The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset Console Release Day

The Summerset expansion for Bethesda's MMO The Elder Scrolls Online was released for PC and Mac on May 21st, which the developers treated as Early Access of sorts, designating June 5, 2018, the day when the expansion was set to go live on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, as its official release date. That day is today, so if you own one of the current gen consoles, you should now be able to join the PC users on a journey through the Summerset Isles. The link above, apart from the detailed expansion overview, features the official cinematic trailer, while below, you can watch the official gameplay trailer:

And if you have plans to revisit the game now that the new expansion is out, the official Bethesda website offers this article with a returning player's guide, while TESO's website tells us how to prepare for our new Summerset journey. Check out the latter:

COMPLETE THE PROLOGUE QUEST

Even if you don't own the new Chapter, you can start the adventure right now by playing though the Summerset Prologue quest.

You can begin by acquiring the Mage's Message Stone from the in-game Crown Store (it's free). Simply use the stone to receive a message from Vanus Galerion and acquire the quest “Through a Veil Darkly". If you're unable to acquire the stone, you can find the ancient mage himself inside the Mages Guildhalls within each of Tamriel's Alliance capitals. Likely with his head down in some dusty tome.

As you investigate the mysterious prophecy, you will begin to understand some of the forces at work in Summerset and your place in them. In addition to this, you'll also receive the Wyrd Elemental Plume memento as a unique collectible.

EXPERIENCE THE STORY SO FAR

While you are able to enjoy ESO: Summerset's story without having played any previous content, everything is connected. The events that are unfolding in Summerset have been hinted at in previous adventures, such as within the Orsinium DLC game pack, but there's an even stronger connection between ESO: Summerset and the game's more recent additions.

In The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, you discover that the demi-god Vivec is being drained of his divine power, and within the mechanical realm of the Clockwork City, a powerful Telvanni Wizard Divayth Fyr recruits you to investigate the city and it creator Sotha Sil's odd behavior.

The meddling of otherworldly forces connects all of the events of the Morrowind Chapter, the Clockwork City DLC game pack, and the Summerset Chapter, and you can begin to put the pieces together right now.

MAKE A HIGH ELF CHARACTER

Queen Ayrenn has opened the Isle of Summerset's borders to all, so why not explore the home of the High Elves with a brand new High Elf character? Take heed: While the beautiful island of Summerset might be the ancestral origin of your people, some island natives still consider you to be an outsider. As a High Elf, your experience on Summerset will be different from that of the other races, but you might be surprised to discover that the reception to your arrival is still mixed.

Aside from the ancestral link, there's another really good reason to create a High Elf character for ESO: Summerset: They're remarkably powerful mages. High Elves gain bonuses to their Max Magicka, Magicka Recovery, and their Flame, Frost, and Shock Damage. Perfect for surviving the island's many hidden dangers!

VISIT AURIDON

You can get a taste of High Elf culture and the pristine wilderness of Summerset by visiting its sister island of Auridon. Aldmeri Dominion players may already be familiar with this early zone, but if you've never set foot on the island before, you'll gain an impression of what is in store with ESO: Summerset when you do.

While Auridon cannot match the sublime allure of the High Elves' original home, it is still one of the most beautiful zones in Tamriel, and as you explore, you'll gain an appreciation of their culture and current ruler, Queen Ayrenn – and the political intrigue that surrounds her rise to the throne. You might even come across her agent, the charming Razum-dar!

STOCK UP ON SKILL POINTS

When you arrive upon pristine shores of Summerset, you'll have access to both the Psijic Order and Jewelry Crafting Skill Lines. In order to unlock every Ability from both, your character will need to have 36 Skill Points to spend (that's 19 for the Psijic Order and 17 for Jewelry Crafting)! Of course, you will be able to find some of these on the island itself, but to ensure you have enough, you might need to grab some from elsewhere in Tamriel before you land.

Unsure how to acquire new Skill Points? Aside from leveling up, here's what you need to do:
  • Find the glowing blue Skyshards and activate them to absorb their power. You'll receive a Skill Point for every three.
  • Complete certain quests to earn Skill Points as rewards. Most regions of Tamriel have three quests that offer skill points.
  • Take on Public Dungeon group events. These tricky battles reward you with one Skill Point the first time you complete them.
  • Complete a Group Dungeon's quest. Each Group Dungeon quest rewards one Skill Point the first time you complete it.
  • Rank up in PvP. Earn ranks in either Battlegrounds or the Alliance War to earn a Skill Point.