One of the challenges of MMORPGs is adding the right content. While the most logical approach is to add to the end and bring all existing content down, it limits enjoyment and tends to cater to specific demographics. The Elder Scrolls Online has done a good job of giving every group something to be excited for. There have been some new PVP experiences, a huge single player event, a couple places to explore and plenty of dungeons. Wolfhunter expands on the already robust line up of dungeons but is it worth the time or is it just a new place to do same thing?
Both dungeons add to the ongoing story by giving players something to do. One is about exploring a castle, with another focusing on hunting a heart for a wish. Your interest in their story depends on how much you care about the world, with neither standing out one way or the other. However, the opposite is true for the experience.
First and foremost, both locations look quite nice, with March of Sacrifices looking exceptionally so. Filled with spirit creatures, bright and reserved colors and plenty to see, it’s easily one of the more interesting dungeons. To go with the larger space and fascinating visuals is a couple mechanics and secrets.
While none of the bosses are particularly memorable, besides maybe the actual monster you’re hunting, it offers a different take on mechanics. Instead of forcing players to do a specific thing to survive or overcome the level, you actually have to hide and avoid taking damage if you want to make it out alive. This is a key part of the side quest and the only way to really defeat the actual threat. It isn’t enough to make the dungeon interesting for multiple runs but enough to make it fun to take new players or grind a couple times.
As for Moon Hunter Keep, it doesn’t look terribly different from, say, Imperial City Prison or White-Gold Tower, but still manages to stand out in other ways. The adds, while not particularly threatening, heal more powerful forces and force players to be aware of their surroundings.
Bosses have their own mechanics and flare, such as wolves on chains, making battles a little more tactical. It isn’t enough to stack and burn, nor is it at the point where everyone needs to do something or you fail, giving it a good medium for difficulty. It also makes it a little bit more fun to teach, if only for the fact fights involve more than stacking and burning.
Verdict
Overall, Wolfhunter is not the high end dungeon that hardcore players need to worry about, but it also isn’t the introductory one no one needs to care about. There are a couple interesting new armor sets, an additional memento, a couple challenges and mechanics that are easy to grasp and hard to master. It makes for a good introduction to the higher difficulties or someone looking for an experience that is easier, but not outright easy, making it a solid addition to the world of The Elder Scrolls Online.
[Editor’s Note: The Elder Scrolls Online Wolfhunter DLC was reviewed on PS4 platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]
