Originally published July 3, 2024. The original article can be found here.
Update 43 is on its way with a host of quality of life improvements and base-game refinements free to all ESO players, including substantial updates to the Infinite Archive. This update officially arrives August 19 for PC/Mac and September 4 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles, but you can try out these changes on the Public Test Server right now.
Refreshing the InfiniteEdit
"The goal with Infinite Archive is to give players a changing experience they can jump into and always find new challenges and ways to play," says Mike Finnigan, ESO's Encounters Lead. "It was built from the ground up to be able to be augmented, changed, and added to."
"Infinite Archive is all about variety of experience, and [with Update 43] we wanted to pump up the volume on that variety," explains Shane Slama, the Dungeon Team Product Owner. "We added new methods of dispatching maligraphies (the arena's various foes), new maligraphies from all over Tamriel to test your skills, and all-new environments that have their own challenges."
With these goals and features in mind, the team worked hard to create new experiences in the Infinite Archive with the free Update 43 base-game patch.
"The biggest change is the two new arena types you will see," says Finnigan. "While we maintain the Apocryphal feel of the original, adding new fire and ice elements really gives them a unique feeling."
"One of the requested features since the launch of Infinite Archive was to diversify the look of the different combat settings," says Shane Slama. "The fiery reds and icy blues stand out from the Apocrypha greens, while also still having the elements that define the appearance of the Infinite Archive."
New Challenges, New TricksEdit
To survive this augmented Infinite Archive, you (and your teammate or companion) will need to discover and utilize new strategies and power.
"How players tackle the ice and fire stages will be intriguing, because both arenas play so differently," says Finnigan. "You might want to move more in the fire arena, while in the ice one, its best to find the safe spots while you fight."
You'll certainly have to watch your feet while battling within the two new arenas, but to help survive these new challenges, this update also includes a whopping eight new Verses and 10 new Visions.
"You'll see new options when selecting your Verses and Visions which may expand on your particular build and impact the way you approach the upcoming stage," explains Slama. "For example, depending on your selections, you can block attacks to unleash a devastating explosion with your next Bash via the Reflected Ruin Verse."
"One of my favorites is the Phalanx Verse, which summons a line of soldiers to block attacks, giving you a damage shield if you stand behind them while they attempt to stagger foes," says Finnigan.
"I also enjoy the Storm Projection Offensive Vision," says Slama. "It's unique in that it provides a passive increase to all your Shock damage, but it also functions like a Verse by adding chain lightning to any of your direct attacks."
Claim the Archive's RelicsEdit
New challenges mean new rewards for those venturing into the Infinite Archive, and this update introduces additional collectibles and, most importantly, seven new Class Sets that can be found only in this specific location.
"Our goal for the new Class Sets were to better represent the aesthetic themes and mechanical gameplay of each skill line while keeping the sets simpler than their previous counterparts," explains Nadav Pechthold, one of the team's Combat Designers.
"For example, we wanted the Dragonknight wearing Pyrebrand to be a representation of the Ardent Flame skill line, making use of damage over time abilities to build up to a huge payoff. You can become the flame and then the explosive force that comes after."
Of course, the additional Class Sets aren't the only new rewards on offer, and those who delve deep into the Infinite Archive will discover all kinds of goodies up for grabs.
"With this update, we have cooked up some new consumable rewards for players," says Finnigan. "Including a new consumable that allows you to transform into a random avatar without the need for the requisite Visions."
"I really like the new Eye of the Infinite account upgrade Tool, which summons up a shard of Tho'at that hovers up into the air and bursts apart," says Slama. "It's a cool effect that may be used anywhere just like a Memento, but if you use it while inside Infinite Archive, a maligraphic Watcher emerges from the burst and joins your group to help bust up Tho'at's forces."
Challenge the Infinite Archive AnewEdit
The Infinite Archive grows even more vast and dangerous with Update 43. Are you ready to return to the halls of Hermaeus Mora for new arenas, new foes, and most importantly, new rewards? Let us know via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
Update 43 is a free base-game patch for all ESO players and arrives August 19 for PC/Mac and September 4 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.