Yes, when Update 25 of The Elder Scrolls Online hits, you’re going to have to re-download the entire client all over again. The upshot of this, however, is that it will provide a couple of significant benefits to players, and players can get a free torchbug pet. So it’s not bad news, really, just a moment of inconvenience, though your mileage may vary depending on data cap restrictions for downloads and the like.
According to a post on the ESO site, this “Patching Overhaul” is a must and can’t be skipped. Additionally, players can’t use their PTS files, nor can they get the new client data ahead of time, as the patch will only be available on the morning of Update 25’s release (which is February 24th for PC/Mac and March 10th for console, by the way). However, once this new client is installed, players should see faster loading times overall as well as a “dramatic” reduction in patch size for future game updates.
Of course, this isn’t the only thing that Update 25 is bringing in terms of performance improvements. There will also be better framerates and some behind-the-scenes combat improvements included as Zenimax explained earlier this month.
What about that free torchbug? That can be found in the ESO Crown Store for absolutely free between February 25th and March 9th for PC players, and between March 10th and 24th for console players; just head to the Pets category of the Crown Store to claim your glowy-butted insect friend.
