ESO: GOLD ROAD ZONE PREVIEW — WEST WEALD

Discover the intricacies of West Weald, along with its diverse threats and the valuable rewards awaiting exploration in this upcoming zone, set to debut with the Gold Road Chapter.

SHROUDED IN MYSTERY Arriving on June 3 for PC/Mac and June 18 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles, The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road introduces West Weald, an entirely new zone teeming with unique locales, quests, trials, and rewards for adventurers across Tamriel to uncover.

Within West Weald, the landscape of this prosperous Imperial region is anything but uniform, divided into three distinct regions: the Gold Road, the Colovian Highlands, and Dawnwood.

Journey to Skingrad in the Second Era

Both the Colovian Highlands and the Gold Road primarily host local Imperials, including the affluent city of Skingrad. From the rugged terrain and vineyards of the highlands to the moderate and well-traveled Gold Road, Count Calantius governs over the area, steering it away from the turmoil in Cyrodiil. However, recent events have introduced unforeseen dangers and enigmas to the region.

“The primary threat to West Weald is the pervasive sense of uncertainty,” explains Ed Stark, Zone Lead for Gold Road. “The sudden emergence of events and the ‘Mirrormoor Incursions’ cropping up across the region have left everyone baffled. The origin of these new Daedra and how to quell them remains a mystery.”

In addition to the new Daedric threat, a mysterious jungle has recently sprung up from the southwest border of the region. Dubbed Dawnwood, this area has swiftly become a refuge for newly arrived Wood Elves.

Delve into the burgeoning Dawnwood

“Dawnwood’s inhabitants are Wood Elves from Valenwood who migrated to West Weald,” reveals Stark. “Following their leader, now crowned king — Nantharion, they were taken aback by the Colovian ruins and the presence of confused Colovians in the area, yet they have largely integrated peacefully.”

Amidst the Daedric incursions and the settlement of Wood Elves, the final enigma of the region lies within the twisted landscapes of the Wildburn.

“The Wildburn represents the forefront of the magic that birthed the jungle growth in Dawnwood,” hints Stark. “The clash between this energy or magic and the natural flora and fauna has resulted in devastation, giving rise to corrupted creatures known as wildburn creatures.”

Embark on an expedition into the Wildburn

As you traverse this new zone, you’ll be tasked with unraveling these mysteries and uncovering the root cause of the chaos that has engulfed West Weald.

THREATS IN WEST WEALD While adventuring in West Weald, you’ll encounter a myriad of perils in this once-peaceful land. Within the new zone, you can explore six new Delves, including ancient Ayleid ruins and the vestiges of Varen Aquilarios’ conflict, along with two new Public Dungeons, six World Bosses, and a fresh Trial.

Test your mettle against unfamiliar adversaries

Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in a diverse array of quests throughout the region as you interact with its denizens, each contributing to the narrative of this distinctive corner of Tamriel.

“Numerous quests in West Weald delve into the intricacies of Colovian and Wood Elf societies and cultures,” elaborates Stark. “Challenges to the Colovian aspiration for a cosmopolitan society and the fundamental beliefs of the Wood Elves are explored.”

Additionally, strange Daedra of unknown origins roam the land, infiltrating through a new type of world event known as Mirrormoor Incursions.

“Without revealing too much, Mirrormoor Incursions occur when a forgotten Daedric Prince from a lost Oblivion realm resurfaces abruptly,” remarks Stark. “Ithelia’s reawakened scions and servants have rallied what remains of her forces and are scouring for her presence — believing West Weald to be a promising starting point.”

It falls upon you and your comrades to confront these new challenges and restore stability to West Weald.

TREASURES OF THE GOLD ROAD Those who brave great trials deserve commensurate rewards, and the riches of the Gold Road certainly deliver with a plethora of item sets, collectibles, and achievements to acquire and unlock.

To begin with, West Weald boasts ten new item sets for discovery and crafting. Among them is Threads of War, which grants your Light and Heavy Attacks the ability to inflict a guaranteed Status Effect corresponding to your weapon’s damage type. Ordinarily, Light and Heavy attacks do not directly cause Status Effects at all — a significant departure!

Furthermore, antiquarians can uncover three distinct Mythic items within the zone, such as Rourken Steamguards, which reward precise timing in blocking.

Opportunities for exploration abound

Completing various Gold Road achievements can earn you style pages for King Nantharion’s Royal Armor and other styles, as well as mementos, an emote, a pet, and more, providing an abundance of collectibles to acquire on your travels. Engaging in Tales of Tribute also allows you to collect fragments of an all-new patron and deck — Saint Alessia.

Most notably, Gold Road introduces a mount attainable by completing multiple West Weald achievements — the Wildburn Lynx. This magnificent mount requires a significant time investment to acquire, including completing the Chapter story, vanquishing all World and Delve Bosses, and accomplishing other feats of skill and exploration.

Reap the rewards of the Gold Road

Finally, this Chapter introduces an entirely new type of Collectible called Skill Styles.

“Skill Styles represent an exciting new cosmetic feature that alters the visual appearance of existing Skills,” elucidates Project Lead Kira Schlitt. “These initial 22 Skill Styles modify the original Skill colors to vibrant new variations, such as a violet-purple rendition of Wall of Elements or transforming Meteor from blue to fiery orange!”

Skill Styles can be obtained in-game through various means, including the Scribing questline, daily quests, Public Dungeons, and other locations within the zone.