In summer 2020, an upgrade for the “Next Gen” version of the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) was announced, which brings graphical improvements on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Now it is clear what the update looks like and when it is coming.
When will the upgrade be released? Zenimax Online has stated that this update titled “Console Enhanced” will be released on June 8. It coincides with the release of the console version of Blackwood, the next major expansion of the MMORPG.
ESO will look significantly better on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
These changes come with the upgrade: It is already known how exactly the graphics of ESO will improve compared to the current version. Here are the changes you can expect:
- 60 fps – Until now, the performance of ESO on Xbox One and PS4 was limited to 30 fps. That is changing. On Xbox Series X/S and PS5, you can play with the Enhanced Edition at 60 fps, making the gameplay significantly smoother. More fps have further implications. A high frame rate allows for more damage to be dealt, as shown by the example of Black Desert Online. This is because players can react faster due to smoother gameplay, and with higher frame rates, some animations can be skipped. This enables combos to be executed more quickly, resulting in more damage dealt.
- Increased draw distance – The update nearly doubles the draw distance, allowing you to see more of the world of Tamriel. This is particularly interesting for PvP as it provides the advantage of spotting enemies from afar. Therefore, it is also important in the PC version to set the draw distance as high as possible in the options.
- Higher resolution textures – The textures will appear more detailed and finer, approaching those of the PC version. Everything no longer looks so washed out and blurry as before.
- Optimized anti-aliasing – Flickering on edges of foliage, grass, and buildings will be reduced, making the objects appear sharper from a distance. However, the current impact of anti-aliasing on performance is still unclear. It is quite possible that players will turn off this option for the fast-paced PvP fights to achieve more fps.
- Improved reflections – Water and reflective surfaces will have nicer reflections, which should enhance details and realism. It is also conceivable that more detailed reflections could be advantageous in PvP, as enemies could be spotted more easily by their reflection in the water.
- Improved shadows and ambient occlusion – Shadows are higher resolution and appear sharper, and with optimized ambient occlusion, there are more details in the shading.
- Improved depth of field – Backgrounds in the game are expected to look more realistic and smoother when interacting with NPCs.
- Shorter loading times – Due to the SSD drives in the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, loading times should be significantly reduced. Zenimax expects them to even be halved. Previously, console players had to wait several minutes to get from their house or room into the wilderness. Players report waiting 5 to 10 minutes (via reddit). Additionally, even loading a hero to start playing takes 3 to 4 minutes on console (via reddit). Therefore, halving these times would be desirable.
Interesting here will be the balancing. Players on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will play with improved graphics and higher fps alongside those still on PS4 and Xbox One. In PvP, there should not be unfair advantages such as more damage.
What does it look like? The developer had already released a video about the graphic upgrade to illustrate the improvements. You can watch it here:
This is why the update could be important
Especially on console, ESO is struggling with performance issues. The developers have been working on this problem for a long time. The overhaul of the Champion Points system has already brought slight improvements. But the “Console Enhanced” version could excel in performance and make the MMORPG at least playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. 60 fps is a promise from the team. However, it remains to be seen whether that can actually be achieved. We will find out on June 8.
What does the community say about the improvements? The trailer for the “Console Enhanced” version of ESO is well received. We gather some player opinions here:
- Robert Walsh says (via Youtube): “Is it really running at 60 fps? That’s the only thing that matters to me.”
- Revo writes (via Youtube): “It looks beautiful. I can’t wait.”
- Stone Legion – Let’s Play explains (via Youtube): “This is great, and I’m already having a lot of fun with ESO.”
- SSG_Ronnie is disappointed with one thing (via Youtube): “So there’s no ray tracing update? I hope you further improve the graphics.”
Zenimax Online wants to reveal more about the “Console Enhanced” upgrade for ESO before its release. Because there will be a performance and quality mode. We will learn the exact differences in the coming weeks.
What do you think of the upgrade? Do you like the new graphics?
MeinMMO spoke with two experts who explain to you why the Blackwood expansion is a good reason to start with ESO.
