Summary
Season 1 of The Elder Scrolls Online is taking players somewhere entirely new: the high seas. ZOS has revealed full details for the High Seas of Tamriel event, and it brings a whole new way to play — both above and below the waves. Whether you're a lore enthusiast, a completionist chasing every reward, or someone looking to buy ESO Items to prepare your character before the event begins, there's something here for everyone. Here's everything you need to know about the lore, the mechanics, and the rewards.
Event Dates and Overview
The High Seas of Tamriel event runs from Wednesday, September 30th through October 14th. It's the first year for this event, so it may be a test run rather than a permanent fixture on the calendar. If you enjoy pirate-themed content, this is one to jump into.
Step 1: Start the Intro Quest Off the Coast of Anvil
Your journey begins off the coast of Anvil, where you'll encounter a spectral scallywag named Baron Captain Guy Marrd.
If you're a lore fan, this name should ring a bell — he was actually referenced 10 years ago in the base game lore books. The ghost captain needs your crew's help recovering his beloved lost ship.
Reward for completing the intro quest: the Pirate Wig and Hat collectible, so you can match your new ghostly ally.
Step 2: Unlock the Dynamic Daily Quest
Once the ship is found and seaworthy, you'll unlock a dynamic daily quest with two distinct phases.
Phase 1: Deck Battles Above the Waves
Defend the ship against raiding sea elf pirates and swashbuckling cultists. This isn't just standard combat — you'll need to:
Patch up hole breaches caused by incoming cannon fire
Unleash your ship's own heavy artillery
Phase 2: Exploration Below the Waves
Once the deck is clear, you'll dive to the floor of the sea. You'll need to maintain a protective bubble around yourself to survive while battling through:
Sea hazards
Dark cults
Ghost pirates
Dwemer mysteries
Some really angry crabs
The undersea map features two distinct boss fights, along with tons of hidden lore, treasure chests, and secrets to uncover across the seafloor.
Step 3: Collect the Rewards
Here's the full rundown of the plunder available during the event:
Reward | How to Get It |
Sea Privateer outfit style | Drops during the event; also available at the Impresario |
New mount | Collect three distinct fragments across event activities to build it |
Skill XP scrolls | Found in reward boxes; grant XP or extra XP for Scrying and Excavation Antiquities skill lines |
Ocean-themed furnishings | Huge new batch for decorators |
Antiquity furnishing recipes | For the first time, dig up antiquity leads for furnishing recipes |
A Note on the New Antiquities System
The furnishing recipe change is a big deal. For the first time ever, you can dig up antiquity leads for furnishing recipes. This means you can craft as many as you want — for yourself, your friends, or your guildmates. If you're into decorating or the Antiquities system, this is a major addition.
Step 4: Know What Makes This Event Unique
The High Seas of Tamriel event is a little more unique than some of the other events in game. It's the first year for it, so it's unclear whether it'll become a normal annual event or remain a one-off test. Either way, it's worth playing if you:
Enjoy pirate-themed content
Want to collect the brand new furnishing recipes for the Antiquities system
Are looking for a fresh way to play above and below the waves
Quick Recap
Detail | Info |
Event name | High Seas of Tamriel |
Start date | Wednesday, September 30th |
End date | October 14th |
Starting location | Off the coast of Anvil |
Key NPC | Baron Captain Guy Marrd |
Quest structure | Intro quest + dynamic daily quest (two phases) |
Boss fights | Two distinct undersea bosses |
Top rewards | Sea Privateer outfit, new mount, skill XP scrolls, ocean furnishings, antiquity recipes |
Final Tips
Do the intro quest first to get the Pirate Wig and Hat collectible.
Collect all three mount fragments across event activities so you can build the new mount.
Open every reward box — they contain the new Scrying and Excavation XP scrolls.
Dig up antiquity leads for furnishing recipes so you can craft unlimited copies for friends and guildmates.
Check the Impresario for the Sea Privateer outfit style if you miss it during the event.
The High Seas of Tamriel event starts September 30th. If you enjoy pirate-themed content or want to collect the new furnishing recipes, this is one worth sailing into. And if you're looking to gear up before setting sail, you can find ESO Items for sale at MMOEXP, a trusted marketplace worth recommending for safe and reliable purchases.
