I can't find out purpose of payment for ESO in 2026.

AvalonRanger · February 3

I can't find out purpose of payment for ESO in 2026.

Because, ESO will become "season style"? And I can't enjoy new big story quest anymore.
No WinterHold, No WhiteRun, No RiverWood, No Mount Throat of World...But just small tiny contents update only?

Should I stop my ESO+?

Soarora · February 3

Employees have said that it doesn’t mean they’ll never make another zone, could get one in 2027. If you want to have ESO+ or not is up to you, it still has the same perks it had before but with no new DLCs and old DLCs slowly becoming base game. There will be ESO+ exclusives in the Bazaar if you care about housing.

Silaf · February 3

Soarora wrote: »

Employees have said that it doesn’t mean they’ll never make another zone, could get one in 2027. If you want to have ESO+ or not is up to you, it still has the same perks it had before but with no new DLCs and old DLCs slowly becoming base game. There will be ESO+ exclusives in the Bazaar if you care about housing.

Did ZOS exclude a new zone for 2026? Not even a small one

Maitsukas · February 3

Silaf wrote: »

Soarora wrote: »

Employees have said that it doesn’t mean they’ll never make another zone, could get one in 2027. If you want to have ESO+ or not is up to you, it still has the same perks it had before but with no new DLCs and old DLCs slowly becoming base game. There will be ESO+ exclusives in the Bazaar if you care about housing.

Did ZOS exclude a new zone for 2026? Not even a small one

New content will not stop releasing, going forward it will be free for all players, with the primary income being from Crown purchases, ESO Plus and Battle Passes.

The roadmap below will give an overview of what to expect this year:

AvalonRanger · February 3

Soarora wrote: »

Employees have said that it doesn’t mean they’ll never make another zone, could get one in 2027. If you want to have ESO+ or not is up to you, it still has the same perks it had before but with no new DLCs and old DLCs slowly becoming base game. There will be ESO+ exclusives in the Bazaar if you care about housing.

I love housing...

But keeping ESO+ only for housing capacity increasing is too much waste of money.

driosketch · February 3

Ok, but one doesn't really have anything to do with the other. The first year of new content you would always pay separately. Yes, old content would become free to ESO+, but that wasn't cost effective over the long run.

The use of ESO+ is mainly the inventory, craft bag and bank space, the cosmetic options, furniture limit and costume dyeing, and to a lesser extent, the small boost to gold and XP. If you play long term, collect and customize a lot, probably a good deal. Short term, it may also be a good deal to try out DLC content not currently part of the base game. Only you can decide if that's a good fit for you.

Soarora · February 3

Silaf wrote: »

Soarora wrote: »

Employees have said that it doesn’t mean they’ll never make another zone, could get one in 2027. If you want to have ESO+ or not is up to you, it still has the same perks it had before but with no new DLCs and old DLCs slowly becoming base game. There will be ESO+ exclusives in the Bazaar if you care about housing.

Did ZOS exclude a new zone for 2026? Not even a small one

As far as I know, it’s just Night Market. We don’t know details on the new quests though, so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the quests include new areas (like the Sheogorath themed quest could repurpose Eyevea or take us to the Shivering Isle as a quest instance, who knows?).

Izanagi.Xiiib16_ESO · February 3

Subscription is now essentially a currency/xp booster with extra bank/housing space and craft bag.
if you don't want those things then you should unsubscribe yes.

Lugaldu · February 3

As far as I remember from the reveal and subsequent communication, the only thing ruled out was a new zone story quest in 2026. New quests in existing areas in the summer, but no extensive new zone with a main quest. However, I still have hope that everything points to us getting at least a small part of Skyrim with hints about Winterhold towards the end of the year (just without a major new "zone quest"). This would be a first, small new zone section, with the "big" rest coming in 2027, either all at once or over several seasons. But of course, that are just my hopes...

Tandor · February 3

In addition to the other benefits already mentioned, don't forget the Crowns that mean the subscription effectively pays for itself if you're interested in spending Crowns.

tsaescishoeshiner · February 3

New zones (and all new activity content) will now be free. We're not sure when the next zone is, but it could be 2026. It certainly won't be the same "one large zone every June" release schedule from what we've heard.

It sounds like we'll be getting new typez of content and reworks in place of fewer zones (like how we had only one zone per year the past 2 years).

ESO+ gives all the same benefits as before. The new Seasons will have a paid track with more cosmetic rewards. It sounds like there will be four a year at $15 each, so similar to buying one Chapter. And again, any zones and new content will be free for all.

lillybit · February 3

As far as I know, Solstice will still be added to ESO+ (probably) in June, so there's still new content for people that didn't get the content pass last year.

The Night Market is still a new zone too. It'll be around for 6 weeks in it's first run, so even tho it's temporary it's not a "blink and you'll miss it" event. Most small zones are pretty much abandoned a month or so after release anyway. Then it's coming back again end of the year too.

The intention behind it leaving and coming back is to give us a chance to play as a different faction, because they'll be account wide. That'll give it replay value if you like to complete things.

Then there's new questlines, a new system (which has been described as "a new type of content that uses a specific system") and other new event types.

And we still don't know for sure there 100% won't be a new zone - when asked they said they "weren't ready to talk about that yet." In contrast, they confirmed there wasn't going to dungeons so make of that what you will.

I'm actually really looking forward to seeing new things added, as much as I love (and will miss) new zones. I don't suppose everything they try will work but for me it's great that they're trying!

AlexanderDeLarge · February 3

Value proposition is very specific and individual, you do you OP but personally this is the most excited I've been about the game since the Quakecon 2014 presentation.

Honestly I couldn't care less about another by-the-numbers zone being added to the game. Do I want the map filled out 100%? Absolutely. Do I want the rest of the game to stagnate because they're pumping out content and quickly moving onto the next thing, with no time to revisit all the content and systems they've already made? No.

There's a lot of housekeeping to do because they've neglected those task for a very long time. If 2026 doesn't excite you hopefully 2027 will be different. Taking a break is fine. If/when you come back, the game will be in a healthier place.

SummersetCitizen · February 3

There is no real reason to spend money, unless the goal is to reward the direction they have chosen to take.

Free event “zones” are time-gated and driven by FOMO, at least for this year.

You can pay $15–$30 per quarter to make cosmetics earnable after a season ends.

Most of the “new” content is largely a shell game… older material being repurposed and presented as fresh.

Overall, it is a sad time to still be loyal to these folks. They seem to have taken us for granted for too long.

AScarlato · February 3

SummersetCitizen wrote: »

There is no real reason to spend money, unless the goal is to reward the direction they have chosen to take.

Free event “zones” are time-gated and driven by FOMO, at least for this year.

You can pay $15–$30 per quarter to make cosmetics earnable after a season ends.

Most of the “new” content is largely a shell game… older material being repurposed and presented as fresh.

Overall, it is a sad time to still be loyal to these folks. They seem to have taken us for granted for too long.

Agree with this post sadly.

Though it being right below a "most excited I've been for the game since 2014" post gave me some whiplash lol.

SummersetCitizen · February 3

AScarlato wrote: »

SummersetCitizen wrote: »

There is no real reason to spend money, unless the goal is to reward the direction they have chosen to take.

Free event “zones” are time-gated and driven by FOMO, at least for this year.

You can pay $15–$30 per quarter to make cosmetics earnable after a season ends.

Most of the “new” content is largely a shell game… older material being repurposed and presented as fresh.

Overall, it is a sad time to still be loyal to these folks. They seem to have taken us for granted for too long.

Agree with this post sadly.

Though it being right below a "most excited I've been for the game since 2014" post gave me some whiplash lol.

Many people either believe the propaganda (marketing) or have fallen for it enough in the past to know what’s really going on.

Silaf · February 3

Maitsukas wrote: »

Silaf wrote: »

Soarora wrote: »

Employees have said that it doesn’t mean they’ll never make another zone, could get one in 2027. If you want to have ESO+ or not is up to you, it still has the same perks it had before but with no new DLCs and old DLCs slowly becoming base game. There will be ESO+ exclusives in the Bazaar if you care about housing.

Did ZOS exclude a new zone for 2026? Not even a small one

New content will not stop releasing, going forward it will be free for all players, with the primary income being from Crown purchases, ESO Plus and Battle Passes.

The roadmap below will give an overview of what to expect this year:

Yes i was talking about a new area like summerset or clockwork.

thedocbwarren · February 3

None of this sounds great to me personally (which is ok.) I'll keep on with ESO+ and just play what I have and skip all that.

Choice is good and not an event person or group, or PVP, etc. Just Elderscrolls and content for me. I'll finish up what I haven't completed now as see what is there (permanent content) later.

coop500 · February 3

I personally have enough content I haven't explored yet that I still have stuff to do. I just hope my characters stop being nerfed into the dirt soon.

Their efforts of communication and class refreshes has me hopeful and excited to play again though, and to explore that content I haven't done so yet due to lack of motivation from earlier issues. So that's why I personally resubbed and started playing again in 2026.

Tandor · February 3

SummersetCitizen wrote: »

AScarlato wrote: »

SummersetCitizen wrote: »

There is no real reason to spend money, unless the goal is to reward the direction they have chosen to take.

Free event “zones” are time-gated and driven by FOMO, at least for this year.

You can pay $15–$30 per quarter to make cosmetics earnable after a season ends.

Most of the “new” content is largely a shell game… older material being repurposed and presented as fresh.

Overall, it is a sad time to still be loyal to these folks. They seem to have taken us for granted for too long.

Agree with this post sadly.

Though it being right below a "most excited I've been for the game since 2014" post gave me some whiplash lol.

Many people either believe the propaganda (marketing) or have fallen for it enough in the past to know what’s really going on.

There are some players for whom the new direction will appeal, and others for whom it won't. 'Twas ever thus.

I do find it interesting, however, to speculate over whether those who criticise the loss of annual chapters/new zones are the very same players who right up until the recent Release Announcement were complaining bitterly about the deterioration in the annual chapters/new zones over the last few years...

Silaf · February 3

Tandor wrote: »

SummersetCitizen wrote: »

AScarlato wrote: »

SummersetCitizen wrote: »

There is no real reason to spend money, unless the goal is to reward the direction they have chosen to take.

Free event “zones” are time-gated and driven by FOMO, at least for this year.

You can pay $15–$30 per quarter to make cosmetics earnable after a season ends.

Most of the “new” content is largely a shell game… older material being repurposed and presented as fresh.

Overall, it is a sad time to still be loyal to these folks. They seem to have taken us for granted for too long.

Agree with this post sadly.

Though it being right below a "most excited I've been for the game since 2014" post gave me some whiplash lol.

Many people either believe the propaganda (marketing) or have fallen for it enough in the past to know what’s really going on.

There are some players for whom the new direction will appeal, and others for whom it won't. 'Twas ever thus.

I do find it interesting, however, to speculate over whether those who criticise the loss of annual chapters/new zones are the very same players who right up until the recent Release Announcement were complaining bitterly about the deterioration in the annual chapters/new zones over the last few years...

Yes but from this to 0 new zones released in a year is a big jump.
The quality of life improvements are really good and i'm happy about them but if you want 125 euro of subscription i want a proportionate amount of content. I'm not sure i see it so far.

AllenaNightWood · February 4

im fine with no new zone this year because it looks like so much is happening this year all ready with stuff

lillybit · February 4

I lost count of the amount of posts on here saying things like stop releasing stuff for a year to fix the game.

The game badly needed attention and updating and it's finally getting it - tho maybe a bit too slowly with the class refresh when you main a templar!

You call it falling for the propaganda, I call it seeing them finally paying attention to what players want and have been asking for for years, including much better communication. That buys them me at least waiting to see what they have to offer before saying it's a disaster and all wrong.

We've most of us been disappointed plenty in the past, but it's new management now and they should be allowed to sink or swim on their own merit, not because of what the old one did

SummersetCitizen · February 4

lillybit wrote: »

I lost count of the amount of posts on here saying things like stop releasing stuff for a year to fix the game.

The game badly needed attention and updating and it's finally getting it - tho maybe a bit too slowly with the class refresh when you main a templar!

You call it falling for the propaganda, I call it seeing them finally paying attention to what players want and have been asking for for years, including much better communication. That buys them me at least waiting to see what they have to offer before saying it's a disaster and all wrong.

We've most of us been disappointed plenty in the past, but it's new management now and they should be allowed to sink or swim on their own merit, not because of what the old one did

I understand the optimism, but “new management” is somewhat overstated. The leadership was promoted from within, so this is still largely the same culture and history, not a clean reset.

Communication does seem better right now, which is good. However, we have seen similar communication bursts before with limited follow-through. Player skepticism comes from that pattern, not simple negativity.

It is also fair to question why major issues required slowing development when the studio has openly bragged about making billions. That points to past prioritization choices, not lack of ability.

AScarlato · February 4

lillybit wrote: »

I lost count of the amount of posts on here saying things like stop releasing stuff for a year to fix the game.

I'm actually still bewildered that anyone would think a year of nothing as they fix things is good for a live-service MMO, and still am. Hence my below thoughts...

Tandor wrote: »

I do find it interesting, however, to speculate over whether those who criticise the loss of annual chapters/new zones are the very same players who right up until the recent Release Announcement were complaining bitterly about the deterioration in the annual chapters/new zones over the last few years...

Well yes, wouldn't that flow logically? I complained when they decided to do "quarters for QOL and bug fixes" where they released nothing. These were celebrated as I went ????

Then I criticized going from 2 zones a year to one.

Then 4 dungeons a year to 2.

Now we get Zero zones and Zero dungeons and a 6 week experiment.

*shrug*

Syldras · February 4

Tandor wrote: »

I do find it interesting, however, to speculate over whether those who criticise the loss of annual chapters/new zones are the very same players who right up until the recent Release Announcement were complaining bitterly about the deterioration in the annual chapters/new zones over the last few years...

The solution to the criticized chapter releases with uninspired writing and design is trying to improve the criticized aspects, not removing them altogether.

I'd be less critical if there was clear communication about these issues and the plans how to resolve them (and yes, I agree that communication has improved, but there are still aspects that could be a little clearer). Something as simple as "We've noticed that the last few chapters weren't that well-received, and formulaic writing, lore inconsistencies, as well as asset recycling were criticised. We need more time to do it decently, so we'll work on the next zone for 2 years instead of 1, and you'll see the result in 2027". That would be something to look forward to, and most of all we'd clearly know what to expect, while right now we have no info at all about what and how much content we'll get in the next few years. Which of course plays a role for some players when deciding how much time and money still to invest into this game.

It's also a pity we've not been told anything about the actual playable content of this year so far. There were 2 streams last month, but there was nothing on the High Seas event, nothing on the storylines supposed to be released in summer, nothing on the Sages Vault, and most knowledge about the Night Market also stems from PTS, not from official announcements. As a player, these are the things I want to know about - what is there to do this year?

I think a lot of story-focused players might feel less wary if there was clear info on how the summer story content looks like. Where does it take place? How many hours of playtime are expected? Then again, if it's only prologue-like in scope, people could get even more annoyed, of course... But still, I'd prefer clarity, since if we just learn this shortly before release, I'm sure people will be even more disappointed.

I'd also appreciate info on systems that didn't get any additions for a while now: Are they seen as abandoned or will more be added to them in the future? ToT decks? Companions?

lillybit wrote: »

I lost count of the amount of posts on here saying things like stop releasing stuff for a year to fix the game.
The game badly needed attention and updating and it's finally getting it - tho maybe a bit too slowly with the class refresh when you main a templar!

I'm just sceptical about the results, and about what will come (or not come) after the updates. It's not the first time we heard "We'll focus on updating and QOL instead" as an explanation for less new content. We heard the same thing when the Q4 story dlc was removed. And the exactly same thing when the summer chapter got smaller in scope. I think this is now the 3rd "transition year" lower on content, announced to us with the promise that things will become better again after that year - just that it never happened so far. Of course I hope the new leadership will not disappoint once more, but after being here for 10 years, I've grown sceptical. I'll just wait and see.