Ultimate The Reach & Arkthzand Cavern Zone Guide
The Reach Area Description
Few adventurers choose to brave the rocky highlands of the Reach. Savage predators, perilous Dwarven ruins, and hostile Reach clans make it one of the least hospitable regions in all of Tamriel.
Arkthzand Cavern Area Description
The superstitious Reachfolk rarely speak of the dark caverns that lie beneath the surface of their sacred land. This willful ignorance, born from the wise belief that no good can come from unearthing what’s best left forgotten, has served them well since they first settled along the Karth River.
Contents
Need specific info? Click these quick links to go directly to each section.
What Is A Crafting Set Station?
A crafting set station is a crafting area that allows you to craft a specific set piece of armor. Often there are additional requirements, like a number of traits that must be researched before you can make an item of a specific set. While you can make generic pieces at crafting set stations, these are the only areas where you can the specific set that is listed. There is one exception – attunable crafting tables (which are ‘tuned’ to replicate set stations) can be obtained and placed in houses for use.
On your map, crafting set stations appear with a blackened crafting icon when you are close to a location. Once the set station has been visited, the icon turns white.
The Reach Crafting Set Stations
- Drudach Redoubt – Legacy of Karth
- Red Eagle’s Redoubt – Red Eagle’s Fury
Blackreach: Arkthzand Cavern Crafting Set Stations
- Philosopher’s Cradle – Aetherial Ascension
How To Obtain Overland Set Pieces
Players are rewarded for each boss kill with item/items from that boss’s loot table.
- Delve bosses drop a waist, foot, or another unique item piece.
- Overland World Bosses drop a head, chest, leg, weapon, or unique item piece.
- Public dungeon bosses drop a shoulder, hand, weapon, or unique item piece.
- Chests at Dark Anchors or Dolmens drop a jewelry set piece.
Even with Curated Item Set Drops, bosses with a specific loot table will only drop curated items from their own loot table. Treasure chests have a chance to grant any set piece from the zone they are found in. Click here to learn more about curated set drops.
The Reach & Blackreach: Arkthzand Cavern Overland Armor Sets
- Voidcaller (light armor)
- Witch-Knight’s Defiance (medium armor)
- Radiant Bastion (heavy armor)
Mythic Items
Mythic items are powerful items that have special bonuses for every single piece. These items are available by completing groups of master difficulty Antiquity leads.
What Is A Delve?
A delve in The Elder Scrolls Online is in essence a small dungeon. Delves usually contain a few enemies, at least one ‘boss’, and a skyshard. Delves can generally be completed solo. If you are a new player, you may want to explore delves with a friend. Most delves have an associated quest that you can get just inside or near the entrance. This quest is more a side story to the main quest of the area but does offer rewards for completing it.
On your map, delves appear with a blackened single torch. Once the delve is completed (by defeating the boss or bosses), the delve icon turns white.
The Reach Delves
Need specific info? Click these quick links to go directly to each section.
There is 1 delve in The Reach.
Arkthzand Cavern Delves
Need specific info? Click these quick links to go directly to each section.
There is 1 delve in Arkthzand Cavern.
Briar Rock Ruins
“A matronly crone came down from the mountains, feather-winged and ever-shrouded. She delivered a message straight from the Dawn of Karth. The blood of Men will spill upon the soil, for their trials must be lived in bitterness and pain.” —Vateshran Allaghach
Betrayal at Briar Rock
I met a hunter named Medone by Briar Rock. Hagravens of the Thornroot clan imprisoned her clan and are turning them into Briarhearts. Medone wants me to free her clan and punish the Thornroot clan by destroying their Briarheart Tree.
Briar Rock Ruins Location
Travel northwest from the Briar Rock Wayshrine to locate this delve.
Exploring and defeating the boss will reward you with the Briar Rock Ruins Explorer achievement.
Inside Briar Rock Ruins
Briar Rock Ruins is a ruin inhabited by the Thornroot Clan and hagravens. Other enemies include minotaurs, Thornroot enemies, and Draugr enemies. This delve has one level, one boss, and one skyshard as notated on the map.
Matron Grygarsnit
Matron Grygarsnit is a hagraven matron. She is surrounded by dead Reachmen that glow green. During the battle, she will resurrect them to aid her in battle. Matron Grygarsnit also summons Briarheart Brutes and Wildlings. She attacks with firebombs and flares. Avoid the firebombs when possible and focus on the adds. Matron Grygarsnit is easily defeated.
Completing Betrayal at Briar Rock
You will need to rescue the captives and burn the briarheart tree. Speak to Medone to complete the quest and you will be rewarded with gold and the Robe of the Ever-Shrouded, part of the Voidcaller armor set.
Gloomreach
“Alas, the petty despots of the Reach have no interest in our counsel, and even less interest in the mysteries that lie beneath their feet. If they only knew what awesome terrors their world teeters upon. I only hope they do not learn too late.” —Pythis, Grand Botanist of the Psijic Order
Endeavor in the Gloom
I met a recent recruit of the Psijic Order. He asked for my help investigating strange behavior in the local plant life, which he fears may be a result of his own errant magic. I agreed to accompany him into the cave to take a closer look.
Gloomreach Location
Gloomreach is located in the Arkthzand Cavern and can be accessed by traveling southeast from the Arkthzand Wayshrine or northeast from the Nighthollow Wayshrine.
Exploring and defeating the boss will reward you with the Gloomreach Explorere achievement.
Inside Gloomreach
Gloomreach is a cave that is inhabited by centipedes, nixads, chaurus, and Falmer enemies. This delve has one level, one boss, and one skyshard as notated on the map.
Pythis the Betrayer
Pythis the Betrayer is a High Elf and a member of the Psijic Order. He uses magical attacks. Pythis also summons Gloomspore Bears and Chaurus Reapers to aid him in battle. Avoid the aoes when possible and focus on the adds. Pythis the Betrayer is easily defeated.
Completing Endeavor in the Gloom
You will need to investigate the stronger plant, contain the tonal disturances, read Master Pythis’s Journal then transport the relic. Speak to Psijic Calis to complete the quest and you will be rewarded with gold and the Staff of Tonal Dissonance, part of the Radiant Bastion armor set.
What Is An Arena?
An Arena is an area to test your skills and earn a variety of rewards. Some arenas are solo and others require a group of 4. Each arena offers a normal and veteran difficulty.
Arenas are fought in stages. Your progress through an arena is saved after each stage. Another unique characteristic of the Arena is the sigil buffs. During each stage, you will be offered buffs to help you in battle. Not all Sigils are found in all arenas.
The Sigil of Defense (shield) reduces incoming damage and reflects ranged physical and spell-based projective attacks. This sigil is found in Blackrose Prison, Maelstrom Arena, and Vateshran Hollows.
The Sigil of Haste (wing) grants increased Magicka and Stamina regeneration as well as Major Expedition. This sigil is found in Maelstrom Arena, and Vateshran Hollows.
The Sigil of Healing (chalice) grants a powerful heal over time effect. This sigil is found in Blackrose Prison, Maelstrom Arena, and Vateshran Hollows.
The Sigil of Power (sword) grants increased weapon power. This sigil is found in Maelstrom Arena, and Vateshran Hollows
The Sigil of Resurrection (totem) resurrects dead group members and protects the activating player. This sigil is found in Blackrose Prison.
The Sigil of Sustain (larger wing) grants increased Magicka and Stamina regeneration. This sigil is found in Blackrose Prison.
On your map, solo arenas appear with a blackened square icon with a skull. Group arenas appear with the same icon and a plus sign. Once the arena is completed (by defeating the bosses), the arena icon turns white.
The Reach Arena
There is 1 solo arena in The Reach.
- Vateshran Hollows – click here for the Mechanics Guide
“Try not to cross paths with members of the Spiritblood Clan. They show a brutality in battle that even scares other Reachfolk. Whether a gift of their blood or their style of combat training, their warriors do not cease until they lay dead.”—Valencia Pitio, Imperial Commandant
Vateshran Hollows Armor Sets
Three armor sets and specialized weapons are available from Vatheshran Hollows. Perfected versions of the weapons are available for completing the Veteran mode.
- Hex Siphon (light armor)
- Pestilent Host (medium armor)
- Explosive Rebuke (heavy armor)
- Wrath of Elements (destruction staff)
- Force Overflow (restoration staff)
- Point-Blank Snipe (bow)
- Frenzied Momentum (two-handed)
- Executioner’s Blade (dual wield)
- Void Bash (sword and shield)
- Perfected Wrath of Elements (destruction staff)
- Perfected Force Overflow (restoration staff)
- Perfected Point-Blank Snipe (bow)
- Perfected Frenzied Momentum (two-handed)
- Perfected Executioner’s Blade (dual wield)
- Perfected Void Bash (sword and shield)
What Is A World Boss?
World bosses are powerful enemies often with their own unique abilities. They sometimes require groups of players to overcome. World bosses in DLC zones are significantly harder than other base game bosses.
On your map, world bosses appear with a blackened skull and crossed swords icon. Once the world boss is defeated, the world boss icon turns white.
The Reach World Bosses
There is 1 world boss in The Reach.
Need specific info? Click these quick links to go directly to each section.
Arkthzand Cavern World Bosses
There is 1 world boss in Arkthzand Cavern.
Need specific info? Click these quick links to go directly to each section.
Voidmother Elgroalif at Four Skull Lookout
Travel northeast from the Rebel’s Retreat Wayshrine to locate the ruin called Four Skull Lookout.
Mechanics Notes
Voidmother Elgroalif summons Void Bombardiers and Void Horrors to aid her in battle. She also summons Shades. There are several aoes that you need to avoid but the largest one that can be devastating can be blocked if well timed. Four Void Shields will appear and tether to the Voidmother. During this time, she cannot be damaged. You will need to quickly destroy these shields. There will be a smaller circle that begins around the Voidmother that grows while the Void Shields are still active. If that smaller circle reaches the larger circle, there will be a huge explosion. You can block during this explosion and take a little bit of damage but if you aren’t aware, it will wipe you. Focus on destorying those Void Shields as quickly as possible. When they are all destroyed, her shield is down and you can damage her again.
Achievement Earned
The first time you defeat this world boss you will earn the Weaned From Darkness achievement.
Dwarven Dynastor Supreme at Sentinel Point
Travel southwest from the Nighthollow Wayshrine to find the Dwarven ruin called Sentinel Point.
Mechanics Notes
Dwarven Dynastor Supreme uses electrical attacks to cause damage. He will rear on his back legs opening his wings for a very strong electrical attack. Dwarven Dynastor Supreme also launches Explosive Sentries from his body. There is a magnetic attack that can draw you unexpectedly to him where he uses a close-range bite. Avoid the aoes when possible. Ranged attacks work well. Keep the adds down to minimize damage.
Achievement Earned
The first time you defeat this world boss you will earn the Dynastor Deposed achievement.
What Is A Wayshrine?
Wayshrines are shrines that were built to honor the Divines by being a safe haven point where players can revive if you die while adventuring in Tamriel. Once you visit a wayshrine, it becomes available on your map for you to use to fast travel at no cost. You can also travel to any unlocked wayshrine from anywhere in Tamriel for a price paid in gold. This price reduces with time and also can be reduced by champion point allocations. Each zone begins with one available wayshrine.
On your map, wayshrines will appear with a blackened wayshrine icon when you are close to its location. Once the wayshrine has been visited, the icon turns white.
The Reach Wayshrine Locations
There are 7 wayshrines in The Reach.
- Briar Rock Wayshrine
- Druadach Mountains Wayshrine
- Karthwasten Wayshrine
- Lost Valley Wayshrine
- Markarth Wayshrine
- North Markarth Wayshrine
- Rebel’s Retreat Wayshrine
Arkthzand Cavern Wayshrine Locations
There are 2 wayshrines in Arkthzand Cavern.
- Arkthzand Wayshrine
- Nighthollow Wayshrine
What Is A Zone Daily Quest?
Zone daily quests are daily repeatable quests throughout Tamriel. Each zone has its own dailies which are usually given by a NPC. Typically zone dailies include completing activities in delves, killing world bosses, or completing zone-specific tasks.
On your map, zone daily quests appear as blue highlighted arrows. Once completed the arrow disappears until the next day.
Zone Daily Quests In Blackwood
There are three types of zone daily quests in Blackwood. You can find the NPC quest givers just north of the Leyawiin Wayshrine in the area marked on the map.
Britta Silanus will give you a daily zone quest involving one of Blackwood’s world bosses.
Deetum-Jas will give you a daily zone quest involving one of Blackwood’s delves.
Nelldena will give you a daily zone quest involving one of The Reach’s harrowstorms.
Ardanir will give you a daily zone quest involving tasks or fetch missions in The Reach. You must first complete the quest titled ‘A Feast of Souls’ from the main quest line to unlock Ardanir’s daily quests.
What Is A Skyshard?
Skyshards are glowing crystals that provide you with 1/3 of a skill point. Collecting 3 skyshards grants you 1 skill point which can then be used for abilities and/or passives.
On your map, skyshard will appear with a blackened skyshard icon when you are close to its location. Once the skyshard has been collected, the icon turns white but then disappears from your map.
Once you collect all the skyshard from the zone, you will earn the Auridon Skyshard Hunter achievement.
The Reach Skyshard Locations
There are a total of 3 Skyshards in The Reach.
Skyshard #1 – in a small canyon at the top of a hill south of the ritual site
Skyshard #2 – at the end of the ruin waterfall overlooking the river
One skyshard is also found in the delve. Maps with exact locations are provided in those sections.
Arkthzand Cavern Skyshard Locations
There are a total of 3 Skyshards in Arkthzand Cavern.
Skyshard #1 – at the edge of the broken bridge on the ruins. You can access this area by using void anomalies on the broken bridge on the other side of the ruins.
Skyshard #2 – part way up the waterfall beside Nighthollow Keep. You can access this area using void anomaly at the base of the waterfall.
One skyshard is also found in the delve. Maps with exact locations are provided in those sections.
What Is A World Event?
Western Skyrim introduced a new type of World Events called Harrowstorms. A Harrowstorm is a ritual site and the location of a giant supernatural conflux intended to be a group activity. In addition to waves of enemies, Witches Pikes must be destroyed. Each Harrowstorm has three pikes. The pikes draw to them Lost Souls that will heal the pikes when they reach it. Always destroy the pikes as quickly as possible.
When all the pikes are gone, a final large boss appears. In addition to the boss and other smaller enemies, the ‘storm’ discharges lightning strikes and ground aoes. Once the boss is defeated, a pile of Reliquary Remnants will appear and can be looted.
On your map, world events will appear with a blackened world event icon when you are close to its location. Once the event has been defeated, the icon turns white.
The Reach World Event Locations
There are 4 world events in The Reach.
- Harrowed Haunt Ritual Site
- Ragnvald Ritual Site
- Reachwind Ritual Site
- Witchborne Ritual Site
On your map, when a world event is active, the crossed swords icon will appear and flash behind the world event icon.
What Is A Lore Book?
Shalidor’s Library is a collection of lore books in Tamriel. Reading lore books within this collection increases your Mages Guild rank.
On your map, lore books will appear in your compass as you near it. Once collected, it will disappear. You can track your collection under the zone guide.
The Reach Lore Book Locations
There are a total of 10 lore books to be found in The Reach.
- Lore Book #1 – Nords Of Skyrim – on a table in the upper right section of the Understone Keep in Markarth
- Lore Book #2 – Varieties Of Faith: The Nords – on a table in the upper left section of the Understone Keep in Markarth
- Lore Book #3 – Bloodfiends Of Rivenspire – on the floor of a tower
- Lore Book #4 – The Werewolf’s Hide – on a table in a camp near a bonfire
- Lore Book #5 – Thenephan’s Mysteries Of Mead – on a rock inside a mountain following a creek
- Lore Book #6 – A Life Barbaric And Brutal – on a tree stump near a cooking fire
- Lore Book #7 – Clans Of The Reach: A Guide – on the ground near a sleeping mat and campfire
- Lore Book #8 – Living With Lycanthropy – on a table inside a camouflaged shelter
- Lore Book #9 – The Crown Of Freydis – on a table under a pergola
- Lore Book #10 – All About Giants – on the floor near a sleeping mat and crate
What Is A Treasure Map?
Treasure Maps are rewards that show the location of special chests that can only be seen when you have the map in your inventory. You must travel to the specific location, dig the dirt mound, and then a chest will appear for you.
Treasure Map locations do NOT appear on your map. You can slot the maps for quick access to compare your location.
This map uses the chest icon to denote the location.
The Reach Treasure Map Locations
- Treasure Map I – next to a stream before it enters a tunnel
Arkthzand Cavern Treasure Map Locations
- Treasure Map I – on a small beach next to two glowing mushrooms
What Is A Great Lift?
Great lifts are large mechanical lifts that take you from Western Skyrim to Blackreach and The Reach.
On your map, great lifts will appear with a blackened lift icon when you are close to its location. Once the great lift has been visited, the icon turns white.
The Reach Great Lift Locations
There are 2 great lifts in The Reach.
- Arkthzand Great Lift
- Natzthdbar Great Lift
Say A Prayer At The Reach’s Clan Camps
Approach each ritual stone at the four clan camps then select the prompt to pray. You will kneel, pray, and a red glow will momentarily appear around the ritual stone. Once you have prayed at all four clan camp ritual stones, you will earn the Spirit Seeker title and Offering to the Old Spirits achievement.
The Reach Clan Camp Locations
There are four clan camps with ritual stones in The Reach.
- Black-Moon Clan Camp
- Cinder-Heart Clan Camp
- Wildspear Clan Camp
- Shadefeather Clan Camp
You will earn the Offerings to the Old Spirits achievement.
The Reach & Arkthzand Cavern Summary
In addition to the main quest line, The Reach and Blackreach: Arkthzand Cavern also offers many side quests, acquire zone-specific armor sets, visit points of interest, and striking locales.
The Reach is ruled by Reachment from the capital city of Markarth. Under The Reach is the Arkthzand Cavern, which is part of the Blackreach Caverns.
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