The Elder Scrolls Online Expands the Base Game with Four DLCs in Update 49

The Elder Scrolls Online is about to enter a brand new chapter in its long life cycle. With the arrival of Update 49 and the beginning of a seasonal model for the game, players are not just getting quality of life improvements and new content systems. They are also seeing a major shift in how older DLC is distributed.

In a move that makes it easier for new players to jump into the game, four classic adventures are being permanently integrated into the base game. That means more zones, stories, and gameplay systems will be available to everyone who owns the base version of The Elder Scrolls Online.

For anyone who has been around Tamriel for years, this update feels like a nostalgic throwback. But for new adventurers, it is an incredible amount of content to explore right out of the gate.

Let’s break down what Update 49 is doing and why it matters for the future of ESO.

Update 49 Brings Four Classic DLC Adventures to the Base Game

With the launch of Update 49, four previously paid DLCs will now be part of the base experience in The Elder Scrolls Online.

These adventures include

Orsinium
Imperial City
Thieves Guild
Dark Brotherhood

While longtime players may have already experienced these stories, integrating them into the base game dramatically increases the value of the core package.

For new players picking up ESO today, this means access to several additional zones, questlines, and gameplay systems without needing to buy separate DLC.

It is part of a broader plan from the developers to modernize the game and remove barriers for newcomers.

Imperial City Returns as a Core ESO PvP Zone

Originally released in 2015, Imperial City was one of the first major expansions for The Elder Scrolls Online.

This DLC introduced a hybrid PvE and PvP zone set in the heart of Cyrodiil’s capital city. The area is filled with dangerous Daedric forces, members of the Worm Cult, and enemy players from opposing alliances.

The zone includes six districts to explore as well as two dungeons hidden beneath the city streets.

Veteran players will remember the constant tension in Imperial City. You could be clearing Daedra one minute and suddenly find yourself ambushed by players from another alliance.

It is chaotic, risky, and honestly one of the most unique PvP environments ESO has ever offered.

Now that Imperial City is fully integrated into the base game, more players will finally get to experience that thrill.

Orsinium Expands the World with the Wrothgar Region

If you ask long time ESO players which DLC had the best storylines, Orsinium almost always comes up in the conversation.

Released in 2015, this expansion introduced the rugged region of Wrothgar, the ancestral homeland of the Orcs.

The zone offers a huge open world filled with political intrigue, ancient ruins, and some of the most atmospheric landscapes in the game. The central storyline focuses on rebuilding the Orc capital of Orsinium and navigating the complicated politics surrounding it.

Wrothgar is also home to one of ESO’s most challenging solo activities.

The Maelstrom Arena.

For veteran players, this arena became a true test of skill. Surviving its stages requires strong builds, quick reactions, and a lot of patience.

Adding Orsinium to the base game means new players can experience one of ESO’s best zones without paying extra.

Thieves Guild Brings the Rogue Fantasy to Life

The Thieves Guild DLC delivered something many Elder Scrolls fans were hoping for.

A true criminal lifestyle.

In this storyline, players travel to the city of Abah’s Landing in Hammerfell and join the infamous Thieves Guild. From there, you take on heists, stealth missions, and various shady jobs to help rebuild the organization.

If you enjoy sneaking through guarded locations, picking locks, and escaping with stolen treasures, this DLC really nails that classic Elder Scrolls feeling.

The Thieves Guild content also introduces new gameplay mechanics focused on stealth and crime. Players can take on special repeatable heists and participate in organized theft operations across the region.

For anyone who loved sneaky playstyles in Skyrim or Oblivion, this is one of the most satisfying questlines in ESO.

Dark Brotherhood Lets You Become an Assassin

Few factions are as iconic in the Elder Scrolls universe as the Dark Brotherhood.

This DLC allows players to join the secretive assassin organization and complete murder contracts across Tamriel.

The story begins with an initiation quest that pulls you into the Brotherhood’s world of secrets, politics, and deadly assignments.

After joining, players unlock a new skill line designed around assassination gameplay. Contracts range from simple targets to elaborate missions requiring stealth and careful planning.

It captures that familiar Elder Scrolls assassin fantasy perfectly.

If you ever wanted to walk the path of the Night Mother again, this DLC delivers exactly that experience.

How to Access These DLCs After Update 49

Once Update 49 goes live, accessing these new base game adventures will be simple.

Players can open the main menu and navigate to the Collectibles tab. From there, select Stories and choose the adventure you want to begin.

This streamlined system makes it much easier for new players to discover ESO content without getting lost in menus or the Crown Store.

It also highlights just how much story content the base game now includes.

A Bigger Shift in ESO’s Business Model

The inclusion of these four DLCs is not a one time change.

According to the developers, the long term plan is to gradually integrate older DLC content into the base game over time.

Future expansions will arrive as seasonal updates, while the game continues to be supported through its base purchase price, optional subscription, and battle pass style systems.

This approach helps ESO stay competitive with modern live service games while also making it easier for newcomers to join the community.

From a veteran player perspective, this is honestly a smart move.

ESO has years of incredible content, and lowering the barrier to entry helps keep Tamriel alive with new adventurers.

What This Means for New and Returning Players

For anyone considering trying The Elder Scrolls Online, Update 49 might be the perfect time to jump in.

With Orsinium, Imperial City, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood included in the base game, players now get access to an enormous amount of content right away.

That includes

Multiple new questlines
New zones to explore
Unique gameplay systems
Arena challenges and PvP environments

Combine that with the Morrowind chapter and the Warden class already included in the base game, and ESO now offers hundreds of hours of gameplay before you even touch newer expansions.

For players looking to progress faster or gear up efficiently, some adventurers also choose to stock up on eso gold from trusted marketplaces like G4mmo to save time and focus on the parts of the game they enjoy most.

Final Thoughts on ESO Update 49

After more than a decade on the market, The Elder Scrolls Online continues to evolve in smart ways.

Update 49 is not just about new features. It represents a shift toward making the game more welcoming and accessible for new players while still respecting the massive amount of content ESO has built over the years.

By folding these four classic DLC adventures into the base game, the developers are effectively giving everyone a much richer starting experience.

For veterans, it is a reminder of how far the game has come.

And for newcomers, it is the beginning of a massive journey across Tamriel.

If you have been waiting for the right time to explore ESO or return to the game, Update 49 might just be that moment.