The Vile Manse is one of the more mysterious and eerie locations found in The Elder Scrolls Online. Situated in Reaper’s March, this haunted manor hides not only dark secrets and undead creatures but also several treasure chests that players can uncover. These chests are highly sought after by adventurers looking to loot valuable gear, crafting materials, and sometimes rare collectibles. Navigating the Vile Manse can be challenging due to its labyrinthine layout and dangerous enemies, but the rewards are often worth the risk. For those who enjoy exploration and treasure hunting, the Vile Manse treasure chests offer an engaging side activity within ESO’s expansive world.
Understanding the Vile Manse
Location and Background
The Vile Manse is located in the northern part of Reaper’s March. Originally a stately mansion, it has long since fallen into ruin and become overrun by Daedric forces and undead beings. Once belonging to a noble family, the structure now serves as a corrupted fortress for Molag Bal’s minions. Its atmosphere is grim, and every hallway seems to whisper with the voices of the past. Exploring it reveals not only a compelling story but also various interactive elements, including treasure chests scattered throughout the compound.
Difficulty and Enemy Presence
Players entering the Vile Manse should be prepared for a fight. Enemies include various types of undead, Daedra, and other hostile creatures that patrol both the interior and exterior sections of the manse. The deeper one goes into the manor, the stronger and more numerous these foes become. It is advisable to approach with caution, especially for solo players or those under-leveled.
Treasure Chests in the Vile Manse
Types of Chests You Can Find
The treasure chests within the Vile Manse come in different levels of difficulty and loot quality:
- Simple Chests: Easiest to pick, usually containing basic supplies like potions or provisioning ingredients.
- Intermediate Chests: Require better lockpicking skills, offer a chance for mid-tier weapons and gear.
- Advanced and Master Chests: Harder to find and unlock, but often include powerful items, rare crafting motifs, or set pieces.
Respawn Mechanics
Treasure chests in the Vile Manse are on a randomized respawn timer. This means they don’t always appear in the same location or at consistent intervals. If you’re farming for chests, you may need to complete multiple runs or check in at different times of day. It’s worth noting that chest locations may be affected by instance resets and other players’ presence.
Common Chest Spawn Locations
Exterior of the Vile Manse
Before even stepping inside, players should explore the surrounding grounds. Several treasure chests can spawn near the broken walls, ruined gardens, and abandoned outbuildings around the manse. These are often less guarded and are a good place to start a treasure hunt.
First Floor Interior
Once inside, keep an eye on alcoves, behind furniture, and near staircases. The first floor sometimes contains simple or intermediate chests, often placed in corners that can be easily overlooked. Be mindful of enemy patrols while exploring this area, as they can interrupt your attempts to pick locks.
Basement and Cellars
The lower levels of the Vile Manse offer a higher chance of finding advanced chests. These areas are darker, more maze-like, and filled with elite enemies. Bringing a torchbug or using abilities that improve visibility can help you spot loot more easily. Some players have reported chest spawns near ritual altars and storage rooms deep within the cellar area.
Upper Floors and Secret Passages
Higher levels of the manse can sometimes contain hidden or secret areas where valuable chests are located. Look for interactable objects such as bookshelves or levers that may open passageways. These hidden chests are typically guarded and require keen observation to locate.
Tips for Efficient Treasure Hunting
Improve Lockpicking Skills
Having high lockpicking skills significantly increases your success rate with harder chests. Make sure to carry plenty of lockpicks and consider practicing on lower-tier locks before attempting master-level ones. Some champion points or gear bonuses may also aid in quicker lockpicking.
Use Stealth When Necessary
If enemies are nearby, it’s often helpful to enter sneak mode. Lockpicking can be interrupted if you are attacked, so avoid confrontation unless you’re confident in dispatching threats quickly. Stealth-oriented builds or characters with invisibility skills may have an easier time navigating undetected.
Mark and Remember Spawn Points
Keep a mental or written note of where chests have previously spawned. Although the exact location may vary, many chests appear in the same general areas. Over time, this knowledge allows for faster and more efficient treasure runs.
Rewards and Loot Quality
Set Pieces and Gear
The chests in Vile Manse can contain gear from zone-specific sets, which are valuable for both PVE and PVP players. These include armor pieces, weapons, and sometimes jewelry. While not always the rarest loot, these items can be quite useful, especially when farming for specific traits or styles.
Crafting Materials and Motifs
Treasure chests are also a good source of rare crafting components. From alchemy reagents to enchanting runes, players can often restock vital materials during their search. On occasion, chests may yield rare crafting motifs or recipes, adding extra incentive to explore thoroughly.
Gold and Miscellaneous Items
Though not always the most exciting rewards, gold and consumable items like soul gems or repair kits can also be found. These are especially helpful for players who spend extended time in dangerous zones like Reaper’s March without frequent trips to town.
Group vs Solo Exploration
Advantages of Group Play
Bringing a group can make exploring the Vile Manse safer and quicker. Enemies can be cleared more efficiently, and teammates can alert one another to chest spawns. However, remember that only one player can open a chest at a time, so loot must be shared or alternated fairly among the group.
Benefits of Solo Runs
Solo players benefit from less competition for chest spawns. They can take their time to check every corner without rushing. While more dangerous due to lack of support, solo runs can be extremely rewarding for cautious and experienced players.
The Vile Manse treasure chests offer a rich and satisfying treasure hunting experience for those willing to brave the dangers of this haunted manor. From gear and materials to rare collectibles, each chest represents a piece of hidden history waiting to be uncovered. With patience, skill, and a bit of luck, players can walk away with valuable loot and the thrill of having conquered one of Reaper’s March’s most ominous locations. Whether you’re farming for set gear or simply enjoy the excitement of exploration, the Vile Manse never disappoints the persistent adventurer.