ESO Story Mode Dungeons: Difficulty, Companions and How to Start

ESO Story Mode Dungeons
Image credit: ZeniMax Online Studios

ESO Story Mode Dungeons arrive on October 21, 2026, introducing solo versions of Moon Hunter Keep and March of Sacrifices. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a dungeon’s story without the rest of your group rushing ahead, you’ll finally be able to explore, complete quests and listen to dialogue at your own pace.

Officially called Solo Dungeons, the new mode isn’t limited to easier story content. You can enter alone or bring an NPC companion, while optional difficulty modifiers called Meted Misfortunes let you make each dungeon considerably harder. That means players interested in the story and those looking for a new solo challenge can use the same system.

When do ESO Story Mode Dungeons launch?

ESO Story Mode Dungeons launch on October 21, 2026, alongside Season Two: Echoes of Skyrim. The first two dungeons receiving solo versions are Moon Hunter Keep and March of Sacrifices, originally introduced with the Wolfhunter DLC.

The original four-player versions become free to all ESO players on October 19, when Wolfhunter joins the base game alongside Greymoor. You can therefore experience both group dungeons before their solo versions become available two days later.

ESO Story Mode Dungeons
ESO Story Mode Dungeons

How to start ESO Story Mode Dungeons

Once Solo Dungeons become available on October 21, you can select their solo versions through the world map or enter through their existing dungeon entrances.

Both dungeons have their own locations:

  • Moon Hunter Keep: Northern Reaper’s March, northwest of Arenthia.
  • March of Sacrifices: Western Greenshade, north of Woodhearth.

Choose the solo version rather than entering through the usual four-player group queue. You won’t need to find other players to complete the dungeon, and an NPC companion can join you if you’d prefer some additional support.

Before October 21, you’ll only have access to the original group versions. Solo Dungeons unlock separately when Season Two begins.

ESO Story Mode Dungeons difficulty and Meted Misfortunes

One of the biggest differences between Solo Dungeons and their original group versions is the Meted Misfortunes system. These optional modifiers increase the difficulty, giving you four possible challenge levels.

Meted MisfortunesIntended difficulty
0Comparable to overland content
1Comparable to a normal solo arena
2Comparable to a veteran solo arena
3Harder than comparable existing solo content

With zero Misfortunes active, the experience is intended to be accessible to players who mainly want to enjoy the dungeon’s story. You can concentrate on the quest, dialogue and exploration without needing a veteran dungeon build.

Activating additional Misfortunes increases the challenge and offers greater rewards. You can also return to the same dungeon at a different difficulty rather than having to stick with your initial choice.

Can you use a companion in Solo Dungeons?

Yes. ESO Story Mode Dungeons support NPC companions, allowing you to bring an existing companion into either dungeon.

You can also complete them entirely alone. The companion option is there for anyone who wants extra help during combat while still exploring without a group of other players.

This is particularly helpful for anyone who has avoided the original Wolfhunter dungeons because of their group requirements or difficulty.

What rewards do ESO Story Mode Dungeons offer?

Both dungeons introduce additional rewards, including new item sets, outfit styles, Undaunted Crests and collectible furnishings.

The rewards differ depending on which dungeon you complete.

Moon Hunter Keep rewards

  • Mylenne Moon-Caller item set
  • Mylenne Moon-Caller Trophy for completing the solo dungeon
  • Mylenne Moon-Caller Bust for completing it with a Misfortune active
  • Mylenne Moon-Caller Mask from Vykosa the Ascendant
  • Mylenne Moon-Caller Shoulder style purchased with Undaunted Crests

March of Sacrifices rewards

  • Tarcyr item set
  • Tarcyr Trophy for completing the solo dungeon
  • Tarcyr Bust for completing it with a Misfortune active
  • Tarcyr Mask from Balorgh
  • Tarcyr Shoulder style purchased with Undaunted Crests

You can earn the standard completion trophies without activating a Misfortune. The corresponding busts require at least one Misfortune to be active when you complete the dungeon.

How do Undaunted Crests work?

Undaunted Crests are a new currency earned through Solo Dungeons. You can spend them with Veya Thenim, a merchant found at the Undaunted Enclaves outside Wayrest, Mournhold and Elden Root.

Her rewards include the Mylenne Moon-Caller and Tarcyr shoulder styles, curated equipment containers and other Undaunted items.

The system gives players another reason to replay the dungeons after completing their stories, especially if they’re collecting outfit styles or equipment.

Are Solo Dungeons replacing normal group dungeons?

No. Moon Hunter Keep and March of Sacrifices will still be available as traditional four-player group dungeons.

Their solo versions are separate activities with mechanics adjusted to make completion possible without other players. Some encounters therefore work differently from their original group versions.

The distinction also matters for achievements. Solo Dungeons have their own achievements and rewards, rather than automatically replacing the requirements associated with the original group dungeons.

Which Solo Dungeon should you play first?

There isn’t a required order. If you want to experience the stories, choose whichever dungeon interests you most and start with zero Misfortunes.

Bringing a companion can help if you’re unfamiliar with the boss fights. Once you’ve completed a dungeon and understand its mechanics, you can return with additional Misfortunes to work towards more challenging achievements and rewards.

Related ESO Story Mode Dungeons Guides

ESO Story Mode Dungeons: What to know before launch

ESO Story Mode Dungeons launch on October 21 with two playable Solo Dungeons, optional NPC companions and four difficulty settings controlled by Meted Misfortunes. The original Wolfhunter group dungeons become free on October 19, giving everyone access to Moon Hunter Keep and March of Sacrifices ahead of Season Two.

Whether you’re returning for the dungeon stories or interested in the higher difficulty settings, you’ll be able to experience both encounters without relying on a four-player group.

Official sources: ESO October 2026 Survival Guide and ESO Update 51 PTS Patch Notes.

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