The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMO-RPG where players collaborate and compete in PVE and PVP events, and it seems a new update is on the horizon. On July 8th, ESO‘s Season 1, Update 51 will come online and bring even more content to the game, including an all new event called “High Seas of Tamriel”. An interview with Game Director Nick Giacomini and Associate Design Director Jason Barnes, conducted by XBOX Wire, gives more information about the event, including design elements and changes involving the game moving forward. In the mean time, here’s everything you need to know about ESO‘s upcoming season.

As mentioned, Season One is intended to release July 8th of this year, and has a lot in store for players. According to ESO-hub.com, players will have access to a new trial known as Crimson Veldt, where players will delver into Hircine’s Hunting Grounds. Additionally, players will be able to take up new quest lines involving the Thieves Guild and Sheogorath, as well as four new content systems to explore. The Warden class will be going through a “Combat Refresh”, and players can also look forward to general Quality-of-Life improvements involving experience changes.

The interview with Nick Giacomini and Jason Barnes provided more insight into the upcoming event. In this interview, they described the thoughts and challenges that pushed them into crafting this event, which included some information on naval battles and underwater sections for players to take part in. Giacomini in particular also made sure to let players know of the new mechanics and physics that will come with underwater combat.

Giacomini and Barnes also described the vision they have for the game’s future with the upcoming update as a whole. They stated that they both wanted to try new things, as they declared players wanted, while still keeping close to the roots that makes ESO as a whole. Nick in particular stated that while this event in particular will be different, but will still feel like The Elder Scrolls Online, as they focused on innovating the game without it losing its identity.

The Elder Scrolls Online Season 1 and the content it brings will be free for players to gain access to once it releases on July 8th. It appears that players will have plenty to do when it finally does, too. Between fighting off pirates, exploring underwater, and tackling new quest lines, it’s likely that Season 1 will be an experimental but new experience for both players and designers alike.