Adding a touch of luminescence to your weapons is one of the most striking ways to make your character stand out in The Elder Scrolls Online. Glowing weapon motifs cast a radiant aura that catches the eye in dungeons, battlegrounds, and even while relaxing in a tavern. Whether you prefer a subtle shimmer or a blazing inferno, Tamriel offers plenty of ways to light up your arsenal. This guide explores the very best glowing weapon motifs, how to get them, and what makes each one shine.
Understanding Glowing Weapon Motifs
Weapon motifs in ESO are style pages or chapters that allow you to craft or outfit your weapons with a specific visual appearance. Some motifs include built-in particle effects that cause the weapon to glow, pulse, or emit animated light. These effects are not affected by dyes, but they can often be layered over different materials and colors to create unique looks. Glowing motifs are highly sought after for their dramatic flair, especially in endgame fashion builds.
Top Glowing Weapon Motifs
Several motifs provide beautiful glowing effects, each with its own personality. Below are the most popular and visually impressive ones.
Opal Weapon Styles
The Opal styles, introduced during various Anniversary Jubilee events, are prized for their shifting, rainbow-like iridescence. Weapons crafted in an Opal style shimmer with a subtle, colorful glow that changes depending on the lighting and angle. The Opal Ilambris style, for example, gives staffs and swords a mystical, crystal-like sheen. These styles are available from event reward boxes or can be purchased from guild traders.
Gloambound Weapons
If you prefer a dark, otherworldly glow, Gloambound weapons are an excellent choice. This motif features an eerie purple-black luminescence that looks like shadow magic. The edges of the weapons bleed a soft violet light, creating a sinister and majestic aesthetic. Gloambound style pages can be obtained from the Gloambound Arms Pack in the Crown Store, though they also appear as limited-time offerings during certain events.
Hollowjack Weapons
During the Witches Festival, Hollowjack motifs are a favorite for their fiery orange glow reminiscent of jack-o-lanterns. The weapons appear to be carved from gnarled wood with ethereal light pouring from cracks and sockets. Hollowjack staves, bows, and melee weapons all exude a warm, flickering radiance that fits a spooky or autumnal theme. You can acquire Hollowjack style pages from Plunder Skulls or event vendors.
Dragonbone Weapons
The Dragonbone style offers a subtle but powerful glow, with red or blue energy pulsing along the weapon’s edge depending on the material used. This motif leans into the draconic theme of Elsweyr, making it a perfect match for Dragonknights or any character with a fiery aesthetic. Dragonbone style chapters drop from Frostvault and Moongrave Fane dungeons, as well as from certain Elsweyr zone daily quests.
Undaunted Weapons
For a celestial, starry glow, Undaunted weapons are a standout. The staff, in particular, features a constellation-filled orb that radiates a soft blue-white light. The motif is earned by completing daily Undaunted pledges, and the weapon style pages can be purchased from Maj al-Ragath or Urgarlag Chief-bane with Undaunted Keys.
Ebony Shadow
Ebony Shadow weapons emit a deep red, almost crimson glow. The motif has a vampiric, gothic feel, and its dark metallic surfaces are accented with glowing red runes or edges. This style is obtained from the Elsweyr expansion’s Darkshade Caverns II dungeon, or from guild traders. It’s a favorite for nightblades and characters embracing a darker fantasy look.
Sapiarch Weapons
Sapiarch weapons feature a golden, almost divine glow. The motif is inspired by the High Elves of Summerset and gives weapons a radiant, ornate appearance. The soft golden light makes it a top choice for templars and paladin-like characters. Sapiarch style chapters are found in Summerset daily quest reward boxes or bought from traders.
Meridian Weapons
Meridian style weapons glow with a brilliant, pure white-gold light, as if blessed by the Lady of Infinite Energies. The effect is intense and holy-looking, making it one of the brightest glowing motifs in the game. Meridian style pages are rare drops from the Depths of Malatar dungeon, or can be bought with Meridian Distilled Magicka from the event merchant during the Dark Shades of Zenithar event.
Voriplasm Weapons
Voriplasm weapons are unique in that they appear to be made of a glowing green ooze, reminiscent of the necromantic slimes of Blackwood. The weapons constantly drip and bubble with a sickly green glow. Ideal for necromancers or alchemist themes, Voriplasm style pages come from Plunder Skulls during the Witches Festival or can be traded.
How to Get Glowing Weapon Motifs
The acquisition method varies widely. Some glow-inducing motifs are dungeon drops, others are event rewards, and many can be bought and sold on guild traders. Crown Store exclusives are often rotated, so keep an eye on limited-time offers. If you’re aiming for a specific look, you can usually find style pages at a reasonable price in capital city traders, though rare ones can cost a fortune.
Showcasing Your Glow: Style Tips
Pair a glowing weapon with complementary armor sets and dyes to enhance the effect. For example, using dark, matte armors can make the weapon’s glow pop, while matching the glow color to your class or mount creates a cohesive theme. Don’t forget that you can also apply these motifs to your outfit station, allowing you to override the look of any weapon without changing its stats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the brightest glowing weapon motif in ESO?
Meridian weapons are widely considered the brightest, with their intense white-gold radiance. They stand out even in well-lit areas and are a favorite for players who want a highly visible glow.
Can I dye the glow on a weapon?
No, the glow effect itself cannot be dyed. However, you can dye the non-glowing parts of the weapon to match or contrast with the effect, potentially altering the perceived hue of the weapon as a whole.
Are glowing weapon motifs tradeable?
Most style pages are tradeable and can be bought or sold on guild traders. Rare exceptions include Crown Store purchases that are bound to your account.
What is the easiest glowing weapon motif to obtain?
Hollowjack weapons during the Witches Festival are among the easiest, as Plunder Skulls drop plentiful style pages. Undaunted weapons are also relatively accessible if you run daily pledges.
Which glowing motif is best for a necromancer theme?
Voriplasm weapons are perfect, with their green ooze glow. Gloambound weapons also work well for a darker necromantic vibe.
Do glowing weapons perform differently in combat?
No, weapon motifs are purely cosmetic and have no impact on combat performance. They only alter the visual appearance when equipped or applied via the outfit station.
