The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)
Genre: MMORPG | Developer: ZeniMax | Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS 4, Stadia, Android | Release: 04.04 2014 | Model: Buy2Play | Download: ZeniMax’s website
What is ESO? The Elder Scrolls Online is a large online role-playing game (MMORPG) in which you explore the fantasy world of Tamriel together with hundreds of other players and experience adventures.
ESO takes place in the Elder Scrolls universe. So if you know games like Skyrim or Oblivion, you will find many familiar things here. However, the story of ESO takes place long before the other games in the series.
In ESO, you play a self-created character who originates from the various races of Tamriel. You can choose from various elves, Nordic-like Nords, Argonian lizards, or the quirky cat beings from the Khajiit.
In the game, you explore the world, complete quests, follow a story, venture into dungeons, and fight other players in the central province Cyrodiil in epic PvP mass battles.
What are the features of ESO? ESO has been around since 2014, and many updates and new content have been released since the launch. In addition to the extensive base game, the MMORPG now includes the following content:
- The dark elf island of Morrowind
- The enchanting Summerset Isles of the high elves
- The exotic land of Elsweyr
- The region of western Skyrim added in 2020
Also included are typical MMORPG features such as housing, cosmetic customization of heroes, and role-playing features. In ESO, you can perform many animations called emotes, allowing your hero to drink beer, play music, or dance.
If you enjoy well-told fantasy stories, you will also love ESO: Each quest is a little story that lets you experience the vibrant world of Tamriel even more intensely.
Another cool feature: your level adjusts to that of your teammates, so it is not a disadvantage if you play with friends who have been playing the game for longer.
What does ESO cost? The Elder Scrolls Online is not a free-to-play game and must be purchased once to play. However, the standard edition with the base game costs only 19.99 euros and offers many hours of fun.
If you have purchased ESO, it is yours forever, and you don’t have to maintain a subscription to access the game. However, there is an optional ESO Plus subscription that provides you access to all content (except the very latest chapter Greymoor) for 30 days without additional costs. The subscription costs 12.99 euros for 30 days and is definitely recommended for players who want to play the game intensively.
The “correct” order of all content in ESO can be found here.
Who is ESO suitable for? If you are looking for a really extensive and lovingly designed online RPG, then you will enjoy ESO. Thanks to the Elder Scrolls setting, the entire world and its backgrounds feel solid and lively. You always have the feeling of being in a living world thanks to well-written and fully-voiced quests and stories, enjoying this world with other players.
Since you can enjoy almost all the content of the game in a group of up to 5 players, ESO is particularly well suited to be played together with friends for hours.
