The Elder Scrolls Online: Update 44 early notes – Biggest changes

The Elder Scrolls Online Update 44 is bringing many incredible changes to the long-running MMORPG, with some of the biggest centered around battlegrounds, companions, and scribing. Here’s all the major changes coming in ESO‘s 44th update.

Battlegrounds shifts to two-sided matches

Expect to see the battlegrounds shift from its three-sided format to two sides in ESO Update 44, with two main types of matches now available: Four vs. four, where two teams of four compete, and eight vs. eight, where two teams of eight battle. There are seven new maps to battle on, which is pretty exciting for those who enjoy PvP content.

This means once ESO Update 44 drops you’ll actually no longer be able to queue up for four vs. four vs. four matches. ZeniMax may eventually bring back the long-standing three-sided format back in special players-vs-player events though, the devs teased.

Tanlorin and Zerith-var join the Companion squad

Tanlorin, a High Elf who uses Soul Magic with Dragonknight abilities, and Zerith-var, a Khajiit who embraces Necromancy, will be available in Update 44. You can get these Companions free if you have an active ESO Plus membership. If not, you can buy them from the Crown Store.

Like all Companions, you’ll need to complete their introductory quest to be able to summon then. Given their passive perks, you’ll definitely want to do this. Their perks are:

• Tanlorin: Increases the time you’re allowed to take to pick a lock, increases force lock chance, and reduces chance of breaking a lockpick.
• Zerith-var: Valuable bags of loot found across Tamriel will be highlighted.

For whatever reason, if you’re not sold on these Companions, you can still permanently unlock their passives by completing each of their unique Achievements.

Brand new support grimoire and nine grimoires get buffed

Supports get a big win in Update 44 with a new grimoire, Banner Bearer. This grimoire lets you throw down a banner that provides an AoE buff to your group’s abilities that matches your Focus.

In addition, nine grimoires are getting buffs that means they’ll grant access to 14 more Focus Scripts, focusing on more damage and utility. We’ll have more options to choose from when it comes to increasing damage, healing, shielding, buffing, and crowd-control.

These are the three most significant changes coming to ESO, but there’s plenty more included in the patch preview details for Update 44, which also contains further additions and bugfixes. It can be found on the ESO website. The full patch notes should then be out before Patch 44 drops on Oct. 28 for PC and Mac, and Nov. 13 for Xbox and PlayStation.