Every legend starts somewhere and in The Elder Scrolls Online, it starts with you. Write your story into a vibrant chapter of Tamriel’s d...
The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMORPG developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, launched in 2014. It brings the Elder Scrolls universe online with all of Tamriel explorable, from the snowy peaks of Skyrim to the swamps of Black Marsh. Every zone scales to your level, meaning you can go anywhere and play with anyone from the moment you log in.
In 2026, ESO is undergoing its biggest structural change ever: a shift from annual paid chapters to a free seasonal content model. Four seasons per year will deliver new zones, storylines, dungeons, and system updates at no cost to players.
ESO uses an action combat system with light attacks, heavy attacks, blocking, dodge rolling, and both class and weapon abilities. Six classes offer distinct identities: Dragonknight, Sorcerer, Nightblade, Templar, Warden, and Necromancer. Any class can fill any role with the right gear and skill build.
Update 49, released March 9, 2026, overhauled the Dragonknight class with new mechanics, improved animations, and adjusted survivability. The Warden and Sorcerer class refreshes are scheduled for later seasons.
Season 1 in late summer will introduce new Thieves Guild content, multi-stage world events, a new trial, and story content featuring Sheogorath. Season 2 in winter adds solo dungeons, large-scale Skyrim world events, naval combat in the High Seas of Tamriel event, and folds the Greymoor chapter into the base game for free.
ESO players looking for similar open-world storytelling should also check out World of Warcraft for deep raid progression, or Guild Wars 2 for another no-subscription MMO with dynamic events and a large active playerbase.