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ESO High Isle expansion adds a touch of Tolkien to Tamriel

The Elder Scrolls Online High Isle expansion is live now, bringing with it new lands, friends, and a citadel invasion that wouldn't look out of place in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Or perhaps we're just a bit starry-eyed for the land of the hobbits at the moment, seeing as Billy Boyd, who portrayed Pippin Took in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film adaptations, voices one of High Isle's major new characters.


The High Isle expansion is a first for the MMO game, adding a brand-new location designed specifically for Bethesda's online game. It takes place throughout the Systres Archipelago, an island chain replete with contrasts and intrigue. The Breton's towering fortresses and sprawling towns on High Isle exist alongside volcanoes, majestic cliffs, and even jungles, but the dangers of the natural world are the least of your worries.


The latest expansion picks up the tale of the Bretons begun in March and follows a brand-new storyline of intrigue and conspiracy. This time, your foe is the mysterious Ascendant Lord, an enigmatic figure bent on plunging the world into never-ending war. As usual with ESO's expansions, the full story unfolds over the course of the next year, with several new trials and world events to keep you busy in the meantime.


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The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle & Update 34 Now Live on PC/Mac

Defend the Legacy of the Bretons with The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle and the Update 34 base-game patch, available now on PC/Mac.

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is now live on PC/Mac, Steam, and Stadia*. This new Chapter allows you to explore a never-before-seen part of Tamriel, the island home of the Breton elite, and uncover an ascending threat from within a noble chivalric society. If you’re a console player, don’t worry, ESO: High Isle will be available June 21 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 consoles.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
This release also includes the free Update 34 base-game patch, providing all ESO players with a host of fixes, additions, and improvements to the game.

[h2]High Isle Chapter[/h2]
In this new Elder Scrolls Online Chapter, you can continue (or begin) your Legacy of the Bretons adventure by journeying to the faraway Systres Archipelago. As part of the year-long saga, High Isle progresses the story that began with the Ascending Tide DLC in February and will continue throughout the rest of 2022. This Chapter also provides a new zone to explore, new ways to play, and a bounty of unique rewards and Achievements to earn.  

High Isle Zone

A home away from home for the Breton elite, the Systres Archipelago has long enjoyed a kind of neutrality from the ongoing Three Banners War. While High Isle itself is an idyllic paradise frequented by the Breton court and its noble houses, the Chapter also features a second location to explore called Amenos, an inhospitable penal island for political prisoners, criminals, and malcontents.


Explore the regions of High Isle and Amenos

As you journey throughout the Systres, you have an opportunity to venture into each island and discover the true nature of this ancient-but-mysterious land, including both its indisputable wonders and hidden dangers.

An Ascending Threat

In the High Isle Chapter, you dive headfirst into a tale of political intrigue and strife, as the nobles of the Systres find themselves threatened by the mysterious Ascendant Order. This covert organization has infiltrated nearly every level of Breton society and has, behind the scenes, begun to push High Isle towards the brink of disaster.

The Ascendant Order works from the shadows

What you uncover in your investigations within this troubled land will have consequences for both the Bretons of High Isle and the mainland, and while High Isle provides a standalone story experience, the events of this new Chapter will continue and set up the story for the Legacy of the Bretons saga to come.

Tales of Tribute

A new way to play, Tales of Tribute is a unique game system you can enjoy with your fellow players and NPCs in almost any tavern in Tamriel. A deck-building card game that challenges you to gain Prestige points while also garnering the favor of the patrons, Tales of Tribute is a fast-paced, strategic experience that anybody who owns High Isle can pick up and play.


Discover a new game within the game

With its own leaderboards, questline, and rewards (including unique collectibles and Achievements), whether you’re a competitive or casual player, there’s plenty of reasons to play a hand of Tribute.

New Companions

As you venture into the High Isle Chapter, you also have an opportunity to recruit two new Companions to your cause: Ember the Khajiit and Isobel Veloise the Breton Knight. Once enlisted, these very-different allies accompany you on your journeys throughout the Systres and beyond, and they even have their own unique questlines and stories that you can unlock as you adventure with them.

New Challenges & Rewards

As you might expect, High Isle is home to no shortage of dangers, but you can also find ample rewards for your troubles in this new land, too. New world events, called Volcanic Vents, have begun to erupt across both High Isle and Amenos, requiring a team to shut them down before they permanently scar the idyllic isles. The Dreadsail Reef 12-player Trial is a new challenge for large groups that pits your team against the fearsome Dreadsail pirates. Finally, this new zone also features a host of new delves, public dungeons, and world bosses to challenge your skills and teamwork.


Unlock new collectibles, item sets, styles, and more

All these experiences feature their own rewards, including unique item sets, collectibles, and Achievements not found anywhere else in Tamriel.

To review everything coming with this new Chapter and update, check out the patch notes on our official forums and previews on our official website.
[h2]Purchase Details & Requirements[/h2]
The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is available in four editions, including:
  • The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: High Isle
  • The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: High Isle Collector’s Edition
  • The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle Upgrade
  • The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle Upgrade Collector’s Edition

If you are a brand-new player, the ESO Collection: High Isle includes the base game, High Isle Chapter, and all previous Chapters. If you already own ESO and its previous Chapters, the ESO: High Isle Upgrade grants you access to the new Chapter. Note that to run High Isle on PC/Mac, your machine needs to meet the game's requirements here: PCMac.

In addition to the Chapter itself, the Collector’s Editions also include a selection of unique in-game items, including a pet, mount, outfit style, and more.


High Isle Collector’s Edition Items

For everything on High Isle’s editions, Collector’s Edition items, and more, check out this article.
[h2]Getting Started in High Isle[/h2]
Once you have access to the High Isle Chapter, you can travel to the new zone and begin your adventure in the following ways:

By Wayshrine

If you’d like to explore High Isle with an existing character, you can teleport to the new zone directly via the Westbay Wayshrine. To do so, simply open your map, select the High Isle zone, and then select the Westbay Wayshine icon (it should be the only one active in the zone).

Via the High Isle Main Quest

You can acquire the High Isle main quest by navigating to your Collections UI, selecting Stories, and then Chapters. From there, you can select High Isle and pick up the first quest, titled “Of Knights and Knaves,” to begin. The quest will point you toward where you need to go to make your way to the zone.

Via the Tutorial

You can also travel to High Isle by creating a new character and completing the new tutorial. At the end of the tutorial experience, you can select High Isle as your destination zone and get started.

Of course, because there’s no level requirements for any PvE zone in ESO, you can explore High Isle with an existing or brand-new character—have fun!
[h2]Update 34[/h2]
Also launching in tandem with the High Isle Chapter is the Update 34 base-game patch. This update includes a host of new features, quality-of-life improvements, and fixes, completely free for all current ESO players with no Chapter purchase required.

Spanish Language Support

With Update 34, our growing Spanish-language community from all over the world can now experience a completely translated Tamriel. This update provides Spanish-language translations for all in-game texts and subtitles, including menus, and dialog.

Enjoy Spanish-language support in game

Note that English voice-overs remain with Spanish subtitles. You can enable Spanish-language text in game by selecting your language from the PC/Mac launcher (within the Settings menu) if playing on PC/Mac, or by ensuring your console’s system settings are set to Spanish if playing on console.

Quality-of-Life Improvements

This update also introduces two player-requested improvements to the base game. With U34, the Armory System now supports the addition of specific Mundus Stone selections, allowing you to set and select different boons for individual builds. Note that when you first log into the game, your current Mundus Stone selection on your character is automatically applied to all your Armory builds, so you may need to make some edits when you first get in.

In addition to the Armory System update, we’ve also made some improvements to the Quick Select Wheel on PC/Mac, allowing you to place items within primary or secondary wheels, so you can focus your combat-oriented items up front while still giving you quick access to other types of items such as mementos, emotes, or tools.


U34 improves the Quick Select Wheel

These are, of course, just some of the improvements coming with Update 34, so be sure to check out everything arriving as part of this base-game patch by checking out the patch notes on our official forums.
[h2]Defend the Legacy of the Bretons[/h2]
In The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle, a darkness looms over the Systres Archipelago, and an ascending threat rises from the Breton elites’ island paradise. Explore a faraway land never-before-seen in the Elder Scrolls series, uncover a deadly conspiracy at the heart of Breton society, play a hand of a new deck-building card game, and defend the Legacy of the Bretons before the chaos of war engulfs both High Isle and all of Tamriel. Are you excited to begin your journey to High Isle? Let us know via TwitterInstagram, and Facebook!

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is now live for PC/Mac and Stadia* and arrives for Xbox and PlayStation consoles on June 21. 

*Available only in limited territories.

5 Ways to Prepare for The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle


The Elder Scrolls Online’s next big Chapter is almost here! Check out these tips on how you can prepare for your adventures in the Systres Archipelago.

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle arrives on June 6 for PC/Mac and June 21 for consoles. Featuring a new zone, storyline, and Tales of Tribute card game, there’s a host of new activities and adventures right around the corner for all ESO players. To ensure you’re ready to venture into High Isle and beyond when the new Chapter launches in June, check out these five easy-to-follow tips!

[h2]Create Your Own Shining Knight[/h2]
High Isle is all about Bretons, and so what better way to explore this new zone’s chivalric feudal society than with your very own knight in shining armor? Every character you make is uniquely your own, but here are some suggestions for how to make your character the embodiment of knightly ideals:
  • Join the Fighters Guild (found in Vulkhel Guard, Daggerfall, and Davon’s Watch)
    • With powerful abilities like the Dawnbreaker ultimate and defensive powers like Circle of Protection, the Fighters Guild Skill Line is great for would-be beast hunters
  • Acquire the One Hand and Shield weapon Skill Line
    • Abilities like Puncture (thanks to its taunt) and Defensive Posture are ideal for defending the innocent
  • Using the Outfit System, tailor your look to meet the needs of both the noble courts and battlefields with these styles:
    • Breton Style (a classic that’s easy to acquire in your adventures or from guild traders)
    • Daggerfall Covenant Style (looted in the Imperial City and Cyrodiil or from guild traders)
    • Knight of the Circle Style (earned by acquiring Arena Gladiator’s Proofs from Conquest daily quests in Cyrodiil)
    • Ebony Style (acquired with Writ Vouchers from Rolis Hlaalu in Tamriel’s capital cities)


Be sure to look the part when exploring High Isle

[h2]Find Adventure in the Glenumbra Zone[/h2]
It’s no secret that the main and zone stories featured within the High Isle Chapter and the Legacy of the Bretons year-long adventure are focused on the Breton people. To get an introduction to the kind of characters you’ll encounter during your adventures in High Isle, we recommend you make your way to the Glenumbra zone, part of ESO’s base game content.


You’ll find no shortage of adventure in Glenumbra

There, you’ll find plenty of courtly intrigue, the Wyrd, and of course, dashing knights!
[h2]Venture into the Ascending Tide DLC Dungeons[/h2]
If you’re looking to kick off your Legacy of the Bretons adventure with a challenge, you should venture into Coral Aerie and Shipwright’s Regret, the Ascending Tide’s two DLC dungeons. The quests in these PvE activities set up the Legacy of the Bretons adventure to come while introducing some of the characters (and villains) you’ll encounter in the High Isle Chapter.


Explore the Coral Aerie

You can find Ascending Tide within the DLC section of the in-game Crown Store or get access via an active ESO Plus membership.
[h2]Complete the High Isle Prologue[/h2]
The Ascending Tide DLC isn’t the only piece of content preceding the launch of High Isle. Every ESO player now also has access the High Isle Prologue questline, leading directly into the upcoming Chapter’s main storyline.


Get special rewards by completing the High Isle Prologue

In the High Isle Prologue, you’ll team up with the dashing rogue Jakarn, and his employer, Lady Arabelle Davaux, to investigate the schemes of the rising Ascendant Order. If you previously didn’t have access to the Vvardenfell zone where the questline takes place, don’t worry, it’s now free for all ESO players!

To begin your adventure, find the quest starter within the in-game Crown Store, located under the Quest Starters category, and pick up the quest titled “Ascending Doubt.”
[h2]Study Tales of Tribute[/h2]
In the High Isle Chapter, you’ll finally get your hands on ESO’s new deckbuilding card game, Tales of Tribute. If you’re looking to gain an edge over your opponents after this new game mode launches, a bevy of content breaks down exactly how Tales of Tamriel works, including this complete tutorial video!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

In addition to the tutorial video, check out our guide and preview content, and be sure to keep an eye out for a slew of excellent community-made guides and resources, too!  

And there you go! We hope with these ideas, you’ll be ready to experience everything High Isle has to offer. How are you preparing for the upcoming Chapter? Let us know via TwitterInstagram, or Facebook!

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle Chapter arrives for PC/Mac and Stadia* on June 6, and for Xbox and PlayStation consoles June 21. Pre-purchase High Isle now to receive unique bonus rewards at launch and get immediate access to the Palefrost Elk mount.

*Available only in limited Territories

Survey the Systres during the Stream Team Team Stream

Watch Stream Team members and ESO’s Community Team livestream their adventures in the Systres Archipelago as they dive into the new High Isle Chapter during PC/Mac launch week!

[h2]Stream Team Streams[/h2]
Kicking off Monday, June 6, with the High Isle Chapter launch on PC/Mac, you can watch a host of ESO Stream Team members as they continue their Legacy of the Bretons adventures in the Systres Archipelago. During the launch week, the team will explore everything the islands of High Isle and Amenos have to offer, including the new questline and story, PvE challenges, and of course, the Tales of Tribute card game.

Check out the livestreams and you can win some amazing prizes, including Crown Packs, copies of the High Isle Chapter, and more via giveaways. There will also be Twitch Drops active thanks to the recently announced Set Sail for High Isle promotion, so don’t forget to link your accounts!

Review the streaming schedule below for a full breakdown of everything going on during this launch week—note that times are US Eastern (EDT).

[h2]Official Launch Streams[/h2]
In addition to the above Stream Team streams, be sure to check out these official global ESO streams from members of the ESO Community Team.

High Isle Exploration with Pisty (Arabic)

Jump on board with Pisty as he dives into High Isle for the first time! Get to explore the latest card game, companions and more.

When: Tuesday, June 7 at 10AM EDT

Where: https://www.twitch.tv/pisty

High Isle Tabletop RPG (Dutch)

Experience an exclusive tabletop RPG campaign together with Community Manager Julian Eriks, an experienced dungeon master, and a variety of Dutch influencers!

When: Tuesday, June 7 at 12PM EDT

Where: https://www.twitch.tv/bethesda_NL/

The Elder Scrolls Online : High Isle – Discover the New Chapter with Desastre et Artesio ! (French)

Discover The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle with Bethesda France's Community team, Desastre, and Artesio! Magnificent islands, cards, companions and knights await!

When: Tuesday, June 7 at 12PM EDT

Where: https://www.twitch.tv/bethesda_fr

All aboard & Set Sail for High Isle (German)

Together with Community Manager Kai Schober we sail to High Isle and take a first look at the zone, the companions, the card game and much more.

When: Tuesday, June 7 at 1PM EDT

Where: https://www.twitch.tv/bethesda_de


Toqtir and ClumsyKitty are Sailing to High Isle (Turkish)

Long time ESO players Toqtir and ClumsyKitty are sailing to the Systres and discovering what the High Isle chapter offers. Join them and enjoy the views!

When: Wednesday, June 8 at 2PM EDT

Where: https://www.youtube.com/c/Toqtir

Set Sail for High Isle! (Polish)

Join us as we ship out to High Isle together with Community Manager Łukasz Leśniewski and guests from Polish community to explore the new area and celebrate the new Chapter.

When: Thursday, June 9 at 2PM EDT

Where: https://www.twitch.tv/bethesda_pl

The Elder Scrolls Online in High Isle with Eurogamer (Spanish)

Together with community guests, influencers, artists, and players, we set sail for High Isle and the world of TESO in Spanish.

When: Wednesday, June 15 at 12PM EDT

Where: https://www.twitch.tv/eurogamer_es

The Elder Scrolls Online in High Isle with Eurogamer Part 2 (Spanish)

Together with community guests, influencers, artists and players, we set sail for High Isle and the world of TESO in Spanish.

When: Thursday, June 16 at 10:30AM EDT

Where: https://www.twitch.tv/eurogamer_es


The High Isle Stream Team Team Stream will kick off this coming Monday, June 6 at 10AM EDT, and will run until Sunday, June 12 at 11:59PM EDT—we’ll see you on Twitch!

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle Chapter arrives for PC/Mac and Stadia* on June 6, and for Xbox and PlayStation consoles June 21. Pre-purchase High Isle now to receive unique bonus rewards at launch and get immediate access to the Palefrost Elk mount.

*Available only in limited Territories

Learn How to Play Tales of Tribute with This New Tutorial Video

Discover all the ins and outs of the High Isle Chapter’s upcoming deck-building game, Tales of Tribute, with this overview from ESO Creative Director Rich Lambert.

Arriving as part of the upcoming High Isle Chapter (June 6 on PC/Mac and June 21 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles), the Tales of Tribute card game is an all-new activity Tamriel’s heroes can enjoy when between adventures. But how do you play Tribute, and most importantly, how do you win? Check out this in-depth tutorial from ESO’s Creative Director Rich Lambert and discover what makes this deck-building card game so unique.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Tales of Tribute is unlike anything players have ever experienced in Tamriel before, and we can’t wait for you to get your hands on this all-new game within our game. What kind of Tribute player will you become when High Isle arrives this June? Let us know via TwitterInstagram, and Facebook.

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle Chapter arrives for PC/Mac and Stadia* on June 6, and for Xbox and PlayStation consoles June 21. Pre-purchase High Isle now to receive unique bonus rewards at launch and get immediate access to the Palefrost Elk mount.

*Available only in limited Territories