The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 50 has introduced an exciting new challenge: the highly anticipated Vestige difficulty mode. This feature is designed to test even the most seasoned players and offers an extremely high level of difficulty for those who dare to engage with it. Insights gathered from testing this mode on the Public Test Server (PTS) reveal valuable strategies, particularly concerning the role of companions in overcoming this formidable challenge.
The Challenge of Vestige Difficulty
Upon the announcement of Vestige difficulty, anticipation grew among the player base. Many experienced players, well-versed in tanking veteran dungeons, hard mode trials, and particularly challenging instances like the Night Market, felt prepared to tackle this new challenge. However, initial attempts often resulted in unexpected setbacks. Even robust builds, such as a DragonKnight (DK) tank that typically excels in high-end content, found Vestige to be an entirely different experience.
Bosses in public dungeons under Vestige difficulty inflict damage that surpasses anything encountered in veteran content, demanding near-perfect execution of mechanics. Attempts to adapt a Warden build with tankier armor sets and increased health proved insufficient against the relentless onslaught, leaving even the most reliable DK overwhelmed.
Preparing for Vestige difficulty often requires investing in better equipment, enchantments, potions, and repair costs, making ESO gold coins an important resource for players tackling the hardest content.
The Game-Changer: Companions
Analysis of gameplay footage revealed a noteworthy observation: Isobel, a companion from the Breton class, demonstrated impressive resilience in lower-tier fights. This prompted an exploration of whether companions could be the key to managing the challenges posed by Vestige difficulty.
Further testing on the PTS confirmed this hypothesis. Isobel not only survived but thrived as a tank in Vestige difficulty. It became evident that companions are largely unaffected by the heightened challenge level, prompting a reevaluation of strategies for engaging with Vestige content.
Building the Perfect Tank Companion
To maximize Isobel's effectiveness as a tank companion, optimization of her gear and skills was essential. Below are the strategies:
1. Gear Traits and Armor
• Traits: Prioritize the Bolstered and Vigorous traits. Bolstered reduces damage taken, while Vigorous increases health. Additionally, the Quickened trait is also worth considering.
• Armor Weight: Full heavy armor is essential for a tank companion, enhancing armor rating and improving healing received, as well as damage blocked.
• Trait Distribution: The setup included six pieces of Bolstered, five of Vigorous, and one Quickened. While experimentation with combinations is encouraged, this mix provided excellent durability.
2. Skills
Isobel's skill loadout was tailored for maximum survivability and utility:
• Provoke (One-Hand and Shield): Serves as her taunt, ensuring effective aggro management.
• Skeletal Aegis (Undaunted): Provides a protective shield for Isobel and a synergy opportunity.
• Holy Ground (Healing Grace): Creates a healing field at her position.
• Blessed Sacrament (Healing Grace): Combines a burst heal with a heal-over-time effect.
• Solar Ward (Brilliant Shield): Offers an additional shield for Isobel.
To ensure optimal performance, abilities were arranged based on cooldown duration, with Provoke placed first to guarantee consistent taunting.
3. Commanding Your Companion
Effective management of companions can be achieved through the "Command" function, typically mapped to the "Y" key. This allows players to direct companions to attack specific targets, ensuring that they engage with bosses first and maintain aggro from the outset.
The Future of Companions in ESO
The effectiveness of companions in Vestige difficulty resembles a strategic advantage that could potentially diminish the traditional role of tank builds at this level. Whether Zenimax intends for companions to retain this level of power in such challenging content remains uncertain. However, they currently provide a viable option for players seeking to engage with Vestige without necessitating a complete overhaul of their builds.
Final Thoughts
The Vestige difficulty presents a fresh and exhilarating challenge for players seeking greater rewards or a tougher Overland experience. While it may not appeal to everyone—and the increased difficulty may not justify the rewards for some—it adds an exciting layer of complexity to the game.
For those willing to embrace the challenge, companions like Isobel offer an accessible and effective means of navigating this new mode without requiring a full respec or gear overhaul. Whether a seasoned veteran or a curious adventurer seeking new experiences, Vestige difficulty presents an opportunity to test skills and push limits.
