Summary
A longtime frustration facingElder Scrolls Onlinelore enthusiasts may finally be addressed by coming updates to the game. The plot hole was originally introduced early inThe Elder Scrolls Online, and developer Zenimax Online Studios' plans for the game include addressing that ten-year-old bugbear.
Ever since its launch in 2014,The Elder Scrolls Onlinehas helped expand the vision of Tamriel for fans and players alike, adding new locations and stories beyond what can be seen and experienced in the mainlineElder Scrollssingle-player games. Where the single-player RPGs usually placed players in one or two provinces of Tamriel,The Elder Scrolls Onlineoffered unmatched breadth within theElder Scrollsuniverse, allowing large numbers of players access to the series' biggest game world. And withthe newElder Scrolls Online Gold Roadexpansionon the way, even more of Tamriel will be available to experience.
A franchise as long-lived and popular as theElder Scrollspasses through many creators and teams, each of which leaves their own mark on the series. Sometimes those marks can conflict, as happened whenThe Elder Scrolls Onlinedepicted the Imperial Province of Cyrodiil as being mainly temperate woodland and plains region, reminiscent of how it appeared inOblivion. This depiction, however, clashed with earlier descriptions of Cyrodiil during the Second Era (the period of timeElder Scrolls Onlinetakes place in) as being covered in a thick jungle. For years, this discrepancy has stood unaddressed, butan interview withElder Scrolls OnlineCreative Director Rich Lambertsays that Zenimax will address the inconsistency with theGold Roadexpansion.The Elder scrolls OnlineGold Roadwill add various features, including new playable areas within Cyrodiil.
One of those playable areas is located in the West Weald, a portion of southern and southwestern Cyrodiil bordering the provinces of Valenwood and Elsweyr, and home to the city of Skingrad inOblivion. But whenThe Elder Scrolls Online Gold Roadlaunches on Jun 20, 2025, a massive jungle will be seen covering large portions of the West Weald. The jungle grew seemingly overnight, and was allegedly conjured by a group called the Recollection, made up of Bosmer (Wood Elves). The Recollection’s goals and motives aren’t clear, but they may tie intostory elements fromThe Elder ScrollsNecrom.
According to the interview with Rich Lambert, the new jungle in Cyrodiil is “absolutely” intended to address the lore inconsistency thatElder Scrollsfans have been pointing out for years now (with some jokingly calling the issue “junglegate”). The presence of jungles in Cyrodiil is seen as important because of myths in theElder Scrollshistory saying the Emperor Tiber Septim cut down Cyrodiil’s jungles himself to change the province’s climate. It’s good to see that Zenimax has its eye on addressing some longstanding, if minor, issues, in addition to planning outnew additions with the advent of theGold Roadexpansion.
The Elder Scrolls Online
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an ever-expanding story across all of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online, an award-winning fantasy RPG. Explore a rich, living world with friends or embark upon a solo adventure.Ultimate freedom—Create your ultimate RPG character, play solo or adventure with friends, and determine your fate in an ever-expanding world. With no level restrictions, go anywhere at any time in a truly open world.Choose your adventure—Begin your adventure where you like: emerge from Coldharbour in the Base Game, battle Dragons in the Elsweyr Chapter, or get ready to face the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, in Blackwood. All content is accessible for new players, and you can switch adventures whenever you like.
