Very Positive(81%)
immersive world
rich lore
engaging story
flexible exploration
welcoming community
combat system
crafting and trade
level-scaling
monetization strategy
performance issues
class identity
balance issues
complex systems
Overall, player sentiment towards The Elder Scrolls Online is a blend of praise for its expansive world, engaging lore, and immersive storytelling. However, players express frustration with the game's monetization practices, which heavily impact the gameplay experience. Performance issues and balance changes like subclassing have met with mixed reactions, highlighting a divide between casual and veteran players. The community remains a strong point, with many players appreciating the social aspect despite some gameplay challenges. Despite these criticisms, ESO continues to offer a rich Elder Scrolls experience that draws players back time and again.
Positive Points
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) offers a vast and immersive world reminiscent of Elder Scrolls' single-player games. It features expansive maps, rich lore, and an engaging story.The game supports solo and multiplayer exploration, providing flexibility for different playstyles.ESO excels in voice acting and storytelling, with every quest being fully voiced, enhancing immersion.The community in ESO is noted for being welcoming and helpful, offering a positive social experience.The horizontal progression system allows for diverse character builds and flexible exploration, a standout feature compared to other MMORPGs.Negative Points
The game's monetization strategy is heavily criticized, with key features and content gated behind the ESO Plus subscription and numerous DLCs, making the game feel like a money sink.Performance issues like lag, crashes, and disconnects have frustrated players, especially during peak times or large-scale battles.Recent updates, including subclassing, have been controversial for diminishing class identity and balance, which has aggravated veteran players.Initiating the game can be daunting due to complex systems and a lack of comprehensive tutorials, which leaves new players overwhelmed.PVP is plagued by balance issues and its appeal has waned due to perceived unfairness and long wait times for matches.Mixed Points
The game's combat system receives mixed reviews: some find it engaging once mastered, while others dislike the reliance on techniques like animation canceling (weaving).ESO's crafting and trade systems are detailed but require time investment and guild participation, which may not appeal to everyone.The level-scaling aspect allows players to explore any zone but can reduce the sense of progression and challenge.Common Themes
The shared world of Tamriel and the Elder Scrolls lore is a foundational element of the game's appeal, deeply resonating with fans of the series.Players value the ability to return to the game and find new content, although updates often leave room for improvement in terms of game balance and innovation.Monetization, including the impact of ESO Plus on gameplay experience, is a recurring topic in discussions about the game's accessibility and value.Community and social aspects, including guild participation and player interactions, are integral to the overall experience.Updated 1/7/2026, 12:01:43 AM UTC