General:High Isle Preview—Dreadsail Reef Trial

Originally published May 12, 2022. The original article can be found here.

Capture a fearsome pirate queen in ESO’s new 12-player Trial, Dreadsail Reef! Preview this new PvE challenge coming soon with the High Isle Chapter.

Haven Under Siege

Striking out from their secret refuge, the fearsome Dreadsail pirate band has been a terror to the people of High Isle, Summerset, and mainland Tamriel. The location of their clandestine harbor, however, is a secret no longer, and now a mighty Breton flotilla has sailed out to Dreadsail Reef to finally put a stop to the pirate threat.

“Dreadsail Reef is the island home of the Dreadsail pirates and their cunning Fleet Queen Taleria,” explains Mike Finnigan, ESO’s Encounter’s Lead. “A group of Maormer that has been plaguing the isles of late, the Dreadsail are a scourge of the seas, patrolling and raiding shipping lanes, attacking merchant vessels, and generally being a nuisance.”

Assault a pirate lair

To ensure the Dreadsail pirates are wiped out, High Isle’s Admiral Galvendier has concocted a daring plan. While the Dufort Flotilla battles the Dreadsail fleet itself, a smaller invasion force will storm the beach, make its way into the pirate city, and capture the Fleet Queen before her sea magics condemn the High Isle navy to the deep.

Assault the Reef

As the sea war rages on and you make landfall, you will find no shortage of foes ready to repulse your invasion force, including the Maormer of the Dreadsail and their host of fearsome marine beasts.

“With Dreadsail Reef, we got a chance to explore the Maormer a little more and craft some really interesting abilities for them,” says Finnigan. “They use water and the sea in a new and remarkable ways, so players should stay on their toes and expect the unexpected.”

Team up to find the Pirate Queen

When designing this new Trial’s mechanics and challenges, the team wanted to do more to force players to focus on their roles and teamwork.

“Group coordination is really important in this Trial,” says Finnigan. “Everyone has a job to do and being able to perform in tight windows is crucial. Tanks need to pay attention to monster placement and spacing. DPS and Healers need to know which mechanics to engage with and when as well.”

As a result, Dreadsail Reef is a complete experience, where everyone in your team can feel like they helped the group accomplish their goals.

Beware Taleria’s sea magics

In addition to the crashing waves, monsters, and mer, Dreadsail Reef is also home to no shortage of boss battles, each with their own mechanics that you and your allies will need to overcome. These include giant Maormer captains, colossal constructs, and, of course, the Pirate Queen Taleria herself!

“All of the bosses provide a unique challenge in Dreadsail Reef,” says Finnigan. “However, the first boss fight you encounter, Lylanar and Turlassil, are pretty unique and will challenge you to smartly position the bosses and have backup plans as people fall. Not to mention, it’s always fun to blow up your friends!”

Plunder the Pirates

Should you succeed in your mission and defeat the Pirate Queen, you’ll plunder no shortage of treasure for your trouble. These rewards include gold and collectibles, such as the fearsome Stormsurge Howler mount, Stormsurge Body and Face Markings, and the extremely extra “Swashbuckler Supreme” title, earned by completing ALL of the Trial’s Achievements.

The Stormsurge Markings and Howler mount

In addition to these rewards, Dreadsail Reef’s bosses can also drop four Trial-specific item sets, including the useful Pearlescent Ward heavy set, which when fully equipped, grants a bonus to your party’s damage in addition to their damage reduction based on how many members of your team are dead!

“This set is fantastic for groups learning a fight,” explains Stephen Cerretani, the Combat Designer behind the Trial’s new sets. “Use it while your group is still trying to find out what mechanics really hurt and before you’ve nailed down your tactics.”

Avast Ye!

You and your team will need all hands on deck if you wish to tackle High Isle’s Dreadsail Reef and uncover its many secrets and plunder. Are you willing to volunteer for this daring maritime assault and put the Pirate Queen to the sword? Let us know via Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is coming for PC/Mac and Stadia* on June 6, and for Xbox and PlayStation consoles on June 21. Pre-purchase High Isle now to receive unique bonus rewards and gain immediate access to the Palefrost Elk mount.

• Available only in limited territories.