on PlayStation and Xbox.
What about you? Do you like being able to play endlessly in a dungeon, or does such content not appeal to you at all?
By the way, along with the new dungeon, ESO is also getting a new group finder:
ESO finally gets a proper group finder and ‘endless dungeons’
