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The Elder Scrolls® Online

The Elder Scrolls® Online

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.

81%
Very Positive
DeveloperZeniMax Online Studios
PublisherBethesda Softworks
Release DateMay 22, 2017
$19.99
Peak Players49.1K
Metacritic80
PlatformsWindows · macOS
Action
Adventure
Massively Multiplayer
RPG
AI Review Summary

The Elder Scrolls Online offers a vast, immersive world that appeals to both long-term MMO veterans and fans of the single-player series, often resulting in hundreds of hours of gameplay. However, the experience is increasingly polarized by aggressive monetization, with many players feeling the ESO+ subscription is mandatory for basic inventory management. While the lore and world-building remain top-tier, recent updates and the introduction of battle passes have led to concerns regarding the game's creative direction.

Pros

  • Deeply immersive world design and lore that stays true to the Elder Scrolls universe.95%
  • Exceptional longevity and replayability, with many players logging over 1,000 hours.90%
  • Flexible gameplay pace that allows for solo exploration and casual play without feeling rushed.85%
  • Strong emotional resonance and multi-generational appeal, often played as a family activity.75%
  • Extensive character development and a wide variety of content to explore.80%

Cons

  • Aggressive monetization and the perceived necessity of the ESO+ subscription for the craft bag.95%
  • Frustrating inventory management that feels intentionally restricted for non-paying users.90%
  • Recent content updates feel repetitive, rushed, or like filler compared to earlier expansions.80%
  • Polarizing combat mechanics that some players find lackluster or difficult to enjoy initially.75%
  • Poor communication from developers and perceived issues with the account support system.70%

Notable Mentions

  • The game has a small but dedicated player base on Steam Deck.
  • Players have reported significant emotional value, using the game as a source of comfort during difficult life events.
  • There is growing dissatisfaction regarding regional pricing policies on the Steam platform.
Confidence: 93%
Based on the 184 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Jul 14, 2026
Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak
11.5K
Peak · last 90 days
17.7K
All-time peak
49.1K

Price

Current price
$19.99
Lowest tracked
$4.99since Nov 24, 2025

Review Sentiment

Launch week
—
Last 30 days
74%
All-time positive
81%
Review Statistics
Total Reviews161.5K
Positive: 130.6K (81%)Negative: 30.9K (19%)

2%

Reviews from Steam Deck

0%

Dev Response Rate

912h

Avg Playtime at Review

83%

Credible Reviews