The Elder Scrolls Online Introduces Solo Dungeon Modes for Season Two

What changed#

Starting October 21 with Season Two: Echoes of Skyrim, dedicated solo modes are coming to two classic dungeons: Moon Hunter Keep and March of Sacrifices. Both dungeons originate from the Wolfhunter DLC, which will become free for all players on October 19. Season Two itself runs through January 27, 2027, and all seasonal features are free for players.

Mechanics within these solo instances have been revamped specifically for single combatants and companion allies. Boss abilities and encounter values have been retuned to match a single player’s pacing, while certain mechanics now target active companion allies directly.

Players looking for extra difficulty can activate Meted Misfortunes by interacting with equipment piles at the dungeon entrance. Selecting up to three active Misfortunes increases monster stats, expands enemy attack patterns, and applies extra hazards. For example, the Warm Welcome modifier doubles incoming damage. Enabling all three Misfortunes sets the run to Dauntless difficulty.

Completing solo runs awards a new currency named Undaunted Crests, which scales higher on harder settings. Players can trade these crests to Veya Thenim at any Undaunted Enclave for item rewards. Drops and vendor goods include:

• Cultivated Cryptpod alchemical reagents and style materials
• Two new two-piece monster sets (final bosses drop masks, while shoulders are bought from Veya Thenim)
• Associated set style pages
• Bust and trophy furnishings
• Nowhere Keys
• Legendary companion equipment, specifically chest pieces and two-handed melee weapons

Why it matters#

While players have attempted to clear group dungeons alone since launch, the original design often made soloing tedious or mechanically impractical for many build types. Senior Encounter Designers Sean Wicks and Lauren Kaiser explained that these modified versions let players experience dungeon narratives at an accessible pace without losing the option for high-level combat.

By decoupling solo runs from brute-forcing traditional four-player mechanics, the developers created a scalable endgame option. Baseline solo instances allow casual players using standard overland gear to clear content smoothly. Higher difficulty tiers through Meted Misfortunes reward build adjustments and tactical flexibility with increased loot yields.

What to do next#

Ahead of Season Two’s release on October 21, players can claim the Wolfhunter DLC for free when it unlocks on October 19.

Standard solo dungeon runs can be completed with typical overland character builds. Those planning to stack Meted Misfortunes for Dauntless difficulty may want to evaluate their setups to bring additional damage mitigation or build adjustments. Earned Undaunted Crests can then be brought to Veya Thenim at any Undaunted Enclave to purchase the new reagents, sets, and style items.