The Elder Scrolls® Online
Action
Adventure
Massively Multiplayer
RPG
Multi-player
MMO
PvP
Online PvP
Co-op
Online Co-op
Steam Trading Cards
Captions available
In-App Purchases
Camera Comfort
Custom Volume Controls
Playable without Timed Input
Stereo Sound
Surround Sound
Partial Controller Support
HDR available
Family Sharing

Every legend starts somewhere and in The Elder Scrolls Online, it starts with you. Join millions of players in an online, fantasy RPG set in a vast living Elder Scrolls world.

Developers: ZeniMax Online Studios
Publishers: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: May 22, 2017
Price (USD): $19.99
Current Players: 8.7k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(80%)
rich lore
massive content
immersive world
supportive community
subscription necessary
strong world-building
monetization model
technical issues
combat repetitive
The general sentiment is that Elder Scrolls Online is a rich and massive MMORPG with strong world-building and a committed player community, appealing to fans of The Elder Scrolls franchise. However, many players are frustrated with the aggressive monetization model which includes a subscription for essential features. Technical issues and criticisms of combat are common, leading to mixed feelings about the game’s execution. Despite this, the ongoing updates and supportive community keep many players engaged long-term.

Positive Points

  • The game offers a rich and immersive world with detailed lore and storytelling, appealing to fans of The Elder Scrolls franchise.
  • Elder Scrolls Online provides a massive amount of content and a vast open world that players can explore for hours with endless quests, dungeons, and storylines.
  • Many reviews highlight the game's flexibility, allowing both solo and group play with diverse activities like crafting, roleplay, PvP, and PvE.
  • The community is generally seen as positive and supportive, providing help and making the game experience more enjoyable through guild participation.
  • Negative Points

  • Many players criticize the game's monetization model, which includes a subscription necessary for crafting bags, a cash shop, and numerous DLCs that some believe are essential for a full experience.
  • Some users report technical issues like crashes, bugs, and performance hindrances particularly on certain platforms like macOS.
  • There are complaints about the combat being repetitive and lacking impact, as well as unnecessary complexity in inventory management without a subscription to ESO Plus.
  • Mixed Points

  • The game is praised for its massive world and content but criticized for its monetization strategies which some players find detrimental to gameplay experience.
  • ESO has an active community which is usually deemed helpful, yet there are conflicting reviews about the overall toxicity and behavior of certain player groups.
  • Common Themes

  • Many reviewers appreciate the game’s vastness and depth in content, highlighting its ability to draw in fans of The Elder Scrolls universe.
  • There's a noticeable division in sentiment concerning the monetization model, with seasoned players often criticizing the forced reliance on a subscription for a seamless gameplay experience.
  • The technical performance of the game varies, with numerous issues noted in more recent updates affecting playability.
  • Updated 5/4/2026, 12:00:55 AM UTC