Elder Scrolls Online's First DLC Unleashes Players In Classic Location

Elder Scrolls Online will be getting its first premium DLC pack later this summer. Imperial City lets players return to the giant urban center they previously visited in Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

The Imperial City isn't a peaceful place. Daedric prince Molag Bal has invaded with his forces. Players will fight the Daedra alone and in groups through the city's six districts, its sewers and the White-Gold Tower in the middle. However, Molag Bal's minions aren't the only foes waiting for players. The three player factions will be battling for control of the Imperial City, just as they currently fight for the surrounding province:

Rewards that are unmatched in power await those who are brave enough to enter the Imperial City and claim them. Fight Molag Bal's personal guard, the elite Xivkyn, and other invaders from Coldharbour to win Tel Var Stones, the currency used to trade for mighty Veteran Rank 16 armor sets. But be on your guard—enemy Alliance members lurk around every corner throughout the Imperial Districts and Sewers. Should you fall to an enemy player, they can claim your hard-earned Tel Var Stones in their own quest for glory.

MMO expansions are typically geared toward high-level players. However, ZeniMax Online Studios says that all of the content is available to players above level 10. That's not to say there aren't advanced challenges, though. The new White-Gold Tower and Imperial City group dungeons have Veteran versions. High-level players can earn 23 different Veteran Rank 16 sets in the city and access vaults with jewelry of the same quality.

The Imperial City DLC will debut for PC and Mac on August 31st. The Xbox One and PS4 launches will follow on September 15th and 16th, respectively. If you're an ESO Plus subscriber, you'll have access to the DLC for no additional charge. Otherwise, you'll have to pay 2,500 crowns in Elder Scrolls Online's in-game store.

PC and Mac users will also have a chance to try out the DLC for free. ZeniMax will release all of Imperial City's content through the Public Test Server later in July.

If you don't decide to buy the DLC, you'll still get some benefits on launch. Imperial City will be released alongside a large, free patch that makes several changes to the base game. They shore up some aspects of the game while also boosting progression. Here's what the patch includes:

  • 15% decrease in the amount of XP it takes to gain a Veteran Rank
  • 100% more XP for all public dungeons
  • 50% more XP for all Veteran Rank quests
  • 20% more XP in Craglorn
  • Veteran Rank increased to 16
  • Racial Passive improvements
  • Mundus Stone buff improvements
  • Glass racial motif style
  • Improvements to existing item sets
  • The ability to hide mount visual upgrades
  • New crafting skill line passives
  • New Undaunted pledges
  • Tons of combat and gameplay balance changes
  • Improved end-of-campaign Alliance War rewards
  • …and more!
Pete Haas

Staff Writer at CinemaBlend.