Over a decade since ZeniMax’s MMORPG launched,The Elder Scrolls Onlineis no stranger to changes. Updates like One Tamriel transformed the game into a truly open world where players could venture anywhere they wished, while years of further updates have introduced all-new systems like spellcrafting and overhauls to the Champion Points system. That’s not to mention new classes, zones, and abilities introduced throughThe Elder Scrolls Online’s periodic major expansions.
Despite itshistory of massive updates, ESO is gearing up for some of the most substantial changes in its history. Subclassing is soon to arrive, which will completely transform the landscape of player builds, PvE, and PvP content—likely with plenty of balance passes to follow after its implementation. Additionally, the ESO team is working hard on performance, specifically in large-scale PvP, and visual upgrades across the board to match. Last but not least, an old plot thread is being brought back to life, with a familiar threat returning with a vengeance.
The Elder Scrolls Online Is Introducing Subclassing
Perhaps the most significant piece of news is the introduction of subclassing to ESO. With this new system, players can utilize combinations of skill lines from multiple classes: it’ll now be possible to play a Templar Necromancer ora Dragonknight Warden. The possibilities are extreme, and ESO certainly has its work cut out for it when it comes to balancing the myriad combinations of classes throughout the game’s content, let alone itemization. Classes unlocked on alternate characters can be taken advantage of, so those with multiple characters can ensure their main has the ideal build ready to play. As for how this is all done in practice, players will have to wait for more information to come to light.
ESO is also focusing on performance and visual upgrades. ESO is beginning to show its age, and it’s joining other long-running MMOs likeWorld of Warcraftin the genre’s ongoing struggle to keep up with the times. Specifically, ESO will be improving performance in its large-scale PvP mode, Cyrodiil Champions, which has long been plagued with performance issues as the engine struggles to keep up with so many players in combat. This was aproblem faced byStar Wars: The Old Republicwith its large-scale PvP on Ilum—notably, these games are based on the same engine tech and seem to share some limitations.
Performance and Visual Upgrades are Coming to The Elder Scrolls Online
The team is planning to improve visuals across the board, beginning withstarting zones like Kenarthi’s Roostand Bleakrock Isle. This kills two birds with one stone: deliver a more visually impressive experience to newcomers, and bring the game’s oldest regions more in line with its latest offerings. Higher quality textures, improved contrast, and stronger environmental detail are some of the more specific improvements noted. Some visual snippets showed off improved-looking structures and denser foliage. No specific date was given as far as when these improvements will go live.
Molag Bal is Returning to The Elder Scrolls Online
The original storyline from the base game is getting the sequel treatment in an unexpected twist from the ESO team.Molag Bal, the game’s initial antagonist, is back on the rise. The game’s upcoming seasons under the umbrella title Seasons of the Worm Cult will dive into this new plot thread in June 2025, and a prologue quest is already underway. The Order of the Black Worm aims to transform Nirn into a dark home for its daedric master, and players will venture to the island of Solstice to combat this looming threat. Players will also encounter some old friends along the way, including Razum-dar.
Of course, this all comes with new dungeons, a 12-person trial entitled Ossein Cage, and new story events. Players can certainly expect the usual delves, fully voiced sidequests, and story events across the island. In the Ossein Cage trial, players set out to destroy a pain-absorbing Daedric relic while fending off some frightening new creatures.
The Elder Scrolls Online is Getting a New Community Event and Remix Seasons
Finally, ZeniMax revealed some more upcoming content for players to enjoy. Coming summer 2025, a server-wide community event will task players with bringing down a massive wall on the island of Solstice. This is a multi-phase event with a narrative that will unfold as servers make progress, undoubtedly sparking a game-wide race to be the first server to complete the event. In a similar vein, remixseasons are slated to come to ESO, which will bring back past seasonal content for those who may have missed out the first time. Just like the revamping of starting zones, it’s another move that’s highly beneficial to new or returning players starting fresh.
The Elder Scrolls Online
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an ever-expanding story across all of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online, an award-winning fantasy RPG. Explore a rich, living world with friends or embark upon a solo adventure.Ultimate freedom—Create your ultimate RPG character, play solo or adventure with friends, and determine your fate in an ever-expanding world. With no level restrictions, go anywhere at any time in a truly open world.Choose your adventure—Begin your adventure where you like: emerge from Coldharbour in the Base Game, battle Dragons in the Elsweyr Chapter, or get ready to face the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, in Blackwood. All content is accessible for new players, and you may switch adventures whenever you like.
