This year might be a great time to get back to ESO. New features and subclasses won't get me bored
ESO has the reputation of one of the few MMOs that are still supported and can be played solo for the storyline, returning from time to time for a fresh portion of content. What are Bethesda and Zenimax Studios' plans for the game's further development?
This year's ESO Direct strongly emphasized focusing on the players. In the devs' diary, it was repeatedly stated that the strength of the game lies in its community. The announcements should interest both new and returning players. The starting locations of each faction have received a graphical overhaul to better fit the design of this long-lived title. The tutorial and its location are expected to change.
It's nice to know that the developers did not neglect the game's most basic aspects. I believe ESO has always been a great introduction to MMO, and the prepared changes should make it even more approachable for newcomers to Tamriel.
As a nod to people returning to the game after a longer absence, the developers are preparing a system of reminder tutorials. They are supposed to give us a rundown of the mechanics and the intricacies of the plot; they're expected to appear in Elder Scrolls Online later this year.
I must admit, I would like to see a similar solution in more games-as-a-service. Between subsequent attempts at ESO, I usually take longer breaks, and the presence of refreshing tutorials would certainly make it easier for me to return.
Welcome to Solstice!
Developers working on the game confirmed that Elder Scrolls Online is abandoning the model of annual, large chapters. In their place, seasons will appear offering smaller, but more frequent changes. This decision is intended to introduce greater dynamics and diversity into the gameplay. Purchase the Content Pass to access two, 2025 seasons and the Writhing Wall event. New players interested in the storyline of previous expansions will unfortunately have to purchase the more expensive Premium pass. I admit I felt a bit sad receiving this information. For me, the main course of the annual ESO Direct has always been the carefully directed cinematic introduction to the atmosphere of the next chapter, and its absence made it harder to feel the atmosphere of the next segment of the story.
The narrative content announced for 2025 is a nod to the beginnings of ESO and as such, it develops the original storyline of the base game. The sinister Order of the Black Worm will once again be in the spotlight, resuming its activities on Solstice – an island located south of the Black Marshes. In the new story, beloved characters from previous chapters, such as Razum-dar, are slated to appear.
The new location was presented as a tropical piece of Tamriel, combining the culture and architecture of the High Elves and Argonians in an unusual way. The character of the island is, however, expected to gradually change over the course of seasons. The culmination of the new thread is supposed to be the appearance of a huge wall on the island. The task of players from the entire server will be to collectively dismantle the sinister structure.
I'm so glad that the developers decided to explore less obvious parts of the continent. I also approve of the concept of an at end-of-the-year mass event – as long as it is conducted in the right way, of course. Let's just hope that the developers will manage to build an appropriate atmosphere of community and cooperation among the players around it.
Subclasses, PvP and other news
In terms of gameplay, the biggest announced change is the introduction of a subclass system based on mixing skills from different specializations. Endgame characters will have the opportunity to "borrow" 2 skill lines from any other class.
I am very curious about how the subclass system will work in practice. The ability to freely mix skill paths will certainly pave the way for creating unusual builds, but I'm afraid it might further blur the boundaries between the original classes. One question that's pending an answer is if ZeniMax Online will manage to find balance in the new system.
The developers also announced changes to the PvP model in the war-torn province of Cyrodiil. The goal is to return to dynamic, large-scale battles similar to those that were popular immediately after the game's release in 2014.
In addition to the above, the game will feature new dungeons, a new 12-person trial, and previously unseen types of enemies native to the Solstice Island.
We shall see
The multitude of changes and novelties announced at ESO Direct 2025 suggests that Bethesda still remembers about its flagship MMO production. The new location, plot threads, and gameplay changes ensure virtual Tamriel's inhabitants won't be bored this year. This year might be a great time to get into Elder Scrolls Online due the announced welcoming gestures for new and returning players. I will probably return to Tamriel soon to take a closer look at these changes.
In my opinion, the whole show lacked a bit in terms of additional focus on current players. However, I hope that the new narrative heading for the game will make it up to them. The next few months will reveal if abandoning the model of releasing large chapters was the right decision.
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- Bethesda Holds a Gift for Fans of Its Fantastic RPG. To Celebrate ESO's 10th Birthday, Players Can Grab Clockwork City DLC for Free
- ESO follows in Destiny's footsteps. Devs focus on smaller updates, seasons and experimentation
