The Elder Scrolls Online – QuakeCon 2019 Panel, Moongrave Fane Dungeon Overview

Back when Bethesda launched The Elder Scrolls Online I remember the game getting a fairly lukewarm reception from both the critics and The Elder Scrolls fans. However, thanks to a steady stream of patches, updates, and expansions the MMORPG seems to be thriving at the moment and can boast “one of the largest online game communities.” If you’re interested in how that happened, you should check out “The Evolution of ESO” QuakeCon 2019 panel:

Building Tamriel — The Evolution of ESO – Join ESO Game Director Matt Firor and Creative Director Rich Lambert — and members of the #ESOFam in the audience and online — for a discussion about the evolution of ESO through the years. From One Tamriel to Elsweyr, they’ll explore the pinnacle moments that made the game what it is today, and how the game grown and changed with the community to become one of the largest online game communities around. Panelists include Matt Firor (Game Director, ZeniMax Online Studios), Rich Lambert (Creative Director, ZeniMax Online Studios). Hosted by Jessica Folsom and Gina Bruno.

And speaking of a steady stream of content, the game’s upcoming Scalebreaker content update will introduce a couple of new dungeons, and this official article offers an overview of Moongrave Fane – a dungeon packed with dragon-obsessed vampires. An excerpt:

A DRAGON FELLED

Deep within the ruins of an abandoned Khajiiti temple, the Hollowfang Clan has struck down a Dragon from the sky and now holds it captive. However, instead of destroying the massive beast, the clan, joined by a former member of the Dragonguard, has other, more nefarious plans for the monster.

“This Dragonguard vampire Grundwulf is convinced that he can drink the blood of the Dragon Sahrotnax and absorb his power,” explains Mike Finnigan, ESO’s Dungeon Lead. “Realizing the folly of this endeavor and the implications should Grundwulf succeed, his fellow Dragonguard Chevalier Renald has ventured to the Fane to stop his friend.”

Hoping to save his brother in arms before he dooms himself, Chevalier Renald has recruited you and your team to enter Moongrave Fane, confront the vampires, and put a stop to the terrible ritual before it’s too late.

FACE THE HOLLOWFANG CLAN

Of course, getting to Grundwulf and the captured Dragon won’t be easy. As you delve into this new dungeon, you’ll quickly discover that the ancient temple is guarded by deadly Hollowfang vampires and vicious beasts—daunting challenges for any would-be invaders.

In addition to its defenders, Moongrave Fane also features some engaging new puzzle elements: sliding stones.

“Moongrave’s sliding stones are a unique puzzle mechanic we developed for the Dungeon, but they are more than just a door-opening mechanism,” explains Finnigan.

You can move these massive, ornate blocks around the dungeon by striking them, and you’ll need to move them around the map if you are to progress. However, as you dive deeper into Moongrave Fane, you will find additional uses for these ancient relics.

“Because they have weight and collision, they can be used in boss fights as well. They are one more layer of interactivity we provide for players to make an impact in the dungeon and fight spaces.”

Of course, Khajiiti puzzles and Vampire minions aren’t the only things standing in your way, and Moongrave Fane brings five challenging new boss fights to test your team’s mettle. These bosses include stone guardians, giant monsters, and fearsome vampires. The final fight against Grundwulf himself, beside the fallen Dragon, allowed the team to create some unique mechanics and drama.

“The Dragon Sahrotnax despises Grundwulf, and so in this fight, players are able to manipulate that relationship to their advantage,” says Finnigan. “I want to remain a bit vague to avoid spoiling things, but this battle highlights how the team really tries to blend story and mechanics together.”