ESO: Everything you need to know about Blackwood
Let’s talk about the newest chapter of Elder Scrolls Online. Blackwood. What is it? Is it worth playing?
The “Flames of Ambition” DLC is where it all began for “Gates of Oblivion” delivering two new dungeons, the Cauldron and the Black Drake Villa. Players who accessed these dungeons were able to acquire the Fire-Forged Maul, a two-handed weapon style. This DLC fired up players ambitions and ultimately set the stage for Blackwood which released on June the 1st for PC and Stadia and will release on June 8th 2021 for PS4 and Xbox. Let me start off by saying that before Blackwood was released, I didn’t play ESO as much as I wanted to. 2 weeks before the release of the Blackwood chapter, I started grinding it again. Man, oh man, I missed this game. After exploring Blackwood, travelling with my companion and seeing some of what this chapter has to offer, I won’t stop playing this game again – not at least for a very long time.
What is Blackwood?
Blackwood is the latest chapter to release in the Elder Scrolls franchise, following the release of the Flames of Ambition DLC earlier in March this year. The Blackwood chapter takes players through the Blackwood region over 800 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. Players will need to explore the region of Blackwood and its secrets to uncover the truth behind a Daedric cult. Thankfully this chapter allows players to choose their own path and play however they want, so its welcoming to new players and not only for veterans. Players starting ESO for the first time, wanting to try out Blackwood, will still be able to dive into older content.
What does Blackwood add to ESO?
A massive new zone to explore: Blackwood
A mysterious new main storyline to unravel of Daedric ambitions and schemes
A new system: Companions
A new 12-player Trial: Rockgrove
A new type of world event: Oblivion Portals
A host of new and unique side quests, stories, characters, and challenges
A selection of new item sets, collectibles, and Achievements
New servers
（The above list was pulled from TESO website.）
The companion system. Because 2 is better than 1.
The Companions System will allow players to recruit an NPC ally to take on the dangers of Tamriel, allowing for a ton of new ways to engage combat.
At launch, two companions are available: Not sure if more will be released, or when.
Mirri Elendis
Bastian Hallix
Each companion has their own skills and is unique. I’ve been playing Blackwood for about two days now… I’ve chosen to use Bastian as my companion. From what I’ve seen during my playtime, the companions can pretty much do it all: tank, heal and do damage. They’re not as powerful as actual players, but Bastian has certainly helped me out of some pretty tight spots. I think the companion system is a very nice addition to the game. Something that should’ve been added a lot sooner – Skyrim did it, it’s only right ESO did. And they did, and better. In ESO you can tailor your companion however you like. From the way they look, to the weapons and armor they use. As you gain XP, so do your companions. And as they level up, their base stats will improve and more abilities will become available. Whether or not you actually like the addition of the companion system – you’ll never have to adventure alone again!
How can you prepare for it?
Well, PC and Stadia players are already in the thick of it as it released on June 1st. However, it doesn’t release on PS4 and Xbox until June 8th 2021.
Console players can prepare for Blackwood by partaking in activities already part of the Elder Scrolls Online base game. Players can also unlock and complete the Prologue. This contains two quests that will introduce players to Blackwood. The end of the Prologue will lead directly into the Blackwood chapter.
Players can unlock the Blackwood Prologue for free. All you need to do: Open the Crown Store – Quest Starters Tab – A Mortal’s Touch.
Is it worth playing?
Ultimately this decision is always up to you. You might be finishing up other games, trying to up your K.D in ranked PVP games or holding FIFA tournaments in your home. However, despite all of this, I highly recommend you trying it out. Not only does Blackwood add a ton of new content (estimated around 30 hours), it also rolled out with Update 30#. The update brought along with it: overall quality of life improvements, bug fixes, a new tutorial system and ESO Console Enhanced (A new version of ESO which utilizes the power of new-generation consoles and allows players to switch between Fidelity Mode and Performance Mode which allows for 60fps gameplay. This will release alongside Blackwood on consoles, June 8th 2021.) I’m currently playing it on PC, but I honestly can’t wait for the console update to see what it looks like. I don’t have much playtime clocked in ESO: Blackwood, but I am thoroughly enjoying it so far and will definitely continue playing. The new content has got me hooked, to say the least. I can’t wait to see how it all unveils and how the new story will ultimately unfold. If you play on PC or Stadia, you should definitely try it out today. Sadly, if you are on console and are itching to play it, you will have to wait, along with tons of others.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood is available in four editions, including:
The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Blackwood
The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Blackwood Collector’s Edition
The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood Upgrade
The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood Upgrade Collector’s Edition
As stated in the article, Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood is currently available on PC and Stadia and will release on PS4 and Xbox on June 8th 2021.
You can also buy ESO gold and items here at SSEGold to help you on your Blackwood adventure.
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