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
Chat Text-to-speech
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): $4.99
Current Players: 6.7k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(80%)
engaging storylines
expansive world
detailed customization
voice acting
solo play
PvP experiences
recent updates
expansion quality
pay-to-win
server issues
download size
combat mechanics
subscriptions
The general sentiment around The Elder Scrolls Online is largely positive regarding its expansive world, rich lore, and variety of activities. However, there are significant issues highlighted with its monetization strategies and some mixed reactions to recent updates and game mechanics, especially related to its combat system and PvP dynamics. Players often express frustration with technical hindrances like constant downloads and server instability, despite praising the game's freedom and immersive storytelling aspects.

Positive Points

  • Players appreciate the immense world of Tamriel and its detailed exploration, with a variety of environments to discover.
  • Many reviews highlight the engaging storylines and quests, often praising the complex lore and detailed world-building.
  • Customization options for characters, such as skill lines and class diversity, are often mentioned as allowing for unique playstyles.
  • The fully voiced quests add to the immersion of the game, making players feel more connected to the characters and the world.
  • ESO's freedom in playstyle, from solo exploration to participating in complex group events, is often praised.
  • Negative Points

  • The significant size of the game's download and additional updates are frequently cited as problematic, taking up a lot of storage space.
  • Many players criticize the pay-to-win elements and microtransactions, which can make the game feel expensive without necessary subscriptions.
  • Players often report stability issues, such as frequent crashes and server problems, especially on Mac systems.
  • The necessity of ESO Plus for a more enjoyable experience, due to inventory and crafting bag limitations, is seen as frustrating.
  • PvP experiences are often described as chaotic, with complaints about combat mechanics and long-standing balance issues.
  • Mixed Points

  • Some players feel the game is a good mix of solo and MMO elements, while others argue it hasn't lived up to the single-player Elder Scrolls experience.
  • There are mixed feelings about the recent updates and changes, with some players appreciating them and others feeling they're moving away from what made the game enjoyable.
  • The quality of the expansions and DLCs is debated, with some praising the additional content and others feeling they're not worth the cost.
  • Common Themes

  • The game is often compared to other Elder Scrolls titles, with fans enjoying the expansion of the universe but sometimes missing the single-player focus.
  • Monetization practices, such as the Crown Store and subscription model, are a frequent topic of discussion, often unfavorably.
  • The game's combat system divides opinion, with some appreciating its depth and others finding it clunky or unbalanced.
  • ESO is praised for its community elements, with guilds and social interactions enhancing the gameplay for many players.
  • Updated 6/2/2026, 12:02:38 AM UTC