Why You Should Play ESO in 2020 & 2021

genjutsu_kami

"Its so good to be playing right now"

This is often the conversation I have with myself when I play ESO. I wanted to share this to the community and with players that have maybe took a hiatus. The game feels amazing at the moment and not for the reasons you may think.

Let me elaborate. Ever since playing at launch in 2014 (on PS4), I've been part of a community that not only has a passion for what they play but the knowledge and lore around Elder Scrolls. I have seen the game evolve and change for better and worse depending on your perspective of course. However, one thing stays true.... I am always drawn back!

The new addition of Mythic Items, Classes, skills and content always makes me feel like I am getting the 'best bang for my buck' (if I have butchered that saying I apologise). ESO as an MMO is the best in the PS4 market right now.

I am enjoying making content for the game again and I am looking forward to the rest of 2020 & 2021. Next Gen is here! and that only screams desirable possibilities. Most importantly, one thing I wanted to add... This community is certainly the most friendly and inviting community I have ever experienced in my 20+ years of gaming. I have been in many gaming communities and ESO is the most, friendly, kind, mature community I have personally experienced and that is a big part of the enjoyment of the game.

I have tried my best to explain this on a video I made today. Link below.


Final thought - For anyone thinking about getting back to the game......Yes!! do it, there is so much to do and achieve and more to come.

I would love to hear anyone else's thoughts on coming back to the game. Equally if you have taken a hiatus I would like to know why that is. Also what are you looking forward to the most



https://youtube.com/watch?v=nY49wXFt6Vs&t=1s

Aloha

Why you should consider this before subscribing :


Lag, FPS Drops, Desynch, no improvment for Cyrodiil, no justice system, clunky gameplay !

EZ solo PvE content for a SOLO RPG ONLINE, not a full MMO.

Orsinium 2015 > Summerset 2018 > Elsweyr 2019 > Morrowind 2017 > Greymoor 2020 !

Imperial City 2015 > Scale Breaker 2019 > Dragon Bones > Shadows of the hist 2016 > Dark Brotherhood 2016 > ... > ... > Stonehorm 2020 > Harrowstorm 2020 !

Crown crates skins too huge instead of in game rewards system.

Refarm vMA.

LatinoShaman59

In its current state, i would definitely not recommend ESO.

Taloros

Glad you enjoy the game. Not true for me currently, though.
- Overland PvE is poorly balanced. New players struggle, while there's not even a remote challenge for veteran players.
- Group PvE suffers from weird mechanics, especially stacking procc/buff effects and animation cancelling. This leads to huge disparities in DPS between players willing (and able) to exploit these mechanics and others, making designing a challenging encounter almost impossible. Again, encounters are either too easy or too hard.
- There's a lot to do, from quests to battlegrounds, from dungeons to
- Housing is tedious. It requires collecting resources, farming money, doing achievements and so on, then either crafting from a very, very convoluted interface cluttered with thousands of similar items, or traveling around the whole map to buy items for oftentimes pretty steep prices. For what reward? None, really. You can build a nice place, but there's little reason to stay there. Even traveling to and from your home is tedious.
- Events - such as the current one - rely on costumes as rewards. Pretty much all costumes are re-skins of the same basic model. It's all tight-fitting, flexible overalls with no moving parts, real depth or much variation. Personally, I gave all my characters an outfit two years ago and hardly ever changed it, as all the new stuff doesn't really add anything. So, outfits are not really suited as rewards.
- Playing the game only occasionally, the sub price is too steep. But without subscription, the game is almost unplayable, especially if you set up your hose, inventory and so on with a subscription. The bank immediately becomes unusable due to item overflow.
- The circle of buffing and nerfing is tedious to follow. You have to constantly change your characters as one ability, equipment piece or class or the other got destroyed or buffed to high heavens. There's no visible direction, just change for change's sake, which makes updating your characters just busy-work.
- The pricing policy for expansions favor those who wait with buying them. That's pretty detrimental to the game, I think, as it teaches players not to play the game (or at least not its new content) until some months later. I fell for expansions twice buy actually paying money for them, but with the Skyrim expansion, I won't - they'll give away eventually anyway, and until then, the bugs will be ironed out. See you in a year... Maybe.

Ashryn

I was unhappy with Greymore, but I can say that I still enjoy ESO after over 3 years or playing. I have a a 6 year old computer that runs it just fine. Yes there can be lag, problems, etc.... yes, I don't like every change that the devs do. No, not every decision agrees with me...however...its STILL a fascinating world!

BTW...no game I have ever encountered has been perfectly lag-free or perfectly run.

The_Lex

I’m having the opposite opinion. Been in a break since the chapter dropped, and the way it looks, I’ll be away throughout the remainder of the year.

I dropped my sub and haven’t looked back.

goldCoaster

Because it's the best MMORPG on the market.

BlueRaven

PC, Xbox, ps4, and stadia - Maybe, with some fore warning about issues.

Mac - No.

TineaCruris

Until you see the forums light up with Thank You's for fixing the myriad of glitches, bugs, communication shortcomings and lag, everyone should most definitely invest their time in a different game.

It's the worst time since release to start playing ESO.

Elsonso

Yes, this remains a good time to play PVE ESO. Tons of content to play and lots of people to play it with.

Everest_Lionheart

I started eso in March of this year with Greymoor preorder CE for XB1. I have a sub also. Honestly I’ve got more than my money’s worth out of the game so far. I have yet to even dive into Greymoor yet as I have tons of other content to do. I enjoy the game, bugs, lag and all mostly because the people I play with also take it in stride. We laugh all that stuff off at the end.

My one and only complaint, queue times. Not everyone has 30 minutes or more to wait to play. Tighten that up please.

Destai

Play this game daily, but when people ask me about it I am objective. Like any game, there's strength and weaknesses. I think it still comes down do you like the IP or not. That's the main selling point. It's a decent MMO but there are WAY better options if you're not married to the IP.

The PVE experience is noteworthy. If you pick up the CE of Greymoor and playthrough the historical content, there's so much great content. I won't recommend this game based on Greymoor. Greymoor being the weakest point, the other expansions are incredibly memorable. I'm revisiting Elsweyr and still wowed by the locales and characters. Overall, it feels like an Indiana Jones-esque adventure. Orsinium, Morrowind, and of course Summerset have all aged well.

The combat, when not marred by performance issues, really stands out. I'm rocking a bow-bow build on my warden and I'm so hooked. PVE experience is really where this game shines, and it's honestly held back by the inconsistencies in sharing quest progress with friends. I still love going through zones, adding my own commentary on quests, working through housing, and god knows what else. There's a lot here.

The game has grown leaps and bounds since launch, but still has way more to grow to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other MMOs. The problematic performance, the inconsistent community management, and excess focus on the cash shop all hold this game back.

Rohamad_Ali

This One never has ever needed a reason to do anything . We just play the game . crazy ikr .

Van_Winkle

There is nothing really new since very beginning. You can return to Eso after years of break, and see that absolutely nothing's changed. Just stupid ups\nerfs of classes and items.

genjutsu_kami

Aloha wrote: »

Why you should consider this before subscribing :


Lag, FPS Drops, Desynch, no improvment for Cyrodiil, no justice system, clunky gameplay !

EZ solo PvE content for a SOLO RPG ONLINE, not a full MMO.

Orsinium 2015 > Summerset 2018 > Elsweyr 2019 > Morrowind 2017 > Greymoor 2020 !

Imperial City 2015 > Scale Breaker 2019 > Dragon Bones > Shadows of the hist 2016 > Dark Brotherhood 2016 > ... > ... > Stonehorm 2020 > Harrowstorm 2020 !

Crown crates skins too huge instead of in game rewards system.

Refarm vMA.

I can understand where you are coming from. What would you say you participate in the most.... PVE or PVP.... or maybe a mix of both?

genjutsu_kami

Elsonso wrote: »

Yes, this remains a good time to play PVE ESO. Tons of content to play and lots of people to play it with.

I agree, I've not even scratched the surface of PVE content lol something I would like to do eventually.

genjutsu_kami

Destai wrote: »

Play this game daily, but when people ask me about it I am objective. Like any game, there's strength and weaknesses. I think it still comes down do you like the IP or not. That's the main selling point. It's a decent MMO but there are WAY better options if you're not married to the IP.

The PVE experience is noteworthy. If you pick up the CE of Greymoor and playthrough the historical content, there's so much great content. I won't recommend this game based on Greymoor. Greymoor being the weakest point, the other expansions are incredibly memorable. I'm revisiting Elsweyr and still wowed by the locales and characters. Overall, it feels like an Indiana Jones-esque adventure. Orsinium, Morrowind, and of course Summerset have all aged well.

The combat, when not marred by performance issues, really stands out. I'm rocking a bow-bow build on my warden and I'm so hooked. PVE experience is really where this game shines, and it's honestly held back by the inconsistencies in sharing quest progress with friends. I still love going through zones, adding my own commentary on quests, working through housing, and god knows what else. There's a lot here.

The game has grown leaps and bounds since launch, but still has way more to grow to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other MMOs. The problematic performance, the inconsistent community management, and excess focus on the cash shop all hold this game back.

quote:

The game has grown leaps and bounds since launch, but still has way more to grow to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other MMOs. The problematic performance, the inconsistent community management, and excess focus on the cash shop all hold this game back. [/quote]

I have similar thoughts.... I understand your perspective here.

Elsonso

Van_Winkle wrote: »

There is nothing really new since very beginning. You can return to Eso after years of break, and see that absolutely nothing's changed. Just stupid ups\nerfs of classes and items.

I am guessing that you are a Cyrodiil player who does not do battlegrounds, PVE, or other content?

genjutsu_kami

Ashryn wrote: »

I was unhappy with Greymore, but I can say that I still enjoy ESO after over 3 years or playing. I have a a 6 year old computer that runs it just fine. Yes there can be lag, problems, etc.... yes, I don't like every change that the devs do. No, not every decision agrees with me...however...its STILL a fascinating world!

BTW...no game I have ever encountered has been perfectly lag-free or perfectly run.

I couldn't agree more, yes there our some issues but like you said, I dont think any MMORPG in the market right now is perfect. What you get from the game in terms of the investment is substantial and for me personally the community makes it even better as its the most mature, kind, friendly community I've experienced so I guess my view will always be positive in that respect.

Elsonso

genjutsu_kami wrote: »

Elsonso wrote: »

Yes, this remains a good time to play PVE ESO. Tons of content to play and lots of people to play it with.

I agree, I've not even scratched the surface of PVE content lol something I would like to do eventually.

I have been playing PVE pretty much daily since launch and have not done everything. I suppose that if I put my mind to it, that would not be the case, but there is so much to do that I don't feel like I need to do everything right away.

ThePlayer

The game offers a lot, especially for new players.
Initially the grouping system, the famous game group finder, for the easy content-> normal dungeon, initial vet dungeon, works quite well and also finding trials groups in normal is quite easy (just go to Craglorn).
The problems arise for the more difficult (but not impossible) contents in which to make a group, and I mean an adequate group, it is not easy at all.
Ok there are guilds and you will be able to make content with at least your main ... but if you have alts? everything will be easy?NO.
I am writing this because this is the reason why I stopped being exo + (subscriber player), the waste of time to find random groups, and not only! is incredible, I speak of hours and hours.
P.S. the game is quite linear in its mechanics, it lacks all the complex mechanics (present in the + oriental games, type of reputations system, etc etc), all good except that maybe a little too much of these things is missing ..

genjutsu_kami

Reading through the comments I certainly understand the different perspectives shared. My positive take has really stemmed from how inviting the game is and a large part of that is the community as I touched on in my video.

I feel in terms of Investment vs Return (enjoyment, replay ability) I feel it goes beyond expected. I completely understand in terms of performance alot of people will narrow down on, I do feel that is a technical conversation I am not well equipped to discuss however, even on PS4 I do understand the draw backs and frustration.

Reading everyone's take is really insightful.

Athyrium93

Honestly I love this game, it has it's faults but they are minor compared to my enjoyment. I've only been playing a few months, and only just started digging into end game content, but I am constantly wowed by how much I enjoy it.

Every one always talks about lag and desyncs and other performance issues, but aside from mobs getting stuck in walls I haven't encountered many even in PVP

It has the best housing system I've ever seen in a game, and I love the creativity and flexibility you have to make your homes your own.

My biggest complaint is just how not social the game is, the community is fantastic but no one talks, there is so little social aspect to the game that it often feels like a single player game with NPCs in funny costumes and wonky programing instead of a multiplayer game.

My other issue is is the skill gap, while leveling the world was difficult and engaging and made me think, but now at max level with a pile of CP and good gear it's just bothersome. It's annoying to one-shot every normal mob in overland content and kill quest and delve bosses easier than I could a normal mob while leveling. Even most world bosses pose little risk to a good player. It makes it feel pointless to quest or explore because it's so easy. On the other hand there are people going into vet dungeons, which are supposed to be hard content, and doing nothing but light attacking with no idea about rotations or mechanics, they are like gods in overland content but completely useless in group content, and it's sad because after a bad experience in the group content a lot won't go back to it or will quit the game.

thegreat_one

I think OP is into lore. And this game has so much of that.
If I read every book in the game from start to finish i bet i'd be around for years too.

No skills required to open book so no desync.
You can solo them easily. No queue for books or talking to NPC's all day.
Mechanics? wut r those?

If you actually want to like combat, Pvp, endgame group content. This game is not to be desired right now, It's to frustrating too deal with the issues.

If your into lore you probably won't find anything better.

AinSoph

The game is essentially a tourist trap now as it easily draws in new players for fast profit and the people who have lived here 5+ years are suffering but can't move anywhere else because nothing else comes close to it's experience.

Elsonso

AinSoph wrote: »

The game is essentially a tourist trap now as it easily draws in new players for fast profit and the people who have lived here 5+ years are suffering but can't move anywhere else because nothing else comes close to it's experience.

I am not suffering, though.

West93

Just fix cyro lag and game will be fine for me.

Rake

not sure for 2020
And we are yet to see what 2021 will bring us

MurderMostFoul

ESO BGs have the best fantasy RPG-PvP on console. I'll continue to play until that is no longer the case.

Elsonso

BisDasBlutGefriert wrote: »

In my opinion ...Not by a long shot. The game BOUNDLESS easily takes that spot. Go play that game and meet the wonderful individuals there, and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. Coming in second would be no man's sky.

I have mixed feelings about the ESO community.

There are a ton of people in the community who are helpful to new and old players, alike. A few of them are ESO streamers, but most of them just regular players. I run across them in select ESO streams, Discords, and even in game.

I would not say that the ESO forums is a place to go if you are looking for a community. There are much better places, even in the game, where there is a real community. This place reminds me of a bunch of elderly people on a cross country bus tour. (Specifically, an elderly bus tour that stopped at the La Quinta in Jackson Wyoming about 15 years back)

I guess it really depends on where you take your dose of "community".

(Edit: I was looking at an old copy of this thread, I guess)

Aznarb

It always made me laugh than some guy complain for year but somehow are still here playing the game pretending they've leave :>

edit : but hey, in every online game with people like this.