The Elder Scrolls Online: Stonethorn is a DLC expansion for the MMORPG, requiring the base game to play. Released in 2020, this content extends the ongoing narrative by adding two challenging, high-level group dungeons: Castle Thorn and Stone Garden. The core gameplay loop focuses on cooperative PvE combat, where established players confront rising threats and uncover monstrous secrets tied to the year's main saga. It enhances the existing adventure with new locations and story progression, rather than introducing new core systems.
This DLC primarily introduces two new, high-stakes dungeons that continue the ongoing storyline of the year-long adventure arc. These locations are designed to test the coordination and combat prowess of established adventuring parties.
Players will venture into Castle Thorn, a location steeped in dark history and currently harboring a significant, rising threat. This dungeon focuses on confronting the immediate dangers presented by the current narrative arc.
The second major addition is Stone Garden. This area requires players to delve deep to uncover a monstrous secret that is intrinsically linked to the overarching plotline of the year. Unraveling the mystery within Stone Garden is key to understanding the full scope of the current conflict.
As a DLC, the content provided is focused specifically on endgame group PvE (Player versus Environment) experiences. It does not introduce new core systems, character classes, or a massive open-world zone expansion comparable to a full chapter release. Instead, it offers substantial, replayable dungeon content that directly builds upon the established lore and narrative threads of the main game.
The quality and depth of these two dungeons are comparable to other major dungeon packs released for the title, offering unique boss mechanics, environmental storytelling, and valuable gear rewards for those who successfully complete them.
The central gameplay mechanic emphasized by this release is cooperative dungeon crawling. Success relies on players utilizing their existing skills, classes, and gear within the established framework of The Elder Scrolls Online's combat system. The atmosphere leans heavily into the dark fantasy and gothic horror elements often associated with the setting of Tamriel, particularly within the confines of these two formidable fortresses.
This specific DLC package contains only the two new dungeons mentioned above: Castle Thorn and Stone Garden. It does not include any additional standalone expansions, remakes, or further DLC packs within its own structure.