The Elder Scrolls Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.[1][2] It was released for Microsoft Windows and OS X in April 2014[3], with versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S planned.[4] It is a part of the Elder Scrolls series.
The game is set in the continent of Tamriel and features a storyline indirectly connected with the other games in the Elder Scrolls franchise. It had been in development for seven years before its release in 2014. It initially received mixed reviews, but these improved significantly with the re-release and rebranding as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, with critics praising the changes that were made.
Releases
Original release
The Elder Scrolls Online was announced on May 3, 2012, on the Game Informer website and in that same month’s issue of the magazine.[1] It was released on April 4, 2014, for Windows and Mac. Home console releases for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were released on June 9, 2015. The game was later ported over to Stadia on June 16, 2020.
Shortly after the game’s launch, it was reported that some players were unable to activate the 30-day complimentary game time included with their purchase until a subscription had been set up and—in “a strange state of affairs” and “most likely a mistake”—after a full month had been paid for.[29] A serious item duplication exploit was discovered that allowed players to gain huge fortunes, which was patched shortly after release.[30] ZeniMax later announced that they had permanently banned thousands of accounts because of the exploit.[31]
Tamriel Unlimited
A subscription is no longer needed to play the game since March 17, 2015.[32] Aside from the initial game price, an optional subscription called “ESO Plus” grants access to all current and future downloadable content (DLC) and a monthly allotment of 1650 Crowns, one of the in-game currencies, as long as the player stays subscribed. The subscription also grants perks that allow players to progress 10% faster than a free player.[33]
Gold Edition
On July 6, 2016, ZeniMax announced the release of a “Gold Edition” of The Elder Scrolls Online for September 9, 2016. The Gold Edition includes the base game and a certain vanity item, as well as the four major DLCs: Imperial City, Orsinium, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood.[34] Additionally, ZeniMax released the “Guilds and Glory” DLC pack for users who already own the base game.[35]
Expansions and updates
Chapters/DLCs
Morrowind
On January 31, 2017, ZeniMax Online Studios announced a full expansion pack based in Vvardenfell, the setting originally playable in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.[36] Unlike previous DLC for the game, initially Morrowind was not purchasable with crown points and had to be purchased as a separate title. The expansion includes a new class, a new trial, and a new player vs. player mode, known as “Battlegrounds”.[36] The expansion was released on June 6, 2017.[37] However, Morrowind was introduced to the Crown Store by Bethesda during the 2018 June/July sale and Morrowind is now included in ESO+ subscription.
Summerset
On March 21, 2018, ZeniMax Online Studios announced a full expansion pack based on Summerset Isle, a setting that has not been playable since The Elder Scrolls: Arena.[38] Like the previous expansion Morrowind was initially, this is not purchasable with crown points, and must be purchased as a separate title. The expansion includes a new zone, new story line, jewelry crafting and a new skill line based on the Psijic Order. A new trial ‘Cloudrest’ was also launched.[38] The expansion was released on May 21, 2018 for Windows and OS X and was released on June 5, 2018 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.[38]
Elsweyr
On January 15, 2019, ZeniMax Online Studios announced a full expansion pack based in Elsweyr, a setting that has not been playable since The Elder Scrolls: Arena. The expansion introduced a necromancer class and a story line involving dragons. A new trial ‘Sunspire’ was also launched.[39] The expansion pack was released on June 4 for all platforms.[40]
Greymoor
On January 16, 2020, ZeniMax Online Studios announced a full expansion pack based in Skyrim. The expansion introduced a new zone to explore, Western Skyrim; a new system called Antiquities, a storyline involving vampires and a new 12-Person Trial called Kyne’s Aegis was also launched.
Other downloadable content
The Imperial City
Orsinium
Thieves Guild
Dark Brotherhood
Shadows of the Hist
Horns of the Reach
Clockwork City
Dragon Bones
Wolfhunter
Murkmire
Wrathstone
Dragonhold
Harrowstorm
Stonethorn
Markarth
Homestead
Source