The Elder Scrolls Online
Setting: Fantasy | Developer: Zenimax Online | Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia | Release Date: April 4, 2014 | Model: Buy2Play
What makes the combat system so good? The Elder Scrolls Online features an active combat system where you must directly target enemies for your attacks and abilities to hit. Unlike Black Desert, the game supports abilities that are directly applied to the targeted enemy.
Additionally, ESO relies on dodge rolls and a block mechanic alongside heavy attacks, which can be executed by holding the normal attack button longer. These also provide stamina back, a resource that is used for both attacking and dodging.
The attacks and abilities in ESO feel rather “light.” The impact of Black Desert or New World is not felt, and enemies show almost no reaction to attacks. Another point of critique lies in interrupting animations. Those who want to achieve the highest DPS numbers must interrupt animations after a hit through tricks to enable the next attack more quickly.
However, ESO offers more freedom with the classes, as you can access not only specific abilities but also a pool of skills from various guilds, races, and armor types, regardless of which of the seven classes you choose.
You can learn more about the combat system of ESO in this video by YouTuber Shimmer:
What does the game offer besides combat? ESO is a theme park MMORPG and stands out especially for its beautiful stories. Every quest in the game is voiced and promises an interesting adventure that can always be completed alone.
Thanks to special scaling, you can look directly at the newest content and expansions right from the start. You are automatically scaled up to max level in the background and can take on any enemy. If any content feels too hard, you can use the new companions since Blackwood.
If you wish, you can also face greater challenges in dungeons and trials, raids for 12 players. PvP fans can also find satisfaction in battlegrounds and the great alliance battle in Cyrodiil.
Who is ESO worth it for? The Elder Scrolls Online is aimed at theme park fans who want to experience beautiful and interesting stories. Because with the story, the MMORPG can immediately convince. In details like crafting, collecting sets or achievements, as well as the mentioned group contents, one can lose themselves long-term.
However, ESO is perceived as too easy by many players. The monetization has also come under criticism. Every year an expansion (40-60 euros) and several DLCs are released. These DLCs can either be purchased or unlocked for the duration of ESO+, an optional subscription.
However, ESO+ brings further useful bonuses, such as a crafting bag, so that at least core players consider the subscription almost mandatory. The new chapter has already been announced for June: All about the Gold Road expansion and the new content the MMORPG will receive in 2024
