The
ever-expanding universe of The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is about to get even
more exciting with the introduction of Update 40. This upcoming update brings a
wealth of new features designed to enhance the gameplay experience for all
Tamriel adventurers. In this article, we'll delve into the two major base-game
additions of Update 40: the Group Finder Tool and the Grand Master Crafting
Stations, giving you a sneak peek into the exciting changes coming your way.
Grand
Master Crafting Stations: Crafting Mastery Redefined
Crafting enthusiasts in Tamriel have long sought after Attunable Crafting Stations, but as the game expanded with new sets, organizing these stations became increasingly cumbersome. With Update 40, the introduction of Grand Master Crafting Stations addresses this issue once and for all.
Cullen Lee, Senior Systems Designer, explained that Grand Master Crafting Stations build upon Attunable Crafting Stations, condensing multiple sets into a single station per trade skill. This means that players no longer have to manage hundreds of crafting stations, simplifying their crafting experience significantly. Achieving the status of a Grand Master crafter is no small feat, requiring the Unsurpassed Crafter Achievement and substantial resources. These stations, representing the pinnacle of crafting mastery, boast a visually distinct design, growing in complexity as more sets are added.
“We wanted people with a large collection of set stations to feel proud when they looked at their station,” said Cullen Lee. “After some iteration, we landed on a design where the station grows physically more complex at certain thresholds as you add sets. There's also a visual projection of the tradeskill symbol above the station once you’ve unlocked every set.”
Grand Master Crafting Stations require 100 Master Writs to unlock.
Group Finder Tool: Connecting Like-Minded Adventurers
One of the challenges faced by players in online multiplayer games is the difficulty of engaging in group content without an established social circle. ESO’s Lead UI Designer, Bobby Weir, recognized this challenge and spearheaded the creation of the Group Finder Tool to bridge the gap and facilitate connections among players with similar goals.
Arriving in Update 40, the Group Finder Tool opens the door to a myriad of activities within ESO, including Trial and Dungeon runs, World Boss zone tours, and social events like roleplaying or fashion contests. To ensure inclusivity, the tool covers not only content that strictly requires a group, such as Dungeons and Trials but also activities where players tend to group together for safety or social enjoyment, like Cyrodiil, the Imperial City, world bosses, and world events. The developers also introduced a Custom category to cater to any additional needs players might have.
Creating the Group Finder Tool was no small feat. The team faced the challenge of balancing usability and functionality across diverse activities. Bobby Weir shared that the UI design process involved over 260 mockup screenshots. However, the hard work paid off, resulting in a seamless tool that empowers players to find like-minded adventurers and explore the wonders of Tamriel together.
Conclusion:
A New Era of Adventure Awaits
ESO Update
40, arriving free for all players on October 30 for PC/Mac and November 14 for
Xbox and PlayStation consoles, marks a new era of adventure in Tamriel. With
the Group Finder Tool and Grand Master Crafting Stations, players can expect a
more streamlined and enjoyable experience, forging connections with fellow
adventurers and mastering the art of crafting like never before. Get ready to
dive into the world of ESO and embark on epic quests with the help of these
exciting new features!