The Elder Scrolls Online’supcomingNecromexpansion is slated to be packed with lore centered around the Apocrypha, which someSkyrimplayers have extensively explored. WhileElder Scroll Online’s pattern of creating exclusive content around past franchise events and locations is sometimes tedious, theNecromDLC offers a unique take on the infamous realm of Oblivion. While few details are known about the upcoming DLC, theNecromannouncement revealed that players would be reintroduced to Apocrypha in a new questline with epic implications.
WhileThe Elder Scrolls: Skyrimis an iconic gamein its own right, theDragonbornDLC is notable for taking the player to Solstheim and the realm of Apocrypha. Given that theNecromexpansion appears to take heroes to another Morrowind location and delve back into the knowledge-driven realm, it seems as though there may be more connections to theDragonbornDLC than meets the eye. Hopefully, theNecromexpansion will not only elevate the realm of Apocrypha, but use the powerful eldritch magics stored there as the impetus for Nirn-shaking conflict.
RELATED:The Elder Scrolls Online Necrom’s Arcanist Takes Exploration and Mobility to The Next Level
Skyrim’s Apocrypha Was Game-Changing But Left More to Explore
TheDragonbornDLC not only pits the Last Dragonborn against the first-ever Dragonborn Miraak but also opens the gateway for players to explore Apocrypha. Apocrypha is a realm of oblivion that belongs toHermaeus Mora, the Daedric Prince of fate and knowledge. In theDragonbornDLC, players can only access domain regions by reading one of several ancient “Black Books” scattered around the island of Solstheim. The Dragonborn is then instantly teleported to Apocrypha, represented as a twisted green void and an endless sea of toxic goo, with tentacles swirling beneath. Each area in Apocrypha is set up as explorable levels, with the player able to encounter thousands of books, realm-specific enemies, and puzzles along the way.
Not only is Apocrypha arguably the most innovative area inSkyrim, but the realm succeeds at creating utterly fascinating gameplay. Apocrypha’s Lovecraftian influences make it distinctly different from the medieval fantasy elements of the province of Skyrim, elevating the game. When the Dragonborn finds each ofSkyrim’s Black Booksat the end of an Apocrypha level, they unlock potent perks that may hint at the knowledge Hermaeus Mora is wielding.
Although the DLC is comprehensive, the Last Dragonborn’s focus on finding and fighting formerHermaeus Mora student Miraakleaves threads open for exploration. For instance, questions remain about why companions can’t also travel to Apocrypha, how the realm has influenced the outside world, and more.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom Can Explore Apocrypha’s Unresolved Plot Threads
Necromis exciting not only because of the new Arcanist class, but because the DLC has the opportunity to explore the lore around Hermaeus Mora and the hidden implications of his hidden knowledge. In the expansion, players are tasked with helping Hermaeus Mora protect the secrets of Apocrypha from a mysterious conspiracy that threatens the entire universe. New gameplay clips show players exploring an expansive and detailed re-imagining ofApocrypha inElder Scrolls Online, possibly facing off against similar enemies as inSkyrim, but with updated abilities.
Necromalso has players exploring the Telvanni Peninsula and the city of Necrom, but it’s not yet known how the area is connected to Hermaeus Mora. Just as in theDragonbornDLC, heroes will be diving into the realm of Apocrypha to hunt down ancient knowledge hidden deep within the domain. Given theSkyrimexpansion’s focus on finding Black Books, there’s ample possibility thatNecromwill follow suit.
It also appears that thenew Arcanist classmay be wielding one of the infamous Black Books, giving credence to the idea that players could unlock the character class as a reward, or by finding a specific book at the end of theNecromDLC. Ultimately, it’s great to see anElder Scrollstitle adding more depth and meaningful gameplay to a realm as compelling as Apocrypha while building on the foundations laid bySkyrim.
The Elder Scrolls Onlineis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:The Elder Scrolls Online Necrom Taking Lovecraftian Horror to Morrowind Makes a Lot of Sense
