The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It was released for Microsoft Windows and OS X in April 2014. It is a part of the "Elder Scrolls" series.
The game is set in the continent of Tamriel and features a storyline indirectly connected with the other games in the "Elder Scrolls" franchise. It had been in development for seven years before its release in 2014. It initially received mixed reviews, but these improved significantly with the re-release and rebranding as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, with critics praising the changes that were made.
"The Elder Scrolls Online" originally used a mandatory monthly subscription model until it transitioned in March 2015 to a buy-to-play model with microtransactions and an optional subscription. The game was renamed "The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited", and was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles in June 2015. The game is also set to release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S in June 2021. The game sold more than 15 million copies by 2020, having around 2.5 million monthly active players in 2017.
Gameplay.
Gameplay is mostly non-linear, with a mixture of quests, random events, and free-roaming exploration of the world. The game does not provide a mode for single-player offline play, although the developers stated that there would be "plenty of content" designed to accommodate players who prefer to play solo.
The player is able to play as ten different races:
Players must choose one of six classes when creating their character: Dragonknight, Sorcerer, Nightblade, Templar, Warden, or Necromancer. Each class gives the player various different attacks, spells, and passive effects. The game has other character choices beyond those of race and class, such as the player character also being able to become either a vampire or a werewolf, each of which grants its own skill tree. There are seven different crafting skill lines: Alchemy, Blacksmithing, Clothier, Enchanting, Woodworking, Provisioning, and Jewelry Crafting.
Setting.
The game is set on the continent of Tamriel during the Second Era, but not all places in Tamriel are playable. The events of the game occur a millennium before those of ' and around 800 years before ' and "". Its structure is broadly similar to "Skyrim", with two separate conflicts progressing at the same time, one with the fate of the world in the balance, and one where the prize is supreme power on Tamriel. In "The Elder Scrolls Online", the first struggle is against the Daedric Prince Molag Bal, who is attempting to meld the plane of Mundus with his realm of Coldharbour, and the second is to capture the vacant imperial throne, contested by three alliances of the mortal races. The player character has been sacrificed to Molag Bal, and Molag Bal has stolen their soul, the recovery of which is the primary game objective.
Many parts of the continent of Tamriel are available in the game, with most zones accessible regardless of faction or player level. Some zones are accessible with DLC-only from the Crown Store or by subscribing to ESO. Players have the opportunity to join any of the three factions warring over the Ruby Throne of the Emperor of Tamriel: the First Aldmeri Dominion (represented by an eagle) led by Queen Ayrenn, composed of the Altmer (High Elf), Bosmer (Wood Elf), and Khajiit races; the Daggerfall Covenant (represented by a lion) led by High King Emeric, composed of the Bretons, Redguard, and Orsimer (Orcs); and the Ebonheart Pact (represented by a dragon) led by Jorunn Skald-King, composed of the Nord, Dunmer (Dark Elf), and Argonian races. Players may also unlock the Imperial race by purchasing the Digital Imperial Edition Upgrade in the Crown Store, which may be a part of any of the three factions. The other major ruling faction of Tamriel is the Empire, led by Empress Regent Clivia Tharn, which has fallen into instability and disrepair and serves as a non-joinable faction. Pre-ordered copies of the game included the "Explorers' Pack" which allowed all races to be played in each of the factions, and this feature is also available in the Crown Store.
The game begins in the Wailing Prison in Coldharbour, where the player character's soulless husk (known as a soul shriven) has been enslaved. This opening continues another "Elder Scrolls" tradition of beginning the game with the player as a prisoner. After escaping, the base of operations becomes the Harborage, a cave found at each of the starting cities where the Prophet opens portals to the locations of the main questline. Once the Amulet of Kings is retrieved, the headquarters shift to the Hollow City, a location in central Coldharbour blessed by Meridia. Civilians saved from Coldharbour's prisons arrive in the Hollow City, and it is from there that attacks are orchestrated on Molag Bal's controlled areas.
Development.
"The Elder Scrolls Online" had been in development for seven years before its release in 2014. It is the first project for ZeniMax Online Studios, which was formed in 2007. Matt Firor, studio lead at ZeniMax Online, is the director of "The Elder Scrolls Online". ZeniMax Online licensed the HeroEngine in November 2007. It was used as a whiteboard for the game in early development while the production engine was in development. The game was funded using funds from Providence Equity Partners, as well as the success of "" helped fund the game.
While rumors of a massively multiplayer "The Elder Scrolls" game had been circulating for years, with the first being a domain registration by ZeniMax Media in November 2007 for ElderScrollsOnline.com, Information about the game and its imminent May 2012 announcement was not leaked until March 2012, to online publication Tom's Guide by an anonymous industry source. According to the leak, the game was scheduled to be shown at E3 2012 in June and QuakeCon 2012 in August. On November 8, 2012, Bethesda released a video on YouTube called "An Introduction to The Elder Scrolls Online", in which the game's developers talk about the game's content and development. Several actors were announced to voice the characters of "The Elder Scrolls Online", among them John Cleese, Bill Nighy, Kate Beckinsale, Lynda Carter, Alfred Molina, Michael Gambon, Jennifer Hale, Malcolm McDowell, and Peter Stormare. Beta sign-ups for "The Elder Scrolls Online" began on January 21, 2013, and continued for seven rounds until February 26.
In June 2013, Sony announced that "The Elder Scrolls Online" would be available on PlayStation 4 at their E3 press conference. It was later clarified by Bethesda that it would also be available on Xbox One. While players on Windows and Mac play together, those on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 play only with others on the same platform. In August 2013, at gamescom, it was announced that "The Elder Scrolls Online" would have a monthly subscription fee upon release for all platforms. Subscriptions could be purchased in 30-, 90-, and 180-day increments. While it was announced in January 2014 that the game would not require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online, the Xbox One version would require an Xbox Live Gold subscription in addition to a "The Elder Scrolls Online" monthly subscription. On May 8, 2014, Bethesda spoke about development of the console editions, announcing that the release date for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game would be delayed until the end of 2014, though it was revealed in December 2014 that the game's console debut was once again delayed into the Spring of 2015. ZeniMax Online Studios announced that players who purchased "The Elder Scrolls Online" before the end of June 2014 would have the opportunity to transfer their characters from Microsoft Windows or Mac OS to either console platform and receive a free 30-day subscription.
Releases.
Original release.
"The Elder Scrolls Online" was announced on May 3, 2012, on the "Game Informer" website and in that same month's issue of the magazine. It was released on April 4, 2014, for Windows and Mac. Home console releases for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were released on June 9, 2015. The game was later ported over to Stadia on June 16, 2020.
Shortly after the game's launch, it was reported that some players were unable to activate the 30-day complimentary game time included with their purchase until a subscription had been set up and—in "a strange state of affairs" and "most likely a mistake"—after a full month had been paid for. A serious item duplication exploit was discovered that allowed players to gain huge fortunes, which was patched shortly after release. ZeniMax later announced that they had permanently banned thousands of accounts because of the exploit.
"Tamriel Unlimited".
A subscription is no longer needed to play the game since March 17, 2015. Aside from the initial game price, an optional subscription called "ESO Plus" grants access to all current and future downloadable content (DLC) and a monthly allotment of 1650 Crowns, one of the in-game currencies, as long as the player stays subscribed. The subscription also grants perks that allow players to progress 10% faster than a free player.
"Gold Edition".
On July 6, 2016, ZeniMax announced the release of a "Gold Edition" of "The Elder Scrolls Online" for September 9, 2016. The Gold Edition includes the base game and a certain vanity item, as well as the four major DLCs: "Imperial City", "Orsinium", "Thieves Guild", and "Dark Brotherhood". Additionally, ZeniMax released the "Guilds and Glory" DLC pack for users who already own the base game.
Expansions and updates.
Chapters/DLCs.
"Morrowind".
On January 31, 2017, ZeniMax Online Studios announced a full expansion pack based in Vvardenfell, the setting originally playable in "The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind". Unlike previous DLC for the game, initially "Morrowind" was not purchasable with crown points and had to be purchased as a separate title. The expansion includes a new class, a new trial, and a new player vs. player mode, known as "Battlegrounds". The expansion was released on June 6, 2017. However, "Morrowind" was introduced to the Crown Store by Bethesda during the 2018 June/July sale and "Morrowind" is now included in ESO+ subscription.
"Summerset".
On March 21, 2018, ZeniMax Online Studios announced a full expansion pack based on Summerset Isle, a setting that has not been playable since "". Like the previous expansion "Morrowind" was initially, this is not purchasable with crown points, and must be purchased as a separate title. The expansion includes a new zone, new story line, jewelry crafting and a new skill line based on the Psijic Order. A new trial ‘Cloudrest’ was also launched. The expansion was released on May 21, 2018 for Windows and OS X and was released on June 5, 2018 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
"Elsweyr".
On January 15, 2019, ZeniMax Online Studios announced a full expansion pack based in Elsweyr, a setting that has not been playable since "The Elder Scrolls: Arena". The expansion introduced a necromancer class and a story line involving dragons. A new trial ‘Sunspire’ was also launched. The expansion pack was released on June 4 for all platforms.
"Greymoor".
On January 16, 2020, ZeniMax Online Studios announced a full expansion pack based in Skyrim. The expansion introduced a new zone to explore, Western Skyrim; a new system called Antiquities, a storyline involving vampires and a new 12-Person Trial called Kyne's Aegis was also launched. The expansion was released on May 26, 2020 for Windows and OS X, and on June 10 for Playstation 4 and Xbox One.
"Blackwood".
On January 26, 2021, ZeniMax Online Studios announced a full expansion pack based in an area encompassing both Cyrodiil and Black Marsh. The story will surround the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon's nefarious plans for Tamriel. The expansion will introduce a new zone to explore, Blackwood, along with a new Companions system and Trial; Rockgrove. The expansion will be released on June 1st for PC, and June 8th for consoles.
Other downloadable content.
"The Imperial City".
On June 14, 2015, at the Bethesda showcase at E3, downloadable content (DLC) was announced for the Imperial City, the Capital of Cyrodiil. It was released for Windows and OS X on August 31, 2015, for the Xbox One on September 15, and for the PlayStation 4 on September 16. It introduced a new currency known as Tel Var Stones, a vast sewer system running throughout the city that adds a unique close-quarter PvP experience, and added the game's largest dungeon at that time, The Imperial City Prison. The city itself is overrun by the forces of Daedric Prince Molag Bal, with every district and the central White-Gold Tower being merged into his realm.
"Orsinium".
At the E3 showcase, the new zone of Wrothgar was announced in a DLC called Orsinium, the capital of the Orsimer, better known as Orcs. The DLC was released in November 2015, and introduces a solo challenge known as the Maelstrom Arena. The questline involves assisting the Orcish King Kurog with rebuilding the city of Orsinium.
"Thieves Guild".
The Thieves Guild DLC was revealed by ZeniMax in a livestream to be set in a new area, Abah's Landing in Hammerfell, featuring an all new quest line and new game mechanics. The DLC was released in March 2016.
"Dark Brotherhood".
At the end of the 2015 E3 trailer, was a note with a black hand on it that stated the words, "We Know", a reference to a Dark Brotherhood guild in previous "The Elder Scrolls" games. The Dark Brotherhood DLC takes place on the Gold Coast of Cyrodiil, and introduces new story content and gameplay mechanics. It was released on May 31, 2016, for Microsoft Windows, and on June 14, 2016, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It was made available on the Public Test Server on April 25, 2016. In addition to the Dark Brotherhood questline, the release of the expansion saw the removal of the Veteran Progression System, a new system of poison crafting, and quality of life changes for "The Elder Scrolls Online" Plus subscribers, including "craft bags", which allow subscribers to store crafting materials without taking up space in their inventory.
"Shadows of the Hist".
Game director Matt Firor said that the last DLC for 2016 would be Argonian-themed. Further information was later released, revealing the title to be "Shadows of the Hist". The DLC includes two new dungeons: the Cradle of Shadows and Ruins of Mazzatun, and was released in August 2016.
"Horns of the Reach".
Announced on June 12, 2017 along with "Clockwork City", "Horns of the Reach". The DLC includes two new dungeons: Bloodroot Forge and Falkreath Hold and was released on August 14, 2017 on Windows and Mac, with consoles receiving it on August 25.
"Clockwork City".
Announced along with "Horns of the Reach" on June 12, 2017, "Clockwork City" was eventually released on October 23 for Windows and Mac and November 11 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. This DLC takes players to a new zone, a realm of brass and artificial life forms. The Clockwork City is the domain of Sotha Sil.
"Dragon Bones".
"Dragon Bones" is a dungeon pack and includes two new dungeons - "Fang Lair" and "Scalecaller Peak". Both include cabals of necromancers, an undead dragon raised by their leader, and an awakened Dragon Priest intending to release a deadly plague. The pack was released for Windows on February 12, 2018, with consoles receiving it on February 27.
"Wolfhunter".
"Wolfhunter" is a dungeon pack announced on June 10, 2018 and released on August 13 for Windows and Mac and released on August 28 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. it includes two dungeons, "Moon Hunter Keep" and "March of the Sacrifices", both centered around werewolves.
"Murkmire".
"Murkmire" was released in late October, 2018, and concerns a previously unexplored region of Black Marsh, where the story is about a dead clan of Argonians.
"Wrathstone".
"Wrathstone" is about getting two parts of a mysterious tablet. It was announced on January 15, 2019 and was released on Windows/Mac on February 25, 2019 and for PS4/Xbox One on March 12, 2019.
"Dragonhold".
"Dragonhold" brings the year-long Season of the Dragon storyline to a conclusion with content including a new zone, quests, rewards, and challenges. It was released on Windows/Mac on October 21, 2019.
Harrowstorm
"Harrowstorm" was released on February 24, 2020 for Windows/Mac and March 10, 2020 for XBox One/PS4. It includes two dungeons, "Icereach" and "Unhallowed Grave," which introduce the story line of the "Dark Heart of Skyrim".
Stonethorn
"Stonethorn" was released on August 24, 2020 for PC/Mac/Stadia and September 1, 2020 for XBox One/PS4. It includes two dungeons, "Castle Thorn" and "Stone Garden," which continue the "Dark Heart of Skyrim" story line.
Markarth
"Markarth" was released on November 2, 2020 for PC/Mac/Stadia and November 10, 2020 for XBox One/PS4. It brings the year-long "Dark Heart of Skyrim" story line to an end with the introduction of "The Reach" zone, as well as a new solo arena and a new item collection system.
Flames of Ambition
"Flames of Ambition" was released on March 8, 2021 for PC/Mac/Stadia and March 16, 2021 for XBox One/PS4. It includes two dungeons, "Black Drake Villa" and "The Cauldron" which begins "The Gates of Oblivion" story line, which is planned to be continued in the Blackwood chapter.
Content updates.
"One Tamriel".
In June 2016, a new content update, titled "One Tamriel", was announced. The update changed the core gameplay to allow players to play quests, explore areas, and group up with others without previously implemented restrictions. The update was released in October 2016.
"Homestead".
In October 2016, Firor announced that player housing would be coming to the game in 2017. It was released on February 6, 2017, as part of update 13. There are over 40 different types of houses available; homes are styled after the game's ten playable races, and they come in furnished or unfurnished versions, which can be bought using in-game gold or with real money using crowns.
"Champion System Redesign".
In March 2021, a major change called Update 29 was released, which significantly altered the late game advancement system called Champion Points. In addition to adding Champion Point options for new aspects of the game, it also expanded the cap from 810 to 3,600 Champion Points. Accompanying it were changes to numerous pieces of equipment and skills.
Reception.
Original release.
"The Elder Scrolls Online" initially received mixed reviews; the game has a weighted aggregate rating of 71/100 on Metacritic based on 64 reviews. "PC Gamer" gave it a score of 68/100, writing that it is "an MMORPG of moderate scope with a few good ideas" but cautioning that "'okay' isn't good enough when you're facing down this much of a premium."
ZeniMax addressed many of the game's early criticisms and released major updates. In January 2015, they announced that the game would no longer be using a subscription model, becoming effective March 17, 2015. ZeniMax also announced that it would be coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on June 9, 2015, and that it would be rebranded as "The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited".
"Summerset" won the award for "Outstanding Video Game" at the 30th GLAAD Media Awards. The game itself was nominated for the "Still Playing" award at the 2019 Golden Joystick Awards, while "Elsweyr" was nominated for the "Best Game Expansion" award.
"Tamriel Unlimited".
"Tamriel Unlimited" received mostly positive reviews. The PlayStation 4 version of the game has a weighted aggregate rating of 74/100 on Metacritic based on 30 reviews, Windows version has 80/100 based on 4 reviews, and Xbox One version received 77/100 based on 11 reviews. Eurogamer Dan Whitehead reviewed the game, saying that "For fans eager for a new fix all these years on from "Skyrim", that may well be enough. The ability to share the adventure, somewhat clumsily, with friends is both a selling point and a pitfall, but those who concentrate their efforts on the Alliance War will find the experience worthwhile."
Sales and user base.
"The Elder Scrolls Online" was the top-selling game in the United Kingdom for the week of April 5, 2014, for individual formats, and number two across all formats. When the game was released on consoles, the game once again became the top-selling game in the United Kingdom for the week of June 15, 2015, across all formats, becoming the year's second best-selling game at retail The game was ranked the best-selling digital PlayStation 4 game of June 2015 in the United States and Europe. In the United States, the game was the second and sixth best-selling game of June and July 2015, respectively.
In February 2017, it was announced that the game had surpassed over 8.5 million in retail sales having around one million monthly active players. In June 2017, it was announced that more than 10 million players had played the game since release, and that the game had around 2.5 million monthly active players. In June 2019, it was announced that the game reached 13.5 million players lifetime. As of January 2020, the game has sold more than 15 million copies. Pete Hines called "The Elder Scrolls Online" the most successful Bethesda game from the 2017-2021 period.