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The Elder Scrolls Online is introducing instanced shipboard adventures and treasure diving during its High Seas of Tamriel event, scheduled to run from September 28 until October 14. ESO Loremaster Michael Zenke explained that the experimental event serves as the game's final free content drop of Season One, pushing nautical themes to the forefront.
The experience begins with a short narrative where players befriend a centuries-old ghost pirate before entering an instance. Developers clarified that players do not steer the ship or fire cannons directly; instead, heroes start on the deck of a moving vessel, repel attacking sea elves from the Lice Whisperer pirate cult, and juggle fighting enemies with keeping their own ship afloat.
After driving off or sinking the enemy ship, players use a Dwemer diving chamber to travel to the ocean floor. This exploration space features underwater boss fights against creatures like big turtles and concludes with retrieving treasure from a salt-encrusted skeleton to bring back to the mainland as a daily quest reward.
Game Director Nick Giacomini noted that the activity provides a dedicated destination loop rather than just standard world participation rewards. The event also highlights lesser-known lore concepts, including undersea Dwemer constructs, the Maormer sea elves, and the historical All Flags Navy.
