Released on September 10, 2024, by Bethesda Games Studios, The Elder Scrolls: Castles allows players to rule over their very own castle while they build up their royal dynasty. This unusual addition to the famous Elder Scrolls universe is a new spin on the mobile management game, now available globally on Android and iOS.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles has released an update this October, just in time for the Halloween season. The update was announced via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on October 17, promising players a whole host of “SPOOKY” features and “seasonal excitement.” The post provides a link containing the specifics for this month’s update, along with a charming graphic surmising its key points.
The linked article launches into further detail, starting with the update’s focal point: the Witch Festival. The event is scheduled to last from October 21 to November 4 and will be in full swing by the time of Halloween’s arrival. It is vaguely described as a “six-part, spooky-themed event” in which the castle will encounter Morga the Witch, a never-before-seen subject in the game. Players can expect new quests, storylines, frightening decor, and Halloween-themed music in the coming weeks.
Along with the special event, the developers of The Elder Scrolls: Castles list a few quality-of-life updates to the game, many of which were “highly requested” by fans. As of October 17, the game has implemented a new leaderboard system. This new algorithm tracks players’ “Castle Scores” as they play, as well as tracking progress in Sheogorath’s Gauntlet based on the highest wave players have reached.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles has also implemented some Gauntlet-specific updates. Players now have the ability to accept favors every time three waves are completed. This will certainly aid them against Wave Bosses, which will now appear every ten waves. Sheograph Loot packs are new drops unique to this game mode and they will always contain items of at least rare quality.
Players can now utilize the power of Necromancy to revive their favorite long-lost subjects. Resurrection becomes available with the acquisition of Soul Jems, found in Heirlooms and Legendary Loot Boxes. Although these Gems are not currently available as in-app purchases in the game, this will not be the case for long.
Cross-platform play, extra dynasty levels, and a variety of added languages are also mentioned in the announcement article, albeit briefly. The update’s official announcement trailer paints a more festive picture of these October additions, showcasing the castle’s spooky makeover and introducing Morga the Witch as a mysterious Orc, concealed in black robes.
Players who have the game downloaded on their mobile device and are interested should make sure that they update it in time for the event, or else they might miss out on these features. If the update’s announcement has sparked any interest in potential players, the game is free-to-play with in-app-purchases, and currently available for download on both the App Store and Google Play Store.