After many teases and previews, The Elder Scrolls Online: Fallen Banners DLC has finally been revealed, and Update 45 includes notable quality-of-life improvements for players.
Starting today, The Elder Scrolls Online: Fallen Banners DLC will be playable for all Tamriel explorers on PC and Mac, introducing two new PvE dungeons, Exiled Redoubt and Lep Seclusa. Unlike full expansions, ESO deploys smaller content releases that unleash new challenges on players in the way of PvE dungeons, and this time, the developers at Zenimax also released Update 45 with the new DLC content. Update 45 brings visual quality improvements to the five starter zones in The Elder Scrolls Online. Bleakrock Isle, Bal Foyen, Stros M’kai, Betnikh, and Khenarthi’s Roost have received visual upgrades and an example can be seen below.
Art Manager Morgan Godat says, “Moving from the updates to the Wailing Prison in Update 44, the five starter zones represented the very next step in the new player experience,” and Principal World Builder Greg Barley says, “The changes are primarily a cosmetic facelift for many assets in the world, using newer parts and tricks we’ve learned over the years since the initial game launch” on the visual upgrades to the starter zones. Aside from visual improvements, Zenimax Online Studios has also included numerous other fixes that are listed below.
- Improved Base Mount Speed – For those just starting their journey, once players are able to ride a mount, ESO has increased the base mount speed right off the bat so explorers can traverse Tamriel easily. For those who have maxed their mount’s stats, those players will be able to ride faster than normal as well.
- Champion Point Passive Improvements – The Elder Scrolls Online updated their champion point system to allow players notable passives that no longer need to be slotted into a Constellation to activate. Meticulous Disassembly and Plentiful Harvest are two of these champion perks that will remain active at all times when unlocked.
- UI Improvements – Clutter surrounding the player HUD has been reduced and zone names now appear on the map as you zoom in.
- Mundus Stone Clarity – Another new player boon. ESO pushes the importance of Mundus Stones onto new players when they reach level 10, allowing for stronger and more informed character builds. If players reach level 20 without acquiring a Mundus, the game will remind them with red notifiers.
Aside from the notable quality-life improvements, The Elder Scrolls Online: Fallen Banners DLC has brought two new PvE dungeons to the landscape of Tamriel, bringing hardy challenges to existing and new players alike. Both dungeons, Exiled Redoubt and Lep Seclusa, bring new item sets for players to discover (like every other dungeon DLC release in ESO history), new challenging boss fights and achievements to triumph over, and notable lore tying everything together. Potential rewards from Fallen Banner dungeons include a new monster mask and three unique item sets that offer powerful effects. The monster mask is themed after the Squall of Retribution boss and grants a random protective effect after you take damage.
Dungeon Team Product Owner and Senior Content Designer Shane Slama said, “[Prime Sorcerer Vandorallen] is a master at commanding the iron atronach spiders, and he doesn’t hesitate to unleash a small army of them on you.”
He continued, “He also has a flair for the dramatic by charging around on his flaming steed. It’s a tough boss battle, but Lucilla’s there to help and provide you with knowledge of how Vandorallen fights. Stick with her, and you’ll be one step closer to confronting Cato.” Slama was referring to the penultimate boss fight in the Exiled Redoubt dungeon.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Fallen Banners DLC is now available for players on Mac and PC, but console players will have to wait until March 26 for the new content (like every release before it). The Elder Scrolls Online is planning an April ESO Direct showcase, which will land on April 10. Fans looking for even more ESO info can find it on the official website.
