The Elder Scrolls Online

About

"The Elder Scrolls Online is a massive multiplayer role-playing game set in the world of Tamriel, where players can explore, quest, and join factions in an ever-expanding story. The game offers new zones, such as West Weald and the Telvanni Peninsula in Morrowind, and a new class - the Arcanist. The Newcomer Pack provides additional perks for new players, including a Flame Skin Salamander pet, crowns, and an experience scroll."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

87%

Audience ScoreBased on 67,707 reviews

story4.8k positive mentions

grinding1.8k negative mentions

story
14,663 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
62%
5%
The story in *The Elder Scrolls Online* (ESO) is characterized by its rich lore and extensive questlines, with all quests being fully voice-acted, which enhances immersion. Players appreciate the variety of narratives across different zones, although some quests can feel repetitive or formulaic, often resembling typical MMO fetch quests. While the main storyline is engaging, many players find that the overall quest structure can become overwhelming due to the sheer volume of content and the lack of clear progression, leading to a mixed reception regarding its depth and coherence.
- “The storytelling is top-notch, with memorable characters and choices that actually impact the world around you.”
- “Its rich world, engaging storytelling, and dynamic gameplay create an unforgettable experience that invites both new players and seasoned veterans to immerse themselves in the ever-evolving saga of Tamriel.”
- “The main story quests are engaging and immersive, featuring compelling characters and epic story arcs that draw you into the struggles and triumphs of Tamriel.”
- “The main storyline isn't very impressive but not super boring either; the Morrowind DLC, on the other hand, is much more enjoyable in terms of storytelling and environment.”
- “The story is boring and lame.”
- “The quests are hit or miss, and usually have you running all over the world, expending time without giving XP.”
gameplay
4,946 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
63%
7%
The gameplay of "The Elder Scrolls Online" (ESO) is a blend of traditional MMORPG mechanics and the action-oriented combat familiar to fans of the Elder Scrolls series. Players appreciate the vast amount of content, including quests, dungeons, and crafting systems, which provide hundreds of hours of gameplay. However, many reviews highlight issues such as repetitive quest design, clunky combat mechanics, and a monetization model that can feel exploitative, particularly with paywalls for essential features and content. Overall, while the game offers an immersive experience with rich lore and community engagement, its gameplay can be polarizing, especially for those expecting a traditional Elder Scrolls experience.
- “From the gameplay to the quest design and the endless activities, this game is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.”
- “It offers a perfect blend of solo and multiplayer experiences, a rich and immersive world, and endless hours of gameplay.”
- “The gameplay stands out as one of the few MMOs that offers a first-person perspective, making it feel more immersive and engaging.”
- “So far, I have encountered two game-breaking bugs in my 90+ hours of gameplay, both of which took place during a dungeon run and rendered each dungeon uncompletable.”
- “The core mechanic - combat - is a total mess.”
- “The gameplay is absolutely horrid; you one-shot everything in PvE, boring dialogue, follow the compass, one of the most boring experiences in an RPG I've ever had.”
graphics
4,164 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
39%
6%
The graphics of "The Elder Scrolls Online" (ESO) receive mixed reviews from players. Many praise the game's stunning visuals and attention to detail, particularly in newer expansions, highlighting the immersive environments and character models. However, some players criticize the graphics as outdated compared to modern standards, noting that they can appear less impressive than those in single-player titles like Skyrim, especially on lower settings. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good for an MMO, there are calls for updates to enhance visual fidelity further.
- “The game's graphics and art style really bring each region to life, and the attention to detail in the environments is impressive.”
- “The graphics are stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and intricate details that truly bring the world of Tamriel to life.”
- “The graphics and sound design are impressive, bringing the environments to life with stunning visuals and a great soundtrack.”
- “The graphics are terrible.”
- “The graphics look almost like Dark Age of Camelot from the early 2000s or something.”
- “The graphics are worse than Oblivion, and somehow a worse game overall.”
grinding
1,906 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
3%
96%
The grinding aspect of "The Elder Scrolls Online" (ESO) has received mixed reviews from players. Many appreciate the extensive content available, including quests, crafting, and dungeons, which can provide a rewarding experience for those who enjoy grinding. However, numerous players find the grind tedious and repetitive, particularly when it comes to leveling up, crafting, and acquiring gear, often leading to burnout. While some players embrace the grind as part of the MMO experience, others express frustration over the time investment required to progress, especially without the benefits of a subscription. Overall, ESO is seen as a game that caters to both grinding enthusiasts and those who prefer a more casual approach, but it does require a significant time commitment.
- “It's not too grindy and there is always something to do.”
- “Levelling system is not too grindy, but rewarding (especially when events give double XP).”
- “Best MMO I've ever played, there's little to no grinding, it's fun solo or with a group of friends, and there is plenty to do.”
- “The game itself is severely tedious and boring.”
- “I tried, I really tried to like this game but it just doesn't feel like an Elder Scrolls game and without that it is just another tedious mass-produced MMORPG.”
- “The in-game gold economy is incredibly inflated on PC with no correction strategies ever being pursued, so unless you've been playing for the past 2+ years you won't be able to reasonably purchase things without grinding.”
monetization
989 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
59%
33%
The monetization model of The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has drawn significant criticism for being overly aggressive and predatory, with many players feeling bombarded by constant advertisements for in-game purchases, including microtransactions and DLCs. While some argue that the game can be enjoyed without spending extra money, the reliance on a subscription service (ESO Plus) and the high costs of cosmetic items and expansions have led to perceptions of it being a cash grab. Overall, the monetization practices are seen as a major detractor from the gaming experience, overshadowing the game's content and community aspects.
- “Despite some flaws in combat and performance, as well as the potential cost of full access through subscriptions and microtransactions, ESO provides a compelling adventure that continues to grow and evolve.”
- “The monetization model of ESO is questionable and ineffective in my opinion, but it does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
- “While I may not be a fan of microtransactions within games, I do feel the 'crown' currency is fair in what you are able to get in return—should you be concerned with aesthetics.”
- “The problem arises with ESO Plus and all the microtransactions that come with it.”
- “It's riddled with microtransactions, subscription-based services, DLC, loot boxes, paid cosmetics, paid mounts, and paid pets, and much more.”
- “The monetization is utterly brutal, and you're practically forced into paying the ESO Plus subscription if you want to play the game seriously.”
music
868 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
40%
2%
The music in "The Elder Scrolls Online" is widely praised for its exceptional quality, with many reviewers highlighting its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and immersion. The soundtrack features a mix of nostalgic themes from previous Elder Scrolls titles and new compositions, creating a rich auditory experience that complements the game's expansive world. While some players noted occasional repetitiveness in the music, the overall consensus is that the score is a standout element, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
- “The music perfectly captures the essence of Tamriel, making every moment feel grand and epic.”
- “The soundtrack is simply wonderful, enhancing the immersive experience of the game.”
- “The music and sound design are exceptional, adding depth and atmosphere to the game's world.”
- “The music is bland and very quickly annoying, which is totally out of sync with Elder Scrolls games.”
- “Most of the game has the same uninspired vague fantasy soundtrack for every zone.”
- “Unlike any Elder Scrolls game, however, the music is just god awful - I have to turn it off to play Morrowind or Oblivion OST in the background.”
optimization
730 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
57%
23%
The optimization of "The Elder Scrolls Online" has received mixed reviews from players. While some commend the game for running smoothly on a variety of hardware, others highlight persistent performance issues, particularly during large-scale PvP battles and in densely populated areas, leading to lag and crashes. Many players express frustration over the developers' focus on new content rather than addressing long-standing optimization problems, resulting in a generally inconsistent experience across different platforms.
- “Despite some flaws in combat and performance, as well as the potential cost of full access through subscriptions and microtransactions, ESO provides a compelling adventure that continues to grow and evolve.”
- “The graphics are beautiful even on more modest computers and very well optimized.”
- “The performance has noticeably changed, apparently, the work has just been done, so I change my negative review to a positive one.”
- “I have filled out many reports with the game developer only to have nothing about the game's performance fixed or even remotely made better.”
- “The game is poorly optimized and absolute hell on your hardware.”
- “Despite the performance issues with the game, this is still probably the best MMO out there right now.”
stability
659 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
1%
92%
The stability of the game has been a significant concern among players, with many reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and server issues that hinder gameplay. While some users note improvements over time, the game remains plagued by persistent problems, including quest malfunctions, visual glitches, and connectivity issues, leading to frustration during play. Overall, the game's stability is often described as inconsistent, with many players experiencing a mix of enjoyable moments overshadowed by technical difficulties.
- “The game is great, really addicting and the dev team works like crazy keeping it bug free and enjoyable.”
- “Finally, the game at this point is almost all bug free.”
- “Community is great, the game runs great, the game is beautiful and immersive and it's a fun game to play with friends.”
- “The game is buggy as hell 9 years after release.”
- “If you love playing games that crash non-stop, this game is for you. If you can't get enough of the rage that burns within when the game freezes and you rejoin the server dead, well this game is what you're looking for.”
- “The game has too many server lag, glitches, and bugs.”
humor
313 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
1%
2%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its witty dialogue, amusing NPCs, and entertaining quests that range from hilarious to darkly comedic. Many reviews mention the game's ability to create memorable moments through funny interactions and community antics, making it a fun experience, especially when played with friends. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm to the gameplay, enhancing the enjoyment of the expansive world and its rich storytelling.
- “It was hilarious--genuinely.”
- “The scenery is beautiful, the storylines are well-crafted, the characters are funny and entertaining, the combat mechanics are dope, the in-game games are fun, the monsters are bad-ass and the grind is unparalleled.”
- “The quests vary from serious to hilarious; at one moment you will be saving the world and at the next you are looking for a pig named Glutton to settle a dispute between two business owners.”
- “Not funny.”
- “The gameplay by itself is okay, but this game is so filled with loot boxes and monetization it's really not funny anymore.”
- “I played the game in the beta and it was not good, it was not funny and I did not like it.”
atmosphere
268 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
43%
5%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, enhanced by exceptional voice acting, a captivating musical score, and beautifully designed environments that reflect the rich lore of the Elder Scrolls series. Players appreciate the vibrant and friendly community, as well as the diverse landscapes that contribute to a sense of exploration and adventure. However, some critiques mention that the MMO format can detract from the immersive experience, with a few players feeling that it lacks the depth and atmosphere of the single-player titles in the franchise.
- “The game’s visuals and sound design work together to create an immersive atmosphere that draws you into the world.”
- “The atmosphere of this game really scratches the Elder Scrolls itch while waiting for ES6.”
- “The beauty of the ESO is complemented by the stellar soundtrack that serves to capture and amplify the atmosphere on offer to players.”
- “There is no atmosphere, nothing like the previous versions.”
- “The biggest problem of this MMO is that there is just no atmosphere - you are constantly surrounded by other players.”
- “Utterly devoid of any of the atmosphere and character of the single-player games.”
emotional
152 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
86%
14%
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses from players, with some expressing deep emotional connections through its storytelling and community interactions, while others criticize the lack of engaging narratives and character depth. Many players highlight moments of joy and heartbreak within quests, alongside a generally wholesome community that fosters supportive relationships. However, there are significant complaints about repetitive and uninspired storylines, leading to feelings of disappointment and frustration among some players.
- “Sweeping orchestral scores accompany your adventures, adding an emotional depth that pulls you into the world even more.”
- “Some of the quests are downright heart-breaking - I seriously have teared up a few times playing them.”
- “I have been more emotionally wrecked by this game than my last relationship ending.”
- “As I have said, I really wanted to like this game, but its boring story and its empty feeling left me bored and looking for other games. I am a die-hard Elder Scrolls and Bethesda fan, but this game did not hold my attention. I would save your $60 for something else.”
- “But instead, it is a boring slog in a boring world with a boring story and boring characters.”
- “The actual content that the devs have added recently has all been predictable boring storylines, which are full of so many bugs that many players can't even play the content they purchased until days or weeks after it comes out.”
replayability
141 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
62%
3%
The game is widely praised for its high replayability, offering a vast array of character classes, races, and zones to explore, which encourages players to create multiple characters and experience different playstyles. However, some users note that certain aspects, like the lack of meaningful choices in quests, can diminish replay value for specific content. Overall, the combination of extensive content updates and diverse gameplay options contributes to a strong sense of replayability, making it a favorite among MMO enthusiasts.
- “It offers an unparalleled level of immersion and replayability, making it one of the best MMOs available today.”
- “The freedom to choose from a variety of races and classes, each with its own distinct playstyle, adds depth and replayability to the game.”
- “This game has the replayability and content MMOs dream of having, a nice, proper MMO with meaningful build crafting and a massive open world that has hundreds and hundreds of hours of gameplay.”
- “Plus, it mostly rewards you with the same things regardless of your decisions, completely breaking the replayability of it.”
- “By combining completion into their account-wide achievement system, they've effectively destroyed any replayability the game had.”
- “The main story quests of most zones are okay doing it once, but it lacks replay value since there are no actual choices you can make that affect the story to a large degree.”
character development
118 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
54%
4%
Character development in the game is praised for its depth and flexibility, allowing players to customize their characters through various skill trees and abilities, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. While many players appreciate the freedom to mix and match skills and the rich character design options, some critiques highlight a lack of meaningful progression and repetitive gameplay after extensive hours. Overall, the character development system is seen as a strong point, offering a blend of traditional RPG elements with unique customization opportunities, though it may not satisfy those seeking a more linear or structured approach.
- “The freedom to mix and match different abilities from various skill lines adds a layer of depth to character development that keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.”
- “Elder Scrolls Online offers a complex world and non-linear character development that makes for a bespoke gaming experience; I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys a role-playing style game or previous Elder Scrolls title players.”
- “Character development is forgiving and allows for the development of a variety of playstyles, though I can't comment yet on endgame meta.”
- “This doesn’t have an engaging story, overarching story, fragmented if you don't follow an order, & doesn’t have continuous character development.”
- “It could be fun for the first hundred or so hours, while you explore and build character, but after that the game becomes boringly repetitive, all quests repeat one another with completely unchanging and shallow narrative patterns, and the character development system is frankly poor if not pathetic.”
- “Whereas Skyrim was a completely open skill-based character development model, ESO forces you to pick a race and class combo which will limit your choices for development.”