General:Beware the Power of Pain in the New Ossein Cage Trial

Originally published May 22, 2025. The original article can be found here.

Dare you enter the Ossein Cage? Learn more about this fearsome new 12-player PvE Trial deep within the depths of Coldharbour.

Prepare to take on a new challenge with the Ossein Cage Trial, available as part of the new Western Solstice zone. Both the new zone and Trial are part of Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1—releasing for 2025 Content Pass owners on June 2 for PC/Mac and on June 18 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

A Call to Coldharbour

Accessible via the tropical isle of Western Solstice, the Ossein Cage is actually part of Coldharbour, Molag Bal’s realm of Oblivion.

“The Ossein Cage is a particularly terrible section of Coldharbour,” explains Writer-Designer Helena Wachhaus. “It’s a torture chamber formed by the bodies of all who died there. A bone midden littered with skeletons who are warped beyond recognition and contorted by their everlasting torment. Not a cheery place at all.“

Enter the fearsome Ossein Cage

Because Coldharbour is famously inhospitable, Tamriel’s adventurers need a very good reason to venture there, and the threat of dire new power has drawn the attention of the Fighter’s Guild.

“The Fighters Guild caught wind of an object called the Dolorous Cista that was created in the Ossein Cage. The Cista sucks in all the pain and suffering created by Daedric torturers and converts it to incredible magical power. Knowing the history between Coldharbour and Nirn, the guild is convinced that the Dolorous Cista will eventually be used against Tamriel. Unless you can stop it, of course.”

Every trip needs a guide (especially one to Coldharbour), and this is no exception. Thankfully, the Fighters Guild provided the services of Captain Georick.

“The captain is exactly the sort of leader you want by your side in Coldharbour: brave, loyal, realistic, and adept at keeping morale high in awful situations. They’re not afraid to get their hands dirty, but they also know when to stand back and let others work.”

Challenges of the Cage

While the Ossein Cage itself is fearsome, its defenders and inhabitants are equally so, and many dangers stand in your path to the Dolorous Cista.

“The Ossein Cage attracts some of the nastiest monsters in Coldharbour,” explains Senior Content Designer Shane Slama. “Some of the enemies you'll encounter include undead monstrosities, disgusting flesh spawn, and a host of deadly Daedra, including two Titan handlers that disagree on who is better at punishing puny mortals. Some are here to defend the Dolorous Cista. Others are here because they wish to harness the power of the Cista for themselves. But all of them are big fans of inflicting torture and suffering.”

Invade Molag Bal's realm

As you delve deeper into the cage, you’ll find the structure itself is designed to thwart your incursion.

“One recurring deterrent is to block the path forward by channeling magic into bridgeways and doors to prevent their use, along with using the same magic to shield monstrous allies,” explains Slama. “The Channelers you must defeat have strategically positioned themselves where you'll have to use teleport pads to reach them. The bad news is that the teleport pads are extremely hostile toward mortals and are rigged to generate a large amount of pain and suffering upon teleporting. Finding a way to endure the ramping damage is vital to slaying the Channelers and pushing ahead.”

Battle the defenders of the cage

Of course, as a Trial, you’ll encounter no shortage of challenging bosses and special minions to overcome, too, including the Dreadful Abductor.

“Something that is unique to Ossein Cage and serves as a great example of both surprise and challenge, is the Dreadful Abductor. This sneaky watcher will try to single out someone in your group and abduct them. If that happens, you'll want to make sure you rally the party to go and help them. On their own, they won't stand a chance against the danger that awaits them on the other side.”

The Rewards of Tenacity

Your knees are knocking with fear at the thought of braving this Trial with all those threats, but perhaps the promise of loot and glory can stiffen your spine? As always, the Trial comes with new achievements, item sets, and collectibles to reward those who conquer it.

“To go along with the Channelers and the damage you need to mitigate to stop them, we've got achievements for those who can master how to survive,” explains Slama. “There's a challenge to live for an extended amount of time while under the effects of the teleportation. We've also got a group challenge that tasks your party with looking after one another when teleporting and making sure no one falls over while trying to take out the Channelers. You’ve got to be quick, move as one and heal, heal, heal!”

Ossein Cage rewards

There’s more than just the bragging rights of achievements, of course. You could also earn a new mount, the Heart’s Grief Welwa, or gird yourself with potent new arms and armaments like the Kazpian’s Cruel Signet set. This medium armor set threatens enemies dealt direct area damage with a falling sword, promising more damage to come. What’s more, each sword is empowered by other swords around it, essentially making your area damage boost your area damage!

A Fearsome New Challenge

Gather your staunchest allies and prepare for the deadly threats and rich rewards that await you in the new Ossein Cage Trial. Will fear overtake you and your allies, or will you overcome the challenges and emerge from its harrowing depths? Let us know via Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 is included within the 2025 Content Pass and 2025 Premium Edition, and it arrives on June 2, 2025, for PC/Mac and June 18, 2025, for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.