Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is one of the most popular MMORPGs in the world, boasting millions of active players.
Since its release in 2014, it has consistently remained at the top of gaming charts, providing players with a massive open-world experience filled with quests, classes, and various playstyles. With its widespread player base, one question frequently comes up: Is ESO cross-platform?
For many gamers, multiplayer features are the core of MMORPGs like ESO. The community aspect is what makes these games enjoyable, bringing together players from all around the world to explore the vast world of Tamriel.
ESO is available on multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, but can these platforms connect with each other? In this guide, we’ll dive into that question and find out if Elder Scrolls Online supports crossplay.
Is Elder Scrolls Online Worth It?
Before answering the question of whether ESO is cross-platform, let’s first explore whether the game is worth playing. When looking at Bethesda’s MMORPG offerings, it’s natural to compare ESO with its sibling title, Fallout 76.
Unfortunately for fans of Fallout, the game struggled at launch, receiving poor reviews due to its lackluster content and technical issues. Fallout 76 also lacks cross-progression and crossplay features, making it less appealing to gamers on different platforms.
In contrast, ESO has been well-received since its release, gaining a loyal fanbase and receiving positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and frequent updates. However, there’s a key difference between ESO and Fallout 76 in terms of updates.
While Fallout 76 updates are mostly free, ESO expansions come with a price, operating similarly to other MMORPGs like World of Warcraft. Each new expansion introduces new regions, quests, and features, but players need to pay to access these updates.
Despite this, ESO remains one of the most popular MMORPGs, and its paid expansions are often well worth the cost due to the significant content they bring. The game’s depth is evident in its guild system, raids, and open-world events, which mirror many features found in other traditional MMORPGs.
So, if you’re looking for a game with lots to explore and a vibrant community, ESO is definitely worth checking out.
Does ESO Support Cross-Platform Play?
Now, to the main question: Does Elder Scrolls Online offer crossplay features? Unfortunately, ESO does not support full cross-platform play. That means players on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC cannot connect and play together. However, ESO does have cross-generation play, allowing players on the same brand of consoles to interact.
For instance, players on PlayStation 4 can team up with those on PlayStation 5, and the same applies to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. But if you’re hoping to play with friends on a different platform, like Xbox users connecting with PC players, that won’t be possible.
The lack of crossplay in ESO may come as a disappointment to many players, especially those who have friends playing on different platforms. Crossplay has become a popular feature in many modern multiplayer games, allowing players to connect regardless of the system they’re using.
However, for a game like ESO, which features a complex control scheme and massive open-world environments, implementing cross-platform play could introduce technical challenges. The differences in control schemes between consoles and PCs could make it difficult to balance gameplay, which is likely why ESO doesn’t have this feature.
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Why ESO Isn’t Cross-Platform
There are many reasons why crossplay isn’t included in ESO. One of the biggest factors is the difference in controls between consoles and PCs. MMORPGs often require a range of inputs, and while consoles use controllers with limited buttons, PC players can rely on a full keyboard and mouse setup, offering more flexibility and precision.
This difference can create an imbalance in competitive or cooperative play if cross-platform features were introduced.
Additionally, open-world games like ESO typically run on different servers for each platform, which can complicate crossplay integration. Games that do support crossplay often feature shorter, session-based gameplay, where players can jump in and out of matches quickly.
In contrast, ESO is a persistent, live-service game, where players spend hours exploring and interacting with the world. These differences in game structure make it more challenging to implement seamless crossplay.
Will ESO Ever Have Crossplay?
As of now, it doesn’t seem likely that ESO will introduce crossplay in the near future. While some MMORPGs have begun to explore crossplay options, such as Final Fantasy XIV, ESO has remained firm in its current setup.
However, game developers are always looking for ways to improve the player experience, so it’s possible that crossplay could be introduced down the line.
That said, even without crossplay, ESO remains a fantastic game that offers a rich and engaging world to explore. There’s no shortage of content, with new expansions released regularly, keeping the game fresh for both new and returning players.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer or prefer to team up with others, ESO has something to offer for every kind of player.
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Summary
To wrap things up, Elder Scrolls Online is a highly popular MMORPG with millions of players worldwide, but unfortunately, it does not support cross-platform play. While cross-generation play allows gamers on the same brand of consoles to play together, players on different platforms, like Xbox and PC, cannot connect.
Despite this limitation, ESO remains a top-tier MMORPG, offering a vast open world, meaningful expansions, and a dedicated player community.
If you’re looking for a game with deep gameplay, strong multiplayer mechanics, and years of content to explore, ESO is worth your time. While crossplay may not be available, the game still provides an immersive and rewarding experience for those who enjoy adventure, exploration, and teamwork.