Guild Wars 2 and The Elder Scrolls Online are both long-running fantasy MMORPGs, but they are built on different payment models and different platform strategies, which is usually the more practical starting point than comparing raw content volume.
Guild Wars 2 uses a buy-once model with no subscription for the base game, and it is only available on PC and Mac in our database. The Elder Scrolls Online is subscription-based (with a buy-to-play option for the base game outside a sub) and reaches PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, making it the console option of the two.
 Guild Wars 2 ArenaNet |
 The Elder Scrolls Online ZeniMax Online Studios |
|
|---|---|---|
| Genre | MMORPG | MMORPG |
| Platforms | PC, Mac | Xbox, PS4, PC, PS5 |
| Payment model | Free to Play | Subscription |
| Developer | ArenaNet | ZeniMax Online Studios |
| Publisher | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Release year | 2012 | 2014 |
| Status | Active | Active |
| Editorial rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 3.6 |
| Gameplay tags | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
Neither game is a strict upgrade over the other — the split is mostly about payment model and platform, not raw quality. Guild Wars 2 suits players who want to avoid an ongoing subscription and are on PC or Mac. The Elder Scrolls Online suits players who want console access or are already invested in the Elder Scrolls setting and are comfortable with a subscription for full DLC access.