Update 44 is live for The Elder Scrolls Online on console. Expect the big Battlegrounds PvP overhaul, expanded Scribing, two new companions, and the Golden Pursuits rewards system.
Battlegrounds have been overhauled in a number of ways. Instead of three sides, there are now just two, and you can play 4v4 or 8v8 matches. There are seven new maps designed for the sizes, with four for the larger bottles and three suited to the 4v4. Both size clashes will feature Domination, Crazy King, and Team Deathmatch, with additional modes and mechanical differences in 8v8. The 4v4 matches can have a lives mechanic in play, and can be spectated when lives are in play.
Along with structural and mechanical changes, there are leaderboards changes and revamped rewards, including overhauled rewards for Imperial City as well.
Speaking of rewards, Golden Pursuits is the name of a new task-based system to let you earn in-game rewards by completing objectives and earning things like items or in-game currency. Golden Pursuit campaigns will unveil a series of activities you can complete along with rewards to earn. The first campaign is coming soon now that the update is live for all.
Two new companions are available today to ESO Plus members or in the Crown Store. Tanlorin is a High Elf on an individual path who blends Soul Magic and Dragonknight abilities. Zerith-Var is a Khajiit necromancer who is out of his time. ESO Plus gets some new perks too.
There’s a new Grimoire for Gold Road owners, along with a big expansion of Scribing. The new Grimoire is Banner Bearer. Use it and you and your allies will get group bonuses that change depending on the scripts you select. Scribing will now also let you add 14 Scripts to the nine grimoires they couldn’t previously be added to.
Update 44 covers a wide variety of changes and fixes as well as big overhauls. Even the early game has had a few tweaks, with onboarding changes like the first chapter of the original main quest now serving as the tutorial.
There’s a lot more detail to know in the full patch notes.
