The Elder Scrolls Online: Flames of Ambition 'The Cauldron' DLC Dungeon Preview

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) latest expansion, Blackwood, features the Flames of Ambition as its first introductory update with a brand new dungeon: the Cauldron.

Developer ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS) took to Twitter on Wednesday, Feb. 10 to unveil a preview of their upcoming DLC dungeon known as the Cauldron. Within the primary Flames of Ambition content, the Cauldron is one of two major story beats leading into the Blackwood expansion. Players will have to step onto the front lines against an all too familiar enemy—the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon and his Oblivion Gates.

'The Cauldron' DLC Dungeon Preview Explained

A familiar face joins the Vestige in their investigation into Mehrunes Dagon and the Order of the Walking Flame—the Dremora "Dread Lady" Lyranth. This fan-favorite "outcast" among the Daedric community has interests in the dungeon that loosely aligns with the player. So, why not kill two birds with one stone?

The dungeon is located in an ancient, abandoned mine in Deshaan—one of the first zones of the Ebonheart Pact. The Order has been abducting locals and forcing them to labor in their deadly rituals, including the family of one dark elf, Drathas. With both Lyranth and Drathas standing by their side, the Vestige must venture forth to thwart the cult hiding away underground.

The Cauldron is strategically separated into three distinct areas, each bearing a unique boss with numerous trash mobs of devotees and Daedra along the way. The trio will need to face down Oxblood the Depraved—the largest Orgrim on this plane of Tamriel—avoid the scalding attacks of the Molten Guardian, and rip into the grip of Taskmaster Viccia.

Only then will they be able to reach the final boss: Daedric Chieftain Baron Zaudrus. According to Mike Finnigan, the Encounter Lead for ESO, "The final boss in particular, Baron Zaudrus, is a frantic fight that really emphasizes movement and forces you to have your head on a swivel."

Players have a chance to grab generous rewards for freeing the captives and putting a stop to the Order's ritual. New gear, collectible items, achievements, and a brand new monster mask are all waiting to be claimed.

The Flames of Ambition DLC will go live on March 8, 2021, for PC, Mac, and Stadia players. Console players will have to wait until March 16. More information about Blackwood's introductory DLC can be found on ESO's official website.