Game reviews / The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online
2014 · PC · Macintosh · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One · Xbox Series X|S · Google Stadia · Massively multiplayer online role-playing game · Action role-playing game
4 scored sources · 4 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
The Elder Scrolls Online offers a huge, richly detailed version of Tamriel with flexible character builds, substantial questing, enjoyable combat, crafting, and large-scale PvP. However, its original critical reception was held back by an uneasy balance between single-player Elder Scrolls expectations and conventional theme-park MMO design. Reviewers frequently criticized repetitive quest structures, weak immersion, interface and performance problems, bugs, and the subscription model at launch. Its strongest qualities are the setting, build variety, content volume, and occasional creative quests, but the 2014 release often felt competent rather than distinctive. Later updates substantially improved accessibility and breadth, though this entry reflects the original game review cycle.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-22
Pros
- Expansive and lore-rich Tamriel
- Flexible character builds and skill system
- Large amount of questing and content
- Strong PvP potential
Cons
- Repetitive and conventional MMO structure
- Uneven quest writing and immersion
- Launch bugs, interface issues, and performance problems
- Weakly justified subscription model at release
Review sources
5 sources found across 4 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- GameStar · Germany · 84/100
- Multiplayer.it · Italy · 70/100
- GamesRadar+ · United Kingdom
- PC Gamer · United Kingdom · 68/100
- Destructoid · United States · 65/100