The Elder Scrolls: Blades is the latest entry in the Elder Scrolls franchise built entirely for mobile players. It’s not Elder Scrolls Lite, it’s a full-on RPG experience, which means there’s a lot to delve into. Since most fans of the series aren’t used to playing with such limited controls, we wanted to put together a few tips and tricks to help make the most out of your playthrough.
First things first is that it’s an Early Access title, which means not everyone will have access. If you haven’t signed up for Early Access, you can do so right here.
To Salvage or to Sell
When players first dive into the game, there is a quest to help save a blacksmith. Once saved, the player is then tasked with helping him rebuild and it’s there that he becomes a valuable asset. Personally, I recommend doing this immediately, because his shop is where you can choose to either salvage important materials, or sell for easy coin.
Just like any ES game, there is a ton of sub-par loot to be found amidst the gems. Loot it all, and then simply turn around and sell / salvage. Since loot seems very easy to come by in this game, it’s more beneficial simply to sell than to salvage unless you’re just really hurting for a particular material. If you’re in need of coin, don’t worry – materials drop all the time, so don’t feel guilty for selling instead.
Explore, Explore, Explore
Seems like a no brainer for veteran Elder Scrolls fans, but this is the first time the game has reached mobile, which means a lot of newcomers are entering the fray. Before and after quests, there is a lot to uncover. Don’t be afraid to just mosey around the landscape. You’ll pick up new quests, score new loot, and take on different enemies that will aid in leveling up your character.
Potions
Again, another no brainer for long-time fans but combat can take a lot out of your character, so don’t be afraid to drink those potions up. Hoarding healling consumables is important no matter what, but much more so when preparing to take on a dungeon. Hope you like cheese, because you should be eating a lot of it during your time with Blades.
Combat
Though Blades does offer a small tutorial in the beginning, it’s a mobile game which means there’s a learning curve for those diving in. During my time with the title, I sort of viewed combat like Pokemon GO when throwing a ball: Timing is crucial. Tap the screen and hold, then release at the perfect moment for maximum damage.
But tap and hold isn’t the only thing you need to watch out for. While you’re attacking them, they’re attacking you, so don’t forget to block! Look on your screen for a small shield, that’s your block. Hold it, much like holding an attack, to block for the duration. Blocking also stuns enemies, which is helpful when landing a critical attack.
Gems for Inventory Slots
Players can use their earned gems to increase the size of their inventory. You can earn these gems, or you can choose to purchase them through microtransactions. Increasing things like how many chests you can collect and how much inventory space is available is very helpful when long-time questing. You’re going to come across a lot of loot, don’t miss out just because you don’t have space.
Challenges and Jobs
An incentive to keep playing is the daily and weekly jobs, as well as challenges. Here’s what you need to know:
- Challenges – Three challenges to start, more as they are completed. You can choose to skip or complete them to make room for a different challenge in an effort to earn new rewards.
- Jobs – Earn gold and rewards fast with small quests known as daily and weekly jobs. Repetive, but an easy way to increase your character’s value.
You Can Change Your Look
Not happy with the character you created? Theodor is able to help! You’ll find him in your own personal down, easily identifiable by his yellow eyes.
The Abyss
Speaking of Theodor, he’s also the way to access the Abyss, which is a very intriguing dungeon. The further into the dungeon you go, the more XP and rewards are available. It’s hard, but it’s worth it – especially if you’re a loot-hoarder like I am.
Vertical or Horizontal
Most mobile games force players to take on a horizontal game experience. Blades wants to be as accessible as possible (or to make it easier to look like you’re doing something productive on your phone) by making it easy to switch between portrait or landscape mode. Horizontal is better for building and exploring, but vertical works great for dungeons.
Build, Build, Build
You’ll have your own personal town, which we mentioned with good ‘ol Theo. Invest in it, build it. Make your town your own. This also makes sure that everything you need is where you need it.
