The Elder Scrolls Online Update 48: Everything We Learned from the Preview Stream - ESO

ESO Update 48 is on the way, bringing new content and some minor combat changes in Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 2. From a game-changing server-wide event to a mysterious new zone and a whole lot of combat changes, here’s a breakdown of all the key takeaways.

Update 48 will be on the Public Test Server (PTS) on Monday September 15. The Update will most likely release 5 weeks from the PTS start date.

Related DLC: Fallen Banners, Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 and Feast of Shadows

Key Highlights of ESO Update 48

A New Vision from New Leadership

The ESO team is undergoing a "transition period" with significant leadership changes, including Jo Burba as Studio Head, Susan Kath as Executive Producer and Nick Giacomini as the new Game Director.

Additionally, Brian Wheeler has taken on the role of Combat & PvP Director, with Jason Barnes and Mike Finnigan as Associate Design Directors. Their collective vision is to experiment with new content, listen closely to player feedback, and reconnect with the game's rich lore. 

PvP Vengeance Tests

The team is making some serious moves to improve PvP with the Vengeance tests leading the charge. The goal here is to reduce lag, improve performance, and bring Cyrodiil back to a state of "massive PvP warfare." This is a long-term project based directly on player feedback.

Notable Combat Bug Fixes & Adjustments in ESO Update 48

Beyond the major content, players can look forward to various quality-of-life improvements. These changes are designed to address top player pain points and make the combat feel smoother.

Additionally, leaderboards outside of Cyrodiil will be changed to be account-based, which should give more players a chance to get on the boards!

Eastern Solstice: A New Zone

Once your server shatters the Writhing Wall, the new Eastern Solstice zone becomes accessible. This area is a direct continuation of the Western Solstice story, with a darker, more grave atmosphere heavily influenced by Coldharbour and the Worm Cult.

Quests in Eastern Solstice will offer more player interaction and choices, potentially changing outcomes, with many callbacks to previous content and characters, especially from Coldharbour.

Want to play the previous stories in order? Check out our updated ESO Chronological Timeline Guide.

Eastern Solstice includes:

The update will also add New Crown Store Homes: Druid Spring Conservatory and Cradle of the Worm Colossus sometime after ESO Update 48 release.

Our interactive map will be updated to include Eastern Solstice: The Elder Scrolls Online Interactive Map

The Writhing Wall: A Community-Driven Event

Writhing Wall Event Phase 3 on The Public Test Server (PTS) will feature the Writhing Fortress. In the stream we learned that the Writhing Fortress is described as a "pseudo kind of instance" or "public dungeon" where players will need to work together to figure out how to break through without extensive handholding, encountering big monsters along the way.

For a more detailed guide on how to participate, the different phases, and the rewards, check out our Writhing Wall guide!

In-Game Event Schedule for the rest of the year

You can also expect a packed schedule of in-game events to round out the year. For the full schedule, check our ESO events calendar.

The upcoming events include:

If you have any feedback or questions you can always reach us in our ESO Community Discord!