In the sprawling, mystical lands of Tamriel, a unique transformation awaits the daring—the life of a werewolf. “Elder Scrolls Online” (ESO) not only invites you to study its vast, lore-rich world but also offers you the chance to experience this existence. This guide is for those eager to embrace the call of the wild, for whom the moon’s whisper is too enticing to ignore. From your first transformation to mastering your new abilities and finding your hunting grounds, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s howl into it.
Becoming a Werewolf
The Call of Hircine
Your journey begins with a divine encounter—or perhaps, a divine affliction. To join the ranks of these lycanthropes, one must seek the blessing of Hircine, the Daedric Prince of the Hunt. This can be achieved in two main ways: being bitten by a rare, wandering werewolf in specific zones, or more commonly, by receiving the bite from a fellow player who has already mastered the beast within and has the “Bloodmoon” ability unlocked.
Zones of Transformation
- Reaper’s March
- The Rift
- Bangkorai
These territories are your hunting grounds for the wild werewolves that appear only during specific in-game nights (every 8 real-world days). Among the whispers of trees and the rustling of leaves, listen closely for their howls—they herald your chance at transformation.
Player Interaction
Alternatively, embarking on your lycanthropic journey can be a matter of kinship. Seek out a player with the Bloodmoon ability in their werewolf skill line, and they can grant you the bite at the Hircine’s Shrines located in the same zones where wild werewolves roam.
Werewolf Skills
Unleashing the Beast
Once bitten, you’re tasked with completing Hircine’s quest, which, upon completion, unlocks your werewolf skill line—a new realm of power beckons. Here’s a breakdown of the skills you can sink your teeth into:
Active Abilities
- Pounce: Leap towards your prey, initiating combat with the ferocity only a beast can muster.
- Roar: Unleash a fearsome howl, disorienting and weakening your enemies.
- Pursuit: Increase your speed, embodying the relentless hunter.
- Infectious Claws: Swipe at your foes, dealing damage and afflicting them with a disease that eats away at their strength.
Passive Abilities
- Blood Rage: Prolongs your transformation with each adversary you defeat, allowing you to savor the hunt.
- Savage Strength: Enhances your physical might, making each hit a testament to your power.
- Call of the Pack: A howl that reaches the heart of your allies, reducing the cost of remaining in your werewolf form when fighting as a pack.
Living as a Werewolf
Embrace the Wild
Life as a werewolf in ESO is a delicate balance between your human facade and the beast within. Your transformation is governed by a special Ultimate ability in your skill line, which, when activated, unleashes your true form. This double life has its quirks:
Advantages
- Enhanced Physical Prowess: In beast form, your strength and speed eclipse those of mere mortals.
- Pack Dynamics: Play alongside fellow werewolves to truly experience the might of the pack. This makes you a formidable foe in group PvP and PvE scenarios.
- Unique Roleplay Opportunities: Embrace the legend depth of your character’s struggle with their beastly nature.
Disadvantages
- Vulnerability to Fighters Guild Abilities: As a creature of Hircine, you’re inherently weak against skills from the Fighters Guild skill line.
- Silver Weapons and Poisons: More common in PvP, these can quickly end your reign of terror.
Werewolf Hunting Grounds
Territories of the Beast
As a werewolf, certain zones offer more than just stunning vistas or rich lore—they’re your hunting grounds, where prey abounds and challenges await. Consider these locations as prime spots for leveling your werewolf skills and wreaking havoc:
- Craglorn: High-level enemies and group dungeons make this an ideal spot for testing your strength and earning experience.
- Cyrodiil: The central PvP area of ESO offers endless player targets. Remember, though, your vulnerability to certain abilities is accentuated here.
- Skyreach Catacombs: If grinding in solitude is more your style, this instanced dungeon in Craglorn is a prime location to power-level in your werewolf form.
Curing Lycanthropy
Returning to Mortality
Should you ever wish to retract your steps from the path of Hircine, Tamriel offers redemption. A simple visit to a Priest of Arkay, found in major cities, allows you to cleanse the curse of lycanthropy—for a fee. Reflect on this choice, as reclaiming the werewolf’s strength will require you to seek out Hircine’s blessing once more.
The Pack Awaits
As the moon rises over Tamriel, your adventure as a werewolf begins. Whether you find solace in the solitude of the night or revel in the camaraderie of the pack, your path is uniquely yours. Remember, the beast within is both a gift and a curse—how you wield this power defines your journey in “Elder Scrolls Online.”
Embrace the call, champion of Hircine. The wilds of Tamriel await your footprints, and the night sings your name.