Is Western Solstice a tropical paradise, necromantic warzone, or maybe a little of each? Learn more about the new zone in this deep dive from ESO’s own developers.
The island of Solstice is coming soon as part of the Seasons of the Worm Cult saga, available via the new 2025 Content Pass. This tropical zone is split in two by a magical barrier, and you’ll start your adventures in Western Solstice with the release of Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 on June 2 for PC/Mac and June 18 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
A Brand-New World
When you arrive on Solstice, you’ll experience a new land never-before-seen in both ESO and the Elder Scrolls series in general.
“[When designing the new zone] we wanted a setting that could fully support the story we’re telling with the rise of the Worm Cult,” explains Jason Barnes, ESO’s Zone Lead in charge of the new zone. “Building a new location gave us the freedom to craft something that fits the narrative while expanding the lore in fresh and exciting ways.”
A dangerous paradise
You can find this island in the waters south of Black Marsh, positioned somewhat similarly to the Summerset Isles but much farther east, and it features echoes of both regions. While you’ll recognize plenty in Solstice, when it comes to its familiar cultures, the zone offers a twist.
“Not only can you now visit a lush, tropical paradise in Tamriel, but you’ll also get to experience a combination of Argonian and High Elf culture,” explains Writer-Designer Andrew Sianez-De La O. “You’ll also get to meet a brand-new Argonian culture, the Tide-Born, whose beliefs may be a little alien to those familiar with mainland traditions. Keep an eye out for mentions of the tide and the search for one’s ‘destined scales.’”
This combination of Argonian and High Elf peoples is not one seen elsewhere in Tamriel, and the two groups get along… mostly well.
“The Argonians have been here for an exceptionally long time and the High Elves weren’t the kindest of island arrivals,” explains Sianez-De La O. “You’ve arrived in a time of relative peace, but the echoes of this conflict can still be felt in quests across the zone. I think it will be fun for folks to try to piece together what happened, with little hints and additional information hidden in dialogue and lore books.”
Solstice’s Sights, Scenes, and Slayings
Solstice isn’t just beaches and backstory, of course. There’s plenty to do as well, including quests to complete, characters to meet, and enemies to beat.
“Not only do we have a number of returning characters joining us on Solstice, but we also have a few newcomers with connections to fan favorites,” says Sianez-De La O. “You’ll meet them as you adventure across the island. Our adventures in Tamriel have always been built on amazing characters and Solstice is both highlighting and broadening our fantastic cast.”
Encounter new world bosses in Solstice
New and returning allies will be more than welcome, given the island's unique dangers.
“We have several new monsters causing trouble across Solstice, and while the Voskrona Guardians hold a special place in my heart as a lover of all things Argonian, I think the new rolling Vahath Behemoth earns a digital chef’s kiss,” says Sianez-De La O. “I personally can’t wait to jump into the fray and get squished alongside players.”
Discover (and survive) the local Argonians
In addition to all this, you’ll find plenty to do as an explorer as well.
“Keep an eye out for a wild carnival packed with zany hijinks—it’s hard to miss thanks to its massive, colorful tents and the strange oddities that surround it,” says Barnes. “If you’re looking for something with a spookier edge, make your way to the haunted Corelanya Manor. There, you’ll uncover the deeper lore behind House Corelanya and its long, mysterious ties to the island of Solstice. There are also several fun hidden achievements scattered throughout the zone for players to discover, offering some extra surprises for those who love to explore every corner.”
Tropical Treasures
Achievements are an exciting reward for exploration, but there’s plenty more you can earn as well, including new item sets, skyshards, style pages, and other collectibles.
Seasons of the Worm Cult rewards
For example, wearing five pieces of the new Three Queens Wellspring item set offers a bonus to your Magicka Recovery that increases based on your maximum Magicka, providing a new double benefit for stacking that resource!
“I’ve always been a fan of our antiquities system, and this go around we’ve added a new music box that I absolutely adore,” says Sianez-De La O. “It also features codex entries from our new Argonian member of the Antiquarian Circle, so good luck to all our lead hunters and codex completionists!”
“Sloth pet,” asserts Barnes. “That’s all I have to say about that.”
Ready Your Expedition
New sights, stories, challenges, and rewards await those intrepid explorers venturing into Western Solstice this June. Are you excited to explore this dangerous island paradise? Let us know via Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 is included within the 2025 Content Pass and 2025 Premium Edition and arrives on June 2, 2025, for PC/Mac and June 18, 2025, for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
