Most Iconic Dungeons In Elder Scrolls, Ranked

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Summary

  • Elder Scrolls dungeons, like Addamasartus, Vilverin, and Arkngthand, offer unique experiences and challenges.
  • Oblivion Gates, like Ganonah, are fire-filled regions hostile to players in contrast to Cyrodiil’s beauty.
  • Infamous dungeons in the Elder Scrolls, such as Blackreach and Bleak Falls Barrow, offer memorable quests and loot.

The charm of the The Elder Scrolls series is found in its idyllic towns, eccentric characters, and tranquil landscapes, yet another key aspect lies in the exploration and cave-exploring escapades it offers. These excursions whisk players away on brief journeys beneath the surface of the land.

In every game of the Elder Scrolls series, I’ve noticed that the approach to designing these underworld labyrinths, or gauntlets as they’re often called, has subtly changed. Yet, certain dungeons from each game have left an indelible mark on us fans, lingering in our memories long after we’ve defeated its denizens and plundered its riches. These are the dungeons that any true Elder Scrolls fan would instantly recognize.

7. Addamasartus – Morrowind

An Outlander’s First Test And A Taste Of Dunmer Slavekeeping

Similar to Seyda Neen, the unassuming yet content-rich starting town in Morrowind, this dungeon can be breezed through without a second glance. Yet, adventurous players will discover that Addamasartus serves as an informative guide for the lore and gameplay they’ll encounter throughout the rest of the game.

Non-residents may become aware of the illicit dealings of the Smugglers from the Addamasartus gang, thanks to a High Elf woman residing in Seyda Neen. Apart from smuggling, it should be noted that these wrongdoers maintain slaves, a practice tolerated among the Dunmer of Morrowind, which the player will discover later on. Freeing these enslaved individuals could provide a release for emotional tension and offer a quest opportunity further in the game.

6. Vilverin – Oblivion

A Short Swim Away From The Imperial Sewers Exit

Following a harrowing journey marked by the Imperial Prison’s rat-infested depths and goblin-haunted sewers, our potential Kvatch hero eventually steps into sunlight. Opposite a brief water crossing sparkles the white columns of an Ayleid ruin. Remarkably similar to locations outside Cyrodiil, this place is teeming with bandits.

Most novice adventurers make their way to Vilverin, and seasoned ones often revisit it for hidden treasures to gain an edge for the remainder of their journey. The standout feature of this dungeon is the vast chamber with a small encampment, where players’ skills are put to the ultimate test as they may find themselves outnumbered by four or five opponents. Deep within Vilverin lies a surprising labyrinth, although it’s debatable whether the developers made a questionable decision by including a door at the end that sends players back to the beginning – a design element that would later become standard in the sequel.

5. Arkngthand – Morrowind

Containing Nirn’s Most Realistically-Placed Mystery Box

In the game Morrowind, one encounters the intriguing race of deep elves, or Dwemer, along with a wealth of captivating lore about them. The striking exterior of Arkngthand, a dungeon you’ll probably come across on your way to Balmora to connect with Caius Cosades, serves as a glimpse into their remarkable steampunk-style architecture for most players. Known for driving some gamers mad in the quest for the Dwemer puzzle box during the main storyline, Arkngthand has earned its notorious reputation.

In many video games, a key item for the main quest is often found in an obvious spot, like at the end of a dungeon inside a grand chest. However, Arkngthand breaks this convention by placing the box casually on a shelf without any special attention. This aligns with Morrowind’s approach to dungeon design, where caves, forts, tombs, and ruins were designed more like inhabited locations instead of linear spaces for players to easily conquer without resistance.

4. Ganonah / The Kvatch Deadlands – Oblivion

Welcome To The Lava Lands Of Hell

In the realm of Oblivion within the game, I’ve found that the Oblivion Gates are unlike any typical dungeons. They’re more akin to fiery, open expanses rather than labyrinthine underground networks. The landscapes within the Deadlands are not just hostile, but they exude an otherworldly terror, as if they were ripped straight from the depths of the underworld (as some interpretations of Abrahamic religions depict it). This chilling contrast serves to underscore the peaceful, flower-filled vistas of Cyrodiil.

Among all scenes from The Deadlands, one that stands out vividly in the minds of Oblivion enthusiasts is the instance accessed at Kvatch. This location (later discovered to be named Ganonah, as revealed by a Dremora encountered within Mankar Camoran’s personal domain of Oblivion) presents challenges for players, including battling a squad of Daedra, navigating a lava lake, exploring toxic caves, and ascending a demonic tower teeming with irate, immortal minions of Mehrunes Dagon. The gate is ultimately closed by retrieving its anchor, the sigil stone.

3. Blackreach – Skyrim

A City Into Itself, Illuminated By Mushroom Light

This long-lost Dwemer city stands out as one of the most unforgettable experiences and it’s also among the biggest dungeons in the Elder Scrolls series. The city’s immense size, challenging navigation, and the eerie bioluminescent glow of its steampunk ambiance, all contribute to its lasting impression.

Additionally, players might recall their frantic hunt for scarlet nirnroots, similar to the challenging collection mission in Oblivion, which was notorious for its persistent NPC who loved nirnroots.

2. Imperial Prison Sewer – Oblivion

Goblins, Rats, And Self Discovery

In keeping with the custom of introducing players as a character who was once imprisoned and then set free, similar to the beginning of The Elder Scrolls: Arena, the Imperial Prison Sewer serves as the initial dungeon in Oblivion. This area is designed to serve as both a tutorial and a glimpse into what’s ahead, incorporating passageways within dungeons, caves, and waterworks sections.

This is a place where players can explore, determine their game strategy, and finalize their character setup. After experiencing the demise of an emperor and fleeing into a vibrant, expansive world, this setting is etched in the minds of many fans of The Elder Scrolls series, particularly Oblivion, due to its replayability.

1. Bleak Falls Barrow – Skyrim

A Golden Opportunity Amid Angry Old Draugr

Regardless of whether Skyrim players decide to stick to the road leading to Riverwood or not, after emerging from the tunnels beneath Helgen, they’ll invariably encounter the awe-inspiring sight of Bleak Falls Barrow. This ancient crypt serves as a mandatory destination for players, as defeating its inhabitants is essential for unlocking potent shouts and moving forward with the main storyline.

In this game, the dungeon serves as a representative sample of all other dungeons, featuring aggressive undead known as draugr, colossal spiders, intricate puzzles involving moving floor and wall stones, oil that can be lit, a key shaped like a dragon’s claw, and as expected, a large treasure chest with an inscription wall at its conclusion.

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2025-01-06 06:34