The Elder Scrolls Online: Lost Depths - Graven Deep Preview
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A couple weeks back, we had a chance to check out a preview for Earthen Root Enclave, one of the new dungeons coming to The Elder Scrolls Online on August 22, 2022, as part of the Lost Depths DLC. And now, we can follow that up with this preview article highlighting Graven Deep, the DLC's second new dungeon.
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Delve into a lost underwater complex and uncover the secrets of the Druid King in Graven Deep, one of the two new dungeons coming soon as part of The Elder Scrolls Online: Lost Depths.
PERIL AT SEA
All who sail the Abecean Sea know of the perils of Graven Deep, a mysterious region infamous for the disappearance of many a vessel. Unfortunately for you, your ship is this treacherous region’s latest victim, and you and your party have washed up on a mysterious uncharted island at the center of it all. Thankfully, you are not alone, as the Mages Guild explorer Dhulef has also survived the shipwreck and has a mission for you.
“Your goal in Graven Deep is to help Dhulef investigate this mysterious part of the ocean,” explains Mike Finnigan, ESO’s Encounters Lead. “Dhulef is looking for information on the legendary Druid King and his voyage to the Systres, and that leads through this area in particular. What he discovers will have ramifications for both the Systres Archipelago and the Druids of High Isle.”
While the island might appear like any other surrounding Tamriel, when exploring, you and your party soon discover a massive Dwarven complex beneath the waves—a chance for the dungeon team to create something unique.
“Graven Deep gave us the chance to explore Dwarven technology not seen in Tamriel before,” explains Finnigan. “Built long ago, this place was once an underwater observatory, and being able to send players to the depths of the ocean was an awesome opportunity.”
DEFENDERS OF THE DEEP
As you and your team navigate the island, you must first deal with its native monsters, including fearsome Hadolid (also found in the Systres Archipelago) and other creatures.
“In Graven Deep, we introduce pangrits, which are smaller, beast-like creatures that coexist with the Hadolids almost like pets,” explains Finnigan, “The Hadolids use Bristlepitch to coax the pangrits into action, and managing when and where to shake off that effect is important.”
As you venture deeper into the Dwarven complex beneath the island, you encounter the spirits and remnants of those claimed by Graven Deep, since undead sailors, spirits of lost captains, and worse bar your way to the facility’s core. These guardians also include challenging boss battles that you and your team must overcome, such as a Hadolid known as the Euphotic Gatekeeper and a powerful Lich that protects the origins of the island’s mysterious storms.
Of course, while battling your way into Graven Deep, Finnigan also recommends you take the time to discover every nook and cranny of the dungeon’s vast complex.
“Take it all in! This Dungeon is beautiful and was an absolute joy to bring to life,” says Finnigan. “Look out the windows and see all the little details like shipwrecks, ancient Dwarven technology, schools of fish, ghosts of dead sailors beating on the glass, etc.”
LOST TREASURES & LOOT
As you fight your way to the heart of Graven Deep, you’ll have an opportunity to earn a host of dungeon-specific rewards, including three new armor sets, a monster helm (Euphotic Gatekeeper), Achievements, and collectibles.
One of the three new sets includes Grave Inevitability, which rewards you and your allies with bonuses to your Critical Damage when using Light and Heavy Attacks as part of your rotation.
“Grave Inevitability is great for both DPS and Healers because both roles can make use of Major or Minor Force for organized or pick-up groups,” explains Stephen Cerretani, the combat designer behind Lost Depth’s new sets. “Since Major Force has so few sources, this set lets you have a little more flexibility with your ability bar as part of a pick-up group or your whole team if you're more organized.”
Complete some of the dungeon’s Achievements, and you can also earn collectibles such as the Dhulef’s Hydrosphere memento (for completing the dungeon on Veteran difficulty), the Touch of the Draoife Body and Face Markings, or the “Fist of Tava” title. In addition, the first time you enter Graven Deep or Earthen Root Enclave, you’ll also receive the Mulberry Hermit Crab pet, too—just for washing up on the shore!
BATTLE BENEATH THE ABECEAN
Sail to (or shipwreck upon) an uncharted island, battle your way through an ancient Dwarven complex, and solve the mystery of Graven Deep—what you discover beneath the waves may have consequences for the Legacy of the Bretons adventure to come. Is your team ready to help Dhulef delve into this underwater facility? Tell us your plans for the underwater dungeon 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.
