In Elder Scrolls Online there are numerous item sets that all want to be well balanced. The developers now explain how they approach this mammoth task.
Elder Scrolls Online, one of the best MMORPGs of 2024, boasts an impressive number of different item sets. Currently, there are over 650. This requires a lot of dedication and attention to detail from the developers in balancing.
The sets must be changed and adjusted during development, but also after their release, so that the overall balance does not falter. The developers explain how this works in a blog post on the official website.
The Key is Mathematics
How do the developers proceed? Nadav Pechthold, who works at ESO as a Combat Designer, talks in the blog about the complex work involved. An important factor for each set is the set bonus efficiency, referred to as SBE. This means the average power of a set per equipment slot. It should not deviate too much from that of others.
To calculate all this, the developers use mathematical formulas and summarize it as follows:
Through a series of mathematical formulas, we establish the SBE using positive numbers to increase and negative numbers to decrease the value. Granting attributes as well as increasing damage or duration are examples of how to increase the SBE, while complex trigger requirements, cooldowns, and “curses” reduce the SBE. In short, we compare the good stuff that a set gives you to how difficult it is to use, and divide that by the number of pieces you need until it’s complete.
Nadav Pechtold via elderscrollsonline.com
It is always important to test all sets in the ongoing game. Theory is nice and good, but practice shows whether the balance is really right. That is why every set is tested in PvE and PvP with different playstyles.
So is the balance perfect? Nadav Pechtold admits that achieving a perfect balance is difficult. There are cases where it simply doesn’t work. Therefore, it is also important to adjust older sets retrospectively. Aside from that, Elder Scrolls Online will soon receive a major update: One of the most successful MMORPGs is getting a big update, community criticizes PvP focus and paid companions
