Update 49 is now available for testing on the PTS! You can read the latest patch notes here: https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/categories/pts
Maintenance for the week of January 19:
• PC/Mac: No maintenance – January 19
• NA megaservers for patch maintenance – January 21, 4:00AM EST (9:00 UTC) - 10:00AM EST (15:00 UTC)
• EU megaservers for patch maintenance – January 21, 9:00 UTC (4:00AM EST) - 15:00 UTC (10:00AM EST)
• PC/Mac: No maintenance – January 19
• NA megaservers for patch maintenance – January 21, 4:00AM EST (9:00 UTC) - 10:00AM EST (15:00 UTC)
• EU megaservers for patch maintenance – January 21, 9:00 UTC (4:00AM EST) - 15:00 UTC (10:00AM EST)
We will be performing maintenance for patch 11.3.1 on the PTS on Tuesday at 10:00AM EST (15:00 UTC).
THE NEW DK SPIKES
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ArchangelIsraphel✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭I did my best to take some neutral screenshots with no gear interference: (Click for full view)
Edited by ArchangelIsraphel on January 13, 2026 9:49PMPC l NA
Legends never die
They're written down in eternity
But you'll never see the price it costs
The scars collected all their lives
When everything's lost, they pick up their hearts and avenge defeat
Before it all starts, they suffer through harm just to touch a dream
Oh, pick yourself up, 'cause
Legends never die6 -
ESO_player123✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭BardokRedSnow wrote: »MXVIIDREAM wrote: »BardokRedSnow wrote: »MXVIIDREAM wrote: »
Lmao that looks more like a turtle shell than anything dragon related.
here's a better pic, that one's very misleading:
Still yours is misleading due to the colour of you clothes hiding the shell look and how zoomed in you are mine is just from gameplay how we will see it as we play and you’re actively trying to photograph them as good as possible and even then still not quite right, if the was a bit bigger less shell like and extended down the back a bit lower like into a point they would be incredible just help push this change so we can all be content for the next how ever many yearsBardokRedSnow wrote: »MXVIIDREAM wrote: »BardokRedSnow wrote: »Alright guys, Ima be honest. Ima take back what I said, I love all the animations lmao. Aside from the glitchy wings lol and other small visual issues like aoes tilting sideways.
I went through every one with various outfits, and once you get used to them you grow to love it. At least I did. I think once people get used to the smaller spikes they'll actually enjoy its sleeker look. When you hyper focus on em yea they dont look that great but on my ten different outfits looking at em during various animations, fire going etc, especially my shirtless outfits, it just looks so sleek...
I am happy either way, big spikes, little spikes, they have their pros and cons, but the more I play the more I love the changes, so thats a good sign.
I dont wanna show pics or make videos, instead I encourage people to download the PTS and try for yourself if you havent already, but I was very impressed by what Ive seen
Even the heart above the head, while a change, I like because it has this badass bone like fire ribcage on you during. You get used to it. And above all, all the animations are so damn smoooooth to use, I did some work on the dummy and whip to light attack, heavy attack weaving etc is so easy to do, and building damage stacks is also a breeze. I didnt change my build up from what its at right now, just kept the typical wretched vitality rallying, bloodspawn and or roksa, and that alone with rally not procing since i was in my house was hitting an easy 6k damage on top of the damage done buffs etc from the perks, with about 8k pen not counting fire breath etc etc.
This will definitely be a wonderful change for pvp, and likely pve also. I'll be pure dking for sure.
It will be interesting to see, I really cant wait for this to go live and hate that I tried this out so early lmfao.
I give the changes an A-/B+ since theres some bugs but an easy A- when the wings are fixed. Maybe an A+ If they change the spikes and theyre bigger but rn they're fine. I think I kinda agree now with what @Radiate77 said with seeing your character more because it looks great letting the fire do the talking instead of the spikes, theyre incredible changes.
I get what your saying but your whole idea and thought process is around comprimse
Right long one here that I hope you can appreciate and agree with
I really appreciate you taking the time to actually test everything and come back with a thoughtful take — and I agree, the gameplay side of these changes feels fantastic. The smoothness, flow, and overall feel of the class is a big win, and that’s why so many of us care so deeply about getting the visuals right too.
I think what your post actually highlights really well is the core point of this thread: a lot of us are enjoying the good enough to overlook the parts we don’t love. But ideally, we shouldn’t have to compromise. If players could enjoy the smoother animations and have stronger, more iconic spikes — or choose to remove things like the heart visual if they don’t like it — that would let everyone fully appreciate the changes without any lingering “I wish this was different” feelings.
This is a rare moment where Dragonknight is being meaningfully reworked, and it may be the last major pass for a long time. That’s why people are being so vocal now — not to reject the changes, but to help shape them into something the whole community can be genuinely happy with for years to come. Giving players choice or refinement here would turn a good update into a great one.
I wouldnt say its compromising per say, its more like I have a hard time deciding which I prefer lmao because I see the pros and cons of the new look xD Like before on low res pictures I hated it, yea it looked terrible of course.
In 4k though on my screen I see all the details and their thought process of displaying the skill without taking away from the outfit youre wearing. So it doesn't do what the old spikes did visually but it does something else, that is augmenting the look rather than taking away.
Incoming a lot of photos to convey what I mean better, I still think they look much better in game but I'll do my best.. and yea a lot of these are with the rally ability i know, its so clean I had to show tho while spiked lmao:
There, plenty more and a few with me shirtless lol, this isnt a slight against you, your pictures are just too blurry to see properly
Just great, now I see two more parasites on the arms. Is this transmittable?Edited by ESO_player123 on January 13, 2026 9:47PM4 -
Radiate77✭✭✭✭✭
✭ArchangelIsraphel wrote: »I did my best to take some neutral screenshots with no gear interference: (Click for full view)
Okay. I’m liking this EVEN MORE now.
Wow is it starting to look wicked.1 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭ArchangelIsraphel wrote: »I did my best to take some neutral screenshots with no gear interference: (Click for full view)
Looks even worse here almost like they’ve been glued on they need to be coming out of the toon not glued on, bit more across the shoulders and a bit further down the lower back and just a bit bigger as a whole I really hope they get this right they seem to be listening thankfully and greatfullyEdited by MXVIIDREAM on January 13, 2026 9:53PM5 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭ESO_player123 wrote: »BardokRedSnow wrote: »MXVIIDREAM wrote: »BardokRedSnow wrote: »MXVIIDREAM wrote: »
Lmao that looks more like a turtle shell than anything dragon related.
here's a better pic, that one's very misleading:
Still yours is misleading due to the colour of you clothes hiding the shell look and how zoomed in you are mine is just from gameplay how we will see it as we play and you’re actively trying to photograph them as good as possible and even then still not quite right, if the was a bit bigger less shell like and extended down the back a bit lower like into a point they would be incredible just help push this change so we can all be content for the next how ever many yearsBardokRedSnow wrote: »MXVIIDREAM wrote: »BardokRedSnow wrote: »Alright guys, Ima be honest. Ima take back what I said, I love all the animations lmao. Aside from the glitchy wings lol and other small visual issues like aoes tilting sideways.
I went through every one with various outfits, and once you get used to them you grow to love it. At least I did. I think once people get used to the smaller spikes they'll actually enjoy its sleeker look. When you hyper focus on em yea they dont look that great but on my ten different outfits looking at em during various animations, fire going etc, especially my shirtless outfits, it just looks so sleek...
I am happy either way, big spikes, little spikes, they have their pros and cons, but the more I play the more I love the changes, so thats a good sign.
I dont wanna show pics or make videos, instead I encourage people to download the PTS and try for yourself if you havent already, but I was very impressed by what Ive seen
Even the heart above the head, while a change, I like because it has this badass bone like fire ribcage on you during. You get used to it. And above all, all the animations are so damn smoooooth to use, I did some work on the dummy and whip to light attack, heavy attack weaving etc is so easy to do, and building damage stacks is also a breeze. I didnt change my build up from what its at right now, just kept the typical wretched vitality rallying, bloodspawn and or roksa, and that alone with rally not procing since i was in my house was hitting an easy 6k damage on top of the damage done buffs etc from the perks, with about 8k pen not counting fire breath etc etc.
This will definitely be a wonderful change for pvp, and likely pve also. I'll be pure dking for sure.
It will be interesting to see, I really cant wait for this to go live and hate that I tried this out so early lmfao.
I give the changes an A-/B+ since theres some bugs but an easy A- when the wings are fixed. Maybe an A+ If they change the spikes and theyre bigger but rn they're fine. I think I kinda agree now with what @Radiate77 said with seeing your character more because it looks great letting the fire do the talking instead of the spikes, theyre incredible changes.
I get what your saying but your whole idea and thought process is around comprimse
Right long one here that I hope you can appreciate and agree with
I really appreciate you taking the time to actually test everything and come back with a thoughtful take — and I agree, the gameplay side of these changes feels fantastic. The smoothness, flow, and overall feel of the class is a big win, and that’s why so many of us care so deeply about getting the visuals right too.
I think what your post actually highlights really well is the core point of this thread: a lot of us are enjoying the good enough to overlook the parts we don’t love. But ideally, we shouldn’t have to compromise. If players could enjoy the smoother animations and have stronger, more iconic spikes — or choose to remove things like the heart visual if they don’t like it — that would let everyone fully appreciate the changes without any lingering “I wish this was different” feelings.
This is a rare moment where Dragonknight is being meaningfully reworked, and it may be the last major pass for a long time. That’s why people are being so vocal now — not to reject the changes, but to help shape them into something the whole community can be genuinely happy with for years to come. Giving players choice or refinement here would turn a good update into a great one.
I wouldnt say its compromising per say, its more like I have a hard time deciding which I prefer lmao because I see the pros and cons of the new look xD Like before on low res pictures I hated it, yea it looked terrible of course.
In 4k though on my screen I see all the details and their thought process of displaying the skill without taking away from the outfit youre wearing. So it doesn't do what the old spikes did visually but it does something else, that is augmenting the look rather than taking away.
Incoming a lot of photos to convey what I mean better, I still think they look much better in game but I'll do my best.. and yea a lot of these are with the rally ability i know, its so clean I had to show tho while spiked lmao:
There, plenty more and a few with me shirtless lol, this isnt a slight against you, your pictures are just too blurry to see properly
Just great, now I see two more parasites on the arms. Is this transmittable?
Yeah those arms seriously need to loose the shell part they look horrific
5 -
Radiate77✭✭✭✭✭
✭Brother @MXVIIDREAM im starting to feel like you hit me with the psi-op of the century!
I gotta clear up some drive space.Edited by Radiate77 on January 13, 2026 9:55PM1 -
ArchangelIsraphel✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭MXVIIDREAM wrote: »Looks even worse here almost like they’ve been glued on they need to be coming out of the toon not glued on, bit more across the shoulders and a bit further down the lower back and just a bit bigger as a whole I really hope they get this right they seem to be listening thankfully and greatfully
Yes, that's exactly why I screenshotted the angles I did. While it gives a better view of the effects, it also very clearly shows where the visuals need to be improved. I think the arms might annoy me even more than the back piece does. I really dislike the whole "pad" thing underneath the spikes in general.
The visuals themselves are...okay, but they lack the molten feel of the first skill visuals. They look too solid. More like metal that's been heated in a forge than molten power bursting free from someones skin. The whole thing just seems very lifeless and underwhelming compared to the old visual.PC l NA
Legends never die
They're written down in eternity
But you'll never see the price it costs
The scars collected all their lives
When everything's lost, they pick up their hearts and avenge defeat
Before it all starts, they suffer through harm just to touch a dream
Oh, pick yourself up, 'cause
Legends never die4 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭ArchangelIsraphel wrote: »MXVIIDREAM wrote: »Looks even worse here almost like they’ve been glued on they need to be coming out of the toon not glued on, bit more across the shoulders and a bit further down the lower back and just a bit bigger as a whole I really hope they get this right they seem to be listening thankfully and greatfully
Yes, that's exactly why I screenshotted the angles I did. While it gives a better view of the effects, it also very clearly shows where the visuals need to be improved. I think the arms might annoy me even more than the back piece does. I really dislike the whole "pad" thing underneath the spikes in general.
The visuals themselves are...okay, but they lack the molten feel of the first skill visuals. They look too solid. More like metal that's been heated in a forge than molten power bursting free from someones skin. The whole thing just seems very lifeless and underwhelming compared to the old visual.
I know what you mean the spikes emerging from the dks skin was iconic
This kind of looks like they’ve stuck a tiny spiked bag on with a side of parasites leaving off the arms I think a good start would be to remove whatever that base is and make the spikes extend slightly lower and just generally make them bigger I think this in itself would be a dramatic improvement most of us would be grateful for3 -
ArchangelIsraphel✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭Yes, exactly. It was one of the things that actually drew me to playing the class. I think a lot of the other new visuals are a big improvement, but this particular skill (and a couple others) have been a downgrade.
I thought this image I found might be a useful comparison of old to new:
PC l NA
Legends never die
They're written down in eternity
But you'll never see the price it costs
The scars collected all their lives
When everything's lost, they pick up their hearts and avenge defeat
Before it all starts, they suffer through harm just to touch a dream
Oh, pick yourself up, 'cause
Legends never die3 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭
If they can find a middle ground for the length between the two it’ll be perfectArchangelIsraphel wrote: »Yes, exactly. It was one of the things that actually drew me to playing the class. I think a lot of the other new visuals are a big improvement, but this particular skill (and a couple others) have been a downgrade.
I thought this image I found might be a useful comparison of old to new:
The go a lot lower and the new ones should go that low aswell I feel to break up the turtle shape we haveEdited by MXVIIDREAM on January 13, 2026 10:07PM3 -
BardokRedSnow✭✭✭✭✭MXVIIDREAM wrote: »BardokRedSnow wrote: »MXVIIDREAM wrote: »
Lmao that looks more like a turtle shell than anything dragon related.
here's a better pic, that one's very misleading:
Still yours is misleading due to the colour of you clothes hiding the shell look and how zoomed in you are mine is just from gameplay how we will see it as we play and you’re actively trying to photograph them as good as possible and even then still not quite right, if the was a bit bigger less shell like and extended down the back a bit lower like into a point they would be incredible just help push this change so we can all be content for the next how ever many years
It's just that your Nord looks badass, anything would look cool on this dude.
[snip] you know what I'll take the compliment, and I dont disagree it does look a bit pineconey
[edited for profanity bypass]Edited by ZOS_Icy on January 16, 2026 12:09PMZos then: Vengeance is just a test bro
Zos now: Do you want Vengeance permanent or permanent...1 -
ArchangelIsraphel✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭MXVIIDREAM wrote: »If they can find a middle ground for the length between the two it’ll be perfect
The go a lot lower and the new ones should go that low aswell I feel to break up the turtle shape we have
Agreed! I think the most important thing to me is that all of the skills really say "dragon". If the "pad" were removed, and the spikes were carried down the spine further, narrowing towards the bottom, it would be an improvement.
I also always liked the way the spikes taper from short, to long, then short again. It gave the impression of a dragons spine
I mean, I wouldn't object to molten/charred lava scales being at the base of the spikes to blend them into the character more. The pad just looks so artificial/chunky.
PC l NA
Legends never die
They're written down in eternity
But you'll never see the price it costs
The scars collected all their lives
When everything's lost, they pick up their hearts and avenge defeat
Before it all starts, they suffer through harm just to touch a dream
Oh, pick yourself up, 'cause
Legends never die4 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭ArchangelIsraphel wrote: »MXVIIDREAM wrote: »If they can find a middle ground for the length between the two it’ll be perfect
The go a lot lower and the new ones should go that low aswell I feel to break up the turtle shape we have
Agreed! I think the most important thing to me is that all of the skills really say "dragon". If the "pad" were removed, and the spikes were carried down the spine further, narrowing towards the bottom, it would be an improvement.
I also always liked the way the spikes taper from short, to long, then short again. It gave the impression of a dragons spine
I mean, I wouldn't object to molten/charred lava scales being at the base of the spikes to blend them into the character more. The pad just looks so artificial/chunky.
Love this exactly what the idea we all seem to want is not to much but not to little
3 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭I will say this the actual spike design like their individual,pointer, straighter, shape is actually betterEdited by MXVIIDREAM on January 13, 2026 10:42PM3
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Shadesofkin✭✭✭✭✭
✭ArchangelIsraphel wrote: »Yes, exactly. It was one of the things that actually drew me to playing the class. I think a lot of the other new visuals are a big improvement, but this particular skill (and a couple others) have been a downgrade.
I thought this image I found might be a useful comparison of old to new:
Now that takes me back...yeah I want to see a compromise that brings it much closer to this.5 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭
ThinkShadesofkin wrote: »ArchangelIsraphel wrote: »Yes, exactly. It was one of the things that actually drew me to playing the class. I think a lot of the other new visuals are a big improvement, but this particular skill (and a couple others) have been a downgrade.
I thought this image I found might be a useful comparison of old to new:
Now that takes me back...yeah I want to see a compromise that brings it much closer to this.
Between the new length and this length will be perfect
1 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭
Imagine if we could have the glowing orange portions as actual flames 🔥😍MXVIIDREAM wrote: »
If they can find a middle ground for the length between the two it’ll be perfectArchangelIsraphel wrote: »Yes, exactly. It was one of the things that actually drew me to playing the class. I think a lot of the other new visuals are a big improvement, but this particular skill (and a couple others) have been a downgrade.
I thought this image I found might be a useful comparison of old to new:
The go a lot lower and the new ones should go that low aswell I feel to break up the turtle shape we have
4 -
Morvan✭✭✭✭✭
✭ArchangelIsraphel wrote: »I did my best to take some neutral screenshots with no gear interference: (Click for full view)
To be fair, it doesn't look that bad, they just need to change that turtle shell shape a bit, the parts on the arms do look hideous though.Edited by Morvan on January 14, 2026 1:06AM@MorvanClaude on PC/NA, don't try to trap me with lore subjects, it will work4 -
iyx✭✭✭Well, the more I squint and stare at the new effect, the less I like it. As many in this thread saying, it's simply not iconic enough. DK is my favorite class which I've been playing since 2017, and I'd really want it to retain its visual and overall identity in the updated version.
Here I tried to mash:
1. old look
2. The new pinecone aesthetic~
3. draconic spine (most frequently mentioned by other players in this thread)
4. hot obsidian spikes (my personal preference)
Sorry if the image isn't legible enough, I made it quickly.17 -
Wup_sa✭✭✭Well, the more I squint and stare at the new effect, the less I like it. As many in this thread saying, it's simply not iconic enough. DK is my favorite class which I've been playing since 2017, and I'd really want it to retain its visual and overall identity in the updated version.
Here I tried to mash:
1. old look
2. The new pinecone aesthetic~
3. draconic spine (most frequently mentioned by other players in this thread)
4. hot obsidian spikes (my personal preference)
Sorry if the image isn't legible enough, I made it quickly.
Looks good aside from the knuckle spikes2 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭Well, the more I squint and stare at the new effect, the less I like it. As many in this thread saying, it's simply not iconic enough. DK is my favorite class which I've been playing since 2017, and I'd really want it to retain its visual and overall identity in the updated version.
Here I tried to mash:
1. old look
2. The new pinecone aesthetic~
3. draconic spine (most frequently mentioned by other players in this thread)
4. hot obsidian spikes (my personal preference)
Sorry if the image isn't legible enough, I made it quickly.
Brother this is wicked I hope a dev see’s this honestly this is exactly what a lot of us want to see you’ve nailed itWell, the more I squint and stare at the new effect, the less I like it. As many in this thread saying, it's simply not iconic enough. DK is my favorite class which I've been playing since 2017, and I'd really want it to retain its visual and overall identity in the updated version.
Here I tried to mash:
1. old look
2. The new pinecone aesthetic~
3. draconic spine (most frequently mentioned by other players in this thread)
4. hot obsidian spikes (my personal preference)
Sorry if the image isn't legible enough, I made it quickly.
This is the general idea that everyone seems to want to see do you think you can ask if something like this is achievable ?@ZOS_JessicaFolsom
Edited by MXVIIDREAM on January 14, 2026 6:50AM6 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭Well, the more I squint and stare at the new effect, the less I like it. As many in this thread saying, it's simply not iconic enough. DK is my favorite class which I've been playing since 2017, and I'd really want it to retain its visual and overall identity in the updated version.
Here I tried to mash:
1. old look
2. The new pinecone aesthetic~
3. draconic spine (most frequently mentioned by other players in this thread)
4. hot obsidian spikes (my personal preference)
Sorry if the image isn't legible enough, I made it quickly.
I think there’s potential for the hand spikes to cause issues interacting with weapons, animations and actions and outfits so, although they’re pretty badass I’d be okay with loosing them but I think you’ve captured the rest of it beautifully if I’m honest
1 -
iyx✭✭✭Agreed, I went owerboard with knuckles
(honestly I've always wanted also leg spikes, but we need to stay reasonble, have we). And with assymetry, pattern must stay symmetrical for simplicity sake, but with the new effect its looks really jarring. 1 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭Agreed, I went owerboard with knuckles (honestly I've always wanted also leg spikes, but we need to stay reasonble, have we). And with assymetry, pattern must stay symmetrical for simplicity sake, but with the new effect its looks really jarring.
Some spikes down the back of the legs would be dope but let’s not push it, you made a really cool design though think you’ve captured what we all want to see they’re not obnoxiously big like they used to be but still big enough to keep that iconic look
1 -
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭I’m also not sure if the skill is bugged earth shield mantle (the damage shield morph) gives no visual shield I’ve just noticedEdited by MXVIIDREAM on January 14, 2026 8:37AM0
-
MXVIIDREAM✭✭✭ArchangelIsraphel wrote: »I did my best to take some neutral screenshots with no gear interference: (Click for full view)
To be fair, it doesn't look that bad, they just need to change that turtle shell shape a bit, the parts on the arms do look hideous though.
That’s all of it lol
2 -
iyx✭✭✭MXVIIDREAM wrote: »Agreed, I went owerboard with knuckles (honestly I've always wanted also leg spikes, but we need to stay reasonble, have we). And with assymetry, pattern must stay symmetrical for simplicity sake, but with the new effect its looks really jarring.
Some spikes down the back of the legs would be dope but let’s not push it, you made a really cool design though think you’ve captured what we all want to see they’re not obnoxiously big like they used to be but still big enough to keep that iconic look
Thanks, all people here have left so many detailed descriptions of how they want the updated spikes to look like, so it's easy to put together something similar to the desired result.0 -
Cerbolt✭✭✭✭Well, the more I squint and stare at the new effect, the less I like it. As many in this thread saying, it's simply not iconic enough. DK is my favorite class which I've been playing since 2017, and I'd really want it to retain its visual and overall identity in the updated version.
Here I tried to mash:
1. old look
2. The new pinecone aesthetic~
3. draconic spine (most frequently mentioned by other players in this thread)
4. hot obsidian spikes (my personal preference)
Sorry if the image isn't legible enough, I made it quickly.
Now this is cool. I hope ZOS is looking at this because it's a lot better than that turtle shell pinecone thing they've got going on.PS EU | AD - For the Queen!
Relaryn - Altmer Vampblade | Vashirr - Khajiit Magdk | Khahan-ra - Khajiit Magplar
Kazhran - Khajiit Stamsorc | Dar'zhir - Khajiit Stamarc | Zathril - Altmer Frostden3
