The Elder Scrolls Online Makes Markarth DLC Free in Base Game
What changed
The Elder Scrolls Online has officially added the Markarth zone and its accompanying storyline into the base game as part of Season Two: Echoes of Skyrim. Players can now access the southwestern Skyrim region known as the Reach, along with an expanded area of subterranean Blackreach, without purchasing additional DLC.
This update brings the entire conclusion of the Dark Heart of Skyrim saga into the base package. Alongside Markarth, the Greymoor Chapter is also available for free as part of Season Two, allowing players to play through the complete storyline from its beginning to its final chapter. Inside the newly unlocked zone, players can visit the fortress city of Markarth, venture into the depths of Arkthzand Cavern, and interact with the ancient Witchfolk of the Reach while confronting the dark forces threatening Skyrim.
Why it matters
By making Markarth free for base game owners, the climax of the Dark Heart of Skyrim narrative is now accessible to the entire player base. Previously, finishing this narrative arc required purchasing specific zone DLC, but Season Two: Echoes of Skyrim integrates both Greymoor and Markarth directly into the core experience at no additional cost.
Storywise, the Reach offers a distinct environment populated by stubborn inhabitants who remain notoriously suspicious of outsiders. Adventurers will need to navigate these local tensions while uncovering the mysteries hidden within Arkthzand Cavern and confronting the looming threat over Skyrim. Integrating this zone into the base game ensures that all players can experience the expanded Blackreach caverns, encounter the Witchfolk, and complete the full narrative arc without paywalls.
What to do next
To start the Markarth storyline, players need to open their in-game interface and navigate to the Collections UI. From there, select the Stories tab and locate Markarth listed under the Zone DLC category. Claiming the opening quest will immediately direct your character toward the Reach and initiate your journey into southwestern Skyrim.
Players interested in sharing their experiences or discussing the story finale can reach out to the development team across official social media channels, including Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
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