When Update 46 for Elder Scrolls Online dropped alongside Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1, it became clear ESO is aiming to reclaim its narrative identity. Subclassing – a rookie-changing feature – lets you mix and match three distinct class skill lines per character, transcending traditional class boundaries and giving more options for personalization. It delivers true customization and rejuvenates stale build options. However, the system can overwhelm newcomers, thanks to its dense interface and steep learning curve.
Onboarding veterans back into Tamriel, the Hero’s Return tool guides you through an introductory quest, doles out cosmetic rewards, and eases players into returning gameplay. It’s a thoughtful mechanism to bridge time away, though it acknowledges many may need a refresher (ESO is over ten years old at this point!).
But the real star is Solstice – a vibrant Caribbean-esque island split by the looming Writhing Wall. Its sunlit beaches and swaying palms feel like a fresh breath of life for ESO. Though visually lush, only its Western half is available now, leaving exploration and payoff tantalizingly incomplete until Part 2 arrives later this year.
Narratively, this expansion marks ESO’s first true sequel, extending the main saga beyond Molag Bal’s fall. Familiar allies like Vanus Galerion, Gabrielle Benele, and Razum-dar return, and the stakes feel personal and immediate. It’s a long-awaited push forward, not just a rehash – even if some lore connections feel thin and might remain so until the second chapter lands.
Content-wise, Part 1 doesn’t skimp. Four new Delves, a Public Dungeon, three World Bosses, and the Ossein Cage trial offer substantial group and solo challenges. Still, with only five main quests and roughly two hours of story content, players jumping in early in the season may feel underwhelmed by the pace and price of what they get now.
Technically, the expansion performs solidly. There are no major bugs noted, and quest mechanics feel tight. Yet some quality-of-life issues linger, such as NPC memory oddities and slight texture hiccups. These won’t break immersion but do remind us part 2 still has room to refine story integration.
Update 46 and Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 are bold steps toward revitalizing ESO. Subclassing adds genuine depth; Hero’s Return makes the re-entry smooth; Solstice is visually rich; and the narrative progresses meaningfully. But with part 1 offering just half the island and a snapshot of the larger storyline, many will want to wait for the full package before investing. It’s a compelling prologue, but the full tale demands patience and we’re hoping it lives up the price tag.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 