In The Elder Scrolls Online will soon change a lot. Because TESO head Matt Firor announced at the E3 2016 that the project “One Tamriel” will start soon, allowing a much freer gameplay thanks to variable levels and the absence of faction restrictions. A long overdue step in the right direction!
One Tamriel finally brings what I have missed since the beta of The Elder Scrolls Online: a fully explorable game world! Because it was precisely the world closely tailored to levels and factions – including initially very limited races – that was a major annoyance for me, greatly dampening the Elder Scrolls feeling in TESO.
Initial Missteps
It was the great freedom and open world that made Elder Scrolls games like Morrowind, Oblivion, and especially Skyrim so amazing and truly special. Moreover, I used to be able to play any race I wanted and move freely.
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None of this was available in TESO. Instead, I could only play a Nord if I belonged to the Ebonheart Pact, and my beloved Khajiit could only be played with the Elf faction. And then I could only play with my friends if they were also in my alliance, as the city areas of the other races were only accessible after reaching the maximum level. Additionally, there was the extremely annoying phasing that simply removed my group members from my version of the game world if they suddenly advanced further than I did during a quest. In contrast to the previous games in the series, TESO simply did not offer a free world, but a pseudo-MMO divided into small portions.
The Direction is Right
Zenimax and Bethesda apparently took these criticisms to heart, as over time, among other things, the notorious phasing was improved. Through the purchase of an “Explorer Pack DLC”, the individual races became freely accessible, allowing Khajiit in the north or Orcs on the Summerset Isles to be playable. And in the DLC areas such as Imperial City, Orsinium, or the regions of Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood, both faction affiliation and level restrictions were negated.
Changes to the LFG system ensure that players can now join dungeons and trials with players from other factions.
Everyone was equal in the new lands and could collaborate freely with other players, regardless of their loyalty and experience. Just as it should be for a good online role-playing game, in my opinion.
On to the Home Stretch!
With the letter from Matt Firor for E3 2016, The Elder Scrolls Online is now definitively taking the right direction and is increasingly becoming the game it should have been from the start. With the concept of “One Tamriel”, levels and factions become irrelevant for character interaction. Everyone is allowed to go anywhere and in any order they want.
Levels and equipment still play a role, as those with good gear and experience are still better than beginners who have just arrived. However, the scaling of enemies and loot should ensure that there is something for every player and, above all, provide plenty of action in all areas of the game world. And since PvP will not be affected at all, competitive players should also have no problem with that. In PvE, however, it is good for the group if players are as skilled as possible.
For me, TESO with One Tamriel becomes very interesting again. But what do you think? Do you also find that this step was absolutely necessary and will benefit the game in the long run? Or do you find the concept questionable as it may relativize and trivialize player achievements? Let me know and discuss vigorously in the comments!
