Originally published March 08, 2017. The original article can be found here.
A new type of conflict is coming to Tamriel in June. Soon, you and your companions will be able to take to the field in Battlegrounds, a new fast-paced PvP game mode exclusive to The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind. Battlegrounds are very different from traditional Alliance War combat, so we've outlined everything you'll need to know about PvP combat on the island of Vvardenfell below. Keep an eye out for more information this month on the individual Battlegrounds as we march towards ESO: Morrowind's release on June 6!
Join the fightEdit
Battlegrounds are designed to be short, bloody affairs between three teams of four players (4v4v4). Unlike PvP in Cyrodiil, teams in Battlegrounds are not bound by Alliance, but are made up of players from any of the three factions. In Battlegrounds, you're not fighting for Queen Ayrenn, High King Emeric, or Jorunn the Skald-King, but for the Pit Daemons (Green), Fire Drakes (Orange), or Storm Lords (Purple). The glory and spoils are yours for the taking!
Joining a Battleground is a similar process to queuing for a dungeon. Simply navigate to the Group & Activity Finder menu and select Battlegrounds. You can queue solo or as a member of a party, and you are able to specify a desired level range (10-49 or 10-50) with the game type randomly determined. Like the Alliance War, you are able to join a Battleground as long as your character is at least level 10, but you will also need to own a copy of ESO: Morrowind to play (either via upgrade or the full game). When entering a Battleground your character is battle levelled in the same way they are when entering Cyrodiil.
Because Battlegrounds are small-group PvP matches, a game won't last any longer than 15 minutes; a very different experience from the epic campaigns of Cyrodiil. If you're looking for some quick-and-dirty action, Battlegrounds are the perfect place for an exciting PvP experience.
Objective-based actionEdit
There are three unique Battleground game types at the launch of ESO: Morrowind, and each one offers a different kind of action.
- Team Deathmatch
- Team Deathmatch is perfect for those who don't want to worry too much about mundane things like "objectives" or "teamwork." Find and destroy enemy player characters with each kill granting your team points.
- Capture the Flag
- Capture the Flag mode is a more structured attack-and-defend styled game type that will be most enjoyed by those who thrive as part of a team. Capture your enemies' flags and return them to your base while carefully defending your own.
- Domination
- Domination will be favored by those who like capture-and-hold gameplay. Seek out, capture, and hold special locations on the map to earn your team points. A captured point will grant your team points for as long you have it.
In each game type, you'll win by either reaching the point limit or by having the highest total by the end of the match.
There are three unique arenas you'll fight in at launch:
- Ald Carac – A dilapidated ruin of an ancient Dwemer city
- Ularra – An old overgrown Daedric worshipping site
- Foyada Quarry – A quarry set in the shadow of Red Mountain
Each Battleground has its own unique sense and style, and we'll have more information regarding each one, including points of interest, in the weeks to come.
Claim the spoils of warEdit
When participating in a Battlegrounds match, you earn points as you capture, defend, and kill, depending on the game mode.
In addition to this, you can earn medals for unique deeds that are related to the game type, including:
- Dealing damage
- Healing
- Making killing blows
- Earning kill streaks
- Capturing or defending flags
- Taking damage
- Healing flag carriers or defenders
It doesn't matter if you're an objective-minded team player or a lone wolf, you will receive rewards and recognition based on how you want to play.
By the time the dust settles and a victor is declared, your points and medals contribute to end-game rewards, including Alliance Points, Experience Points, and items.
On top of this, there will also be a host of new Achievements that are based on and reward Battlegrounds play. For example, you can earn Achievements for defeating enemy players, winning games, or capturing flags.
Finally, competing in Battlegrounds places you on the weekly Battleground Leaderboards. These Leaderboards last seven days and are broken into unique game mode categories. The top players are ranked on the Leaderboards, but you will be able to check your current position in the total list if you don't make the cut. Depending on your final position on the Leaderboard when the week is up, you'll earn rewards.
How will you fight?Edit
Soon, the Battlegrounds of Vvardenfell will be filled with the sights and sounds of combat, and you'll be right in the middle of it. We have a lot more information coming, so keep an eye out for more details on the individual Battlegrounds this month. Are you planning to lead your team to glory? Or just want to enjoy the thrill of fast-paced PvP action? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @TESOnline. We look forward to seeing you take the field this June!