ESO Update 51 Guide: 5 Major Changes, New Features & Everything You Need to Know

Summary

The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 51 is bringing some of the most significant changes we've seen in years—from reworked Mundus Stones to a full alchemy overhaul, Battlegrounds restructuring, and even Antiquities coming to the base game, this update touches nearly every aspect of gameplay, making it the perfect time to reassess your gear and maybe even buy ESO Items to stay ahead of the shifting meta. This guide breaks down the five biggest changes in Update 51, why they matter, and how they'll affect your daily routine in Tamriel.

Part 1: Mundus Stone Reworks

The Problem

The Warrior and Apprentice Mundus Stones were designed back when weapon damage and spell damage were separate stats. That's no longer the case—hybridization has been a major focus for ZOS over the past few years, and these stones desperately needed an update.

The Changes

Warrior Stone (Before → After)

Why It Matters: This makes the Warrior Stone a stronger pick for any damage-dealing build, whether you're in PvP or PvE. Hybrid builds (using both stamina and magicka) now benefit fully.

Apprentice Stone (Before → After)

Why It Matters: This is the first XP-boosting Mundus Stone in ESO history. If you're:

Leveling a new character

Grinding Champion Points

A brand-new player

…this stone will significantly speed up your progression. Combined with XP gear, scrolls, and other boosts, you'll see a noticeable reduction in time to your next level.

Part 2: Major & Minor Buff Consolidation

What's Being Removed

ZOS is finally completing the hybridization process by removing redundant buffs:

What This Means

Brutality now boosts both weapon and spell damage (instead of just weapon damage).

Savagery now boosts both weapon and spell critical (instead of just weapon critical).

Important: You'll still need an active source of these buffs in your build—they don't apply automatically.

New Debuff: Vexation

A brand-new debuff called Vexation is being introduced through alchemy. It reduces the target's healing done.

Why It Matters: Healing reduction has always been a powerful tool in PvP. Vexation gives players a new way to counter heal-heavy builds without relying on skills like Mending.

Part 3: Alchemy Overhaul

The Consolidation

To match the hybrid changes, alchemy traits are being streamlined:

New Ingredients

Four brand-new ingredients are being added to Tamriel to support these changes. They're designed to work for:

Tanks

Healers

Damage Dealers

Where to Find Them: ZOS hasn't revealed exact locations yet—stay tuned closer to launch.

What Stays the Same

One Catch: You'll need to rediscover the effects of any ingredients you haven't fully researched yet.

Part 4: Antiquities Joins the Base Game

This might be the biggest change for new and returning players.

What's Happening

When Greymoor is folded into the base game (after the High Isle of Tamriel event ends), Antiquities will become available to every single player—no DLC required.

New Player Experience

A new quest starter will appear in the Crown Store, dropping you straight into the Antiquities intro quest.

No more hunting for the starting point.

Lead Drop Rate Adjustments

Why It Matters: Less waiting, more digging. Getting your Antiquities skill line to max level will be faster than ever.

Quality of Life Improvements

Antiquarian's Eye: Now prompts you to use it automatically when you hit a dig site—no more confusion about where to dig.

Older Leads Buffed: Drop rates for Antiquities released before High Isles have been increased to match today's more generous standards.

Full Drop Chance: Leads now drop at full chance until you complete the related codex, not just on your first pickup. This is a huge improvement for collectors still hunting older sets.

Part 5: Battlegrounds Overhaul

Queue Changes

Competitive Queue

New Medals

Medals are being added for actions that were previously overlooked:

Scoreboard Updates

Three new fields are being added to the scoreboard:

Why This Matters: Healers and support builds finally get recognition on the scoreboard, rather than just kill counts.

Part 6: What This Means for You

For New Players

Apprentice Stone will help you level faster.

Antiquities is now free—no DLC required.

Alchemy is simpler to understand with fewer traits.

For Veteran Players

Warrior Stone now supports hybrid builds.

Buffs are consolidated—fewer buffs to track, but you still need sources.

Battlegrounds offer both a casual 9v9 and competitive 4v4 option.

Antiquities farming is faster with reduced lead timers and better drop rates.

For PvP Players

Vexation gives you a new way to reduce healing.

Battlegrounds now offer more team variety.

Support builds finally get scoreboard recognition.

For Crafters

Alchemy has new ingredients to discover.

Your existing recipes and writs are unaffected.

You'll need to research new ingredient effects.

Part 7: Key Dates & Timing

Final Thoughts: Which Change Matters Most?

All five changes are significant, but they affect players differently:

My Pick: Antiquities joining the base game is the single biggest change for new and returning players. It opens up an entire skill line, new gear, and valuable farming opportunities—all without spending a dime on DLC.

Quick Reference Summary

hich of these five changes will affect your playstyle the most? Leave a comment below—and if you found this guide helpful, hit that like button and subscribe for more ESO content. And while you're preparing for the new meta, don't forget to check out ESO Items at MMOEXP, where you can find everything from crafted gear to rare sets to help you transition smoothly into Update 51 without missing a beat.