2021 is the year of many things, but most of all the 15th anniversary of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. This match took place in the province of Cyrodiil, which was attacked by the Daedric troops of Mehrunes Dagon. Now, fifteen years later (and 600 years earlier in the game), we're back in southern Cyrodiil, fighting the same big cherry kid.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood is the latest chapter in a long-running online multiplayer RPG, and it's an expansion in every sense of the word. At the same time, it looks back into the past and the future, expanding knowledge of the series and game features, introducing new options that should appeal to new players and veterans alike.

It is dangerous to go alone

The biggest change to Blackwood is the brand new companion system. At any time after starting a new area, you can recruit two Companions, Mirri Elendis and Bastian Hallix. I spent most of my time in Blackwood with the Dunmer villain Mirri, who recruits you after a fight in a Daedric stronghold in the north of the zone. He undresses her in medium armor and a bow, stands out from the fight and every now and then throws healing bombs to keep me alive, throwing arrows at enemies. However, if I have decided that I want her to be a tank or a fireball thrower, I can make these changes.

What I liked the most about the Companion system, apart from increasing my survivability in combat, are the comments they provide. Thanks to the new Rapport system, your companion will comment on what you are doing. For example, Mirri is a bit of a bookworm and appreciates my character who spends some time light reading. She also does not like the open road, many entrances to the settlement are accompanied by telephones to take a break at the local inn or tavern.

All of this makes them feel less like pets under your direct control and more like part of the world, they are integrated into your adventures and will follow you into battle even beyond the new Blackwood zone.

Don’t get swamped

Of course, not only the companion system brings Blackwood. The zone itself has many new depressions, new public dungeons, a raid (or Trials) called Rockwood designed to challenge well-prepared teams, and Oblivion portals that will take you to a lava-filled challenge. It's the portals that will probably be the biggest attraction, and everyone will see you team up with other players to defeat Daedric enemies across a series of islands on Mehrunes Dagon's home set. They are tough but have great rewards and are worth jumping in if you spot a flaming ball in the air while you travel.

The quest design definitely shines in the dark swamps of Blackwood. In the main mission, you uncover conspiracies and hidden sects to fight off the impending invasion of Mehrunes Dagon himself. Each mission takes surprising directions in epic battles that repel even Oblivion's attack on the Imperial City. Outside of the main missions, you'll encounter familiar faces if you've been playing ESO for a while. One of the highlights is the return of scientists Lady Laurent and the Stibbons in a series of missions around Glenbridge. It's funny, the writing is sharp and the mission itself is filled with the madness of the series and a few riddles that resemble a portal in their devilishness.

Back to Blackwood

Previous expansions have improved The Elder Scrolls Online far beyond its original, slightly shaky vision. Now it seems Blackwood has found a winning formula. ESO seems to be packed with new quests, new views, and a companion system that should make the whole game more accessible to everyone.

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