In a groundbreaking move, The Elder Scrolls Online has embarked on an unprecedented journey by locking an entire update behind a live event that unites all of its servers in a competitive endeavor. Dubbed the Writhing Wall, this three-phase event is anticipated to unfold over the course of a month, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy rivalry among players. Mike Finnigan, the associate design director at Zenimax Online Studios, emphasizes that this initiative marks a significant shift in the game’s approach, stating, “We’ve never done anything this massive before.”
Uniting Players Through Competition
As ESO celebrates its 11th anniversary, it finds itself in the company of some of the most enduring and beloved MMOs, such as World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14. With this esteemed status comes the responsibility to deliver innovative and engaging experiences that keep players invested. The Writhing Wall certainly fits the bill. Each server will progress through daily quests, contributing to the construction of a powerful weapon known as the Meridian Lens, aimed at breaking down the enigmatic Writhing Wall that separates players from the contents of Update 48.
Once a server successfully navigates the final phase of the event, the Writhing Fortress—a more challenging version of a public dungeon—Update 48 will be unlocked for that specific server, creating a compelling incentive for players to log in regularly and participate.
A Narrative Decade in the Making
The current storyline, rooted in the original narrative from a decade ago, has been a long time coming. Finnigan explains that the desire to tell this story and the ambition to create a dynamic event have converged. “This is something that’s been kicking around for a while… it’s an aligning of the stars,” he shares. The narrative pays homage to the game’s beginnings, where the antagonist Molag Bal sought to merge Nirn with Cold Harbor, while also tying in elements from the Worm Cult resurgence. Finnigan notes, “We want to keep the game fresh, keep people on their toes, and make them feel excited about what’s coming in a way where they won’t know what’s coming.”
Secrets and Surprises Await
Throughout the Writhing Wall event, players can expect to uncover secrets and surprises. While Finnigan remains tight-lipped about specifics, he assures that long-time players will encounter familiar faces and beloved characters from the game’s history. “We’re bringing a lot of characters back… there are long-standing characters that players have really, really liked,” he hints. The excitement of discovery is palpable, as Finnigan expresses joy in seeing players share their findings online, igniting curiosity among the community.
A Complex Undertaking
Executing the Writhing Wall event is no small feat. To ensure that no player feels discouraged, Zenimax has tailored progress targets for each server, accommodating variations in player population and engagement levels. Evolving visual elements will also provide players with a clear indication of their server’s progress, such as the Meridian Lens visibly “punching a hole” through the Writhing Wall as it nears completion. Finnigan reflects on the challenges faced during development, stating, “Until everything kind of gets in, you’re like: ‘Oh, is this all going to work together?'” However, as the pieces fell into place, the team recognized they had created something special, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the studio.
The Elder Scrolls Online’s Writhing Wall event is now live, with Phase 1 accessible to all players, regardless of ownership of the 2025 Content Pass. For those eager to delve deeper into each phase of the event, further information is available.
Whether you are a seasoned Elder Scrolls veteran or contemplating your first foray into the game, the Writhing Wall promises an engaging experience. Join the conversation on our Discord server and share your thoughts on this exciting new chapter.
