General:Lost Depths Preview—Earthen Root Enclave

Originally published November 8, 2022. The original article can be found here.

Defend the Stonelore Druids from the Firesong Circle and continue your Legacy of the Bretons adventure in Earthen Root Enclave, one of the two new four-player PvE dungeons coming soon as part of the Lost Depths DLC.

Sanctuary Under Siege

For centuries, Earthen Root Enclave served as a haven for the druids of the Systres, regardless of what group they might belong to. But now, this solemn sanctuary has come under assault from the Firesong Circle—an unforgiveable violation!

"Earthen Root Enclave is an ancient place where druids come to commune with nature," explains Mike Finnigan, ESO's Encounters Lead. "All are welcome, but it is watched over by the Stonelore Circle. The Firesong, another group, have invaded and attacked, which is almost unheard of in druid society."

Now, Druid Laurel, a historian and member of the Stonelore, needs your help repelling the Firesong assault and defending the enclave's most revered relic. You and your allies must battle your way across the island, including the sanctuary's underground and uppermost peaks, and confront Archdruid Devyric before he can find his quarry.

(In the original article a paranorma of the Earthen Root Enclave can be found embedded here)

As part of the ongoing Legacy of the Bretons saga, what you discover in this dungeon will help inform the adventures to come.

"In Earthen Root Enclave, we get to explore the various druid factions of the Systres and how they interact with each other," explains Finnigan. "Not only that, but the attack by the Firesong portends a dark future, and what they seek within the sanctuary is key to the ongoing story moving forward."

Duel Between Druids

As you battle your way throughout the sanctuary, you'll venture deep into the island haven and encounter three unique areas.

"In Earthen Root Enclave, there are three 'communions' that druids use to speak to nature on the island: Stone, Root, and Air," says Finnigan. "Each area has a unique feel. From the close-in rocks of the Stone communion, to the underground paths of the Root communion, and finally the airy cliffs of the Communion of Air."

While usually a place of serenity, the Firesong have brought violence and chaos to the enclave. The druids scouring the Earthen Root are formidable warriors, but they are also joined by their own wild beasts, mindless constructs, and even the corrupted spirits of the island itself. If you and your comrades are to stop Devyric, you must also contend with a host of tough boss battles that are sure to put your skills to the test in new and fun ways.

Corrupted guardians stand in your way

"Each boss poses a unique challenge, and each have different strategies to help you conquer them," says Finnigan. "The first boss, Corrupted Stone, benefits from swift movement to reach certain locations quickly. The second boss, Corruption of Root, benefits from strategic thinking about how and when to engage with elements of the fight. Archdruid Deyvric, on the other hand, combines these two elements but also rewards players for using the boss's own abilities to neutralize future attacks."

Relics of the Enclave

Should you succeed and make your way through Earthen Root Enclave, you'll receive a host of unique rewards, found only within this specific dungeon. This includes three unique gear sets, a monster set, Achievements, and collectibles.

One of the unique sets this dungeon drops is Stone's Accord, which provides a powerful buff to your allies' damage and sustain when you hit them with an area-of-effect heal.

"Stone's Accord will turn any area heal into a pseudo–Combat Prayer, allowing Supports to diversify their ability bar," explains Stephen Cerretani, the Combat Designer behind the dungeon's new sets. "Good positioning of your area heals will go a long way toward helping your team get the most out of their DPS, and combining this with a classic set like Spell Power Cure could result in a huge boost, since standing in an area heal would quickly proc both."

Earthern Root Enclaves' collectible rewards include items such as the Touch of the Draoife Body and Face Markings, unique titles such as "Invaders' Bane" (earned by completing the dungeon's most-challenging Achievements), and the Mulberry Hermit Crab pet, earned simply by walking into any of Lost Depths' two dungeons!

The Mulberry Hermit Crab pet

Secrets of the Systres

Delve into the Earthen Root Enclave and uncover secrets that will have dire ramifications for the ongoing Legacy of the Bretons year-long adventure. Are you ready to come to the aid of the Stonelore Druids and protect their sacred haven? Let us know via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

The Elder Scrolls Online: Lost Depths DLC game pack arrives for PC/Mac and Stadia* on August 22, 2022, and for Xbox and PlayStation consoles on September 6, 2022. You can get access to this new dungeon DLC via ESO Plus™ membership or via purchase with crowns from the in-game Crown Store.

*Available only in limited territories.