OpenTESArena 0.18.0, the open-source re-implementation of The Elder Scrolls: Arena, is out now for PC, bringing the classic title a significant step closer to a fully playable state on modern platforms.
Quick Facts
- Platform: PC (Requires original game assets from Steam or GOG)
- New Major Additions: Enemy combat AI, experience leveling, thieving mode, and NPC conversations
- Default Renderer: Updated to Vulkan
What's Included in the 0.18.0 Update
The latest release implements core gameplay loops missing from previous builds, aligning the project much closer to the original game. Players can now gain experience and level up, engage in combat with newly added enemy AI, and converse with citizens who can write directions directly onto the player's automap.
A new thieving mode allows pickpocketing via the 'P' hotkey, though failure or killing a citizen will trigger guard encounters. Shopkeepers are now functional, offering services to buy and sell items, rent rooms, heal characters, and cure diseases. Additionally, the update implements original loot generation, gold amounts, and combat hit chance calculations based on player level.
Technical Changes and Known Issues
Under the hood, the project has switched its default renderer to Vulkan, updated Jolt Physics to version 5.5.0, and improved detection for Steam and GOG original game installations.
Several features remain in progress. Known issues listed for this release include unapplied armor and enhancement properties on equipped items, human enemies not displaying equipped weapons, and rented tavern rooms applying globally across all taverns rather than individually.