Concerns About ESO’s Future Direction and Solo Player Experience

Athory · May 3

@ZOS_Kevin @ZOS_GinaBruno @ZOS_JessicaFolsom

Does ZoS have plans to turn ESO into something like a Dark Souls-style game?
Do they have any plan to push solo players out of the game?

If yes, please tell us, because I will definitely stop playing ESO. I refuse to keep playing and paying for ESO Plus if this is the direction the game is going. I wouldn’t like that and I don’t want that, so is there any plan from ZoS to push solo players out?

We are getting overland difficulty, and that is completely fine because we will have the option to choose it. But will future releases and seasons all be like this, purely increased difficulty everywhere?

Please be honest. Is there any plan to push solo players out?

edit:
And please don’t respond with something like: “We will add more group content to the game,” because that is, without question, welcome. What I want to know is whether solo players will once again be excluded from participating in these “events,” or if they will still be able, once again, to take part as solo players.

I’m thrilled and excited about the new overland difficulty, and I genuinely want to replay the entire story again with some real challenge, not this easy mode we’ve had for years.

But as a player, I also have an event running that I could be doing… but I simply refuse to be used by you, ZOS. I refuse to be turned into “event fodder” just so others can participate. I can’t handle this feeling.
I never understood why teabagging was banned, but now I do. Because this is exactly how I feel right now. You, ZOS, are teabagging me with this event. Either I go as “event fodder”, or I don’t go at all.

The emotional meaning behind teabagging in games is:

being disrespected
being humiliated
being forced into a submissive role
being used for someone else’s benefit
having my agency removed

And that’s exactly what I see from ZOS right now: "I’m dominating you, you have no choice, and I’m rubbing it in your face."

MaraxusTheOrc · May 3

The road map for the rest of the year is very heavy on solo friendly content from expanding thieves guild quests to rumors to solo dungeons. I haven’t touched night market because I’m just not interested in a lot of group content in ESO, but it’s also pretty clear based on the next year’s roadmap ESO is still very much a solo friendly MMO and not changing.

PvP players get maybe one or two events a year. Group-focused players get maybe a trial and two dungeons a year. ESO largely caters to casual and solo play, and I say this as someone who mostly plays casually and solo.

Athory · May 3

MaraxusTheOrc wrote: »

The road map for the rest of the year is very heavy on solo friendly content from expanding thieves guild quests to rumors to solo dungeons. I haven’t touched night market because I’m just not interested in a lot of group content in ESO, but it’s also pretty clear based on the next year’s roadmap ESO is still very much a solo friendly MMO and not changing.

PvP players get maybe one or two events a year. Group-focused players get maybe a trial and two dungeons a year. ESO largely caters to casual and solo play, and I say this as someone who mostly plays casually and solo.

I can’t remember the roadmap. I hope all of this was just a failed attempt at whatever they planned. But I truly wish to get a reply from someone on the team, just to calm things down a bit, because all of this feels really, really wrong.
I don’t want to repeat myself, but I edited my post to add a spoiler. And this feeling… just doesn’t feel right.

AcadianPaladin · May 3

Though Night Market is absolutely NOT my cup of tea, I'm not particularly upset about it. The game is and, I expect, will continue to be very solo friendly. I'm confident the devs realize it is important to have plenty of content for all styles of play to maintain a robust player base.

Athory · May 3

@FENGRUSH I never really understood why players get banned for teabagging. I honestly never understood why ZOS would punish that kind of behavior… but now I think I finally get it.

Are other players’ feelings about being teabagged in PvP more important than my feelings about the [snip] Market right now? Does it hurt some people more than others? Is the emotional meaning behind it different depending on who feels it?
Maybe for you it’s nothing. For me, it is.

Bguk · May 3

The only issue I see is the mentality of locking oneself out of content they want to play by refusing to group with others. Being a mainly solo player myself, I understand the reason why one does play solo. Simply refusing to group is childish. There's been multiple posts with suggestions on how solo players can do the content, yet you continue to hold your hands up to yours ears. Is it harder solo than not? Yes. Can it be done? Yes.

Athory · May 3

Bguk wrote: »

The only issue I see is the mentality of locking oneself out of content they want to play by refusing to group with others. Being a mainly solo player myself, I understand the reason why one does play solo. Simply refusing to group is childish. There's been multiple posts with suggestions on how solo players can do the content, yet you continue to hold your hands up to yours ears. Is it harder solo than not? Yes. Can it be done? Yes.

Prove it. Make a video and show it. Go play solo, engage in fights, kill a boss, just participate in the event, and prove it with a video. You can do it solo!
And read the topic again, because for me the problem isn’t joining a group. The issue is; I simply refuse to be used by ZOS. I refuse to be turned into “event fodder” just so others can participate.

YandereGirlfriend · May 3

This is so quaint. And as a PvP main reads as so out-of-touch.

Basically the entire last decade of development was catered specifically to solo players, to the detriment of the game's health overall, I would say, with only meager scraps left for everyone else. Now the balance is being ever so slightly corrected.

Just accept that not all content is for you and that that is okay.

Athory · May 3

@YandereGirlfriend I agree with you, and I really don’t have anything against group content. ZoS should add evne more, every 3, 6 months, bring everything they can into the game.
But why exclude solo players? Why?

They could add a “normal” mode and we would all be happy, no? Why force me to help "you"? Why force "you" to help me? Why push solo players into group content?
A normal mode in [snip] market would solve it all, like always.

ZomZom · May 3

The Night Market isn't for me at this time but I love ESO and I don't expect all aspects of this game to cater to my current playstyle, which may very well change over the years ahead.

Gabriel_H · May 3

Athory wrote: »

Bguk wrote: »

The only issue I see is the mentality of locking oneself out of content they want to play by refusing to group with others. Being a mainly solo player myself, I understand the reason why one does play solo. Simply refusing to group is childish. There's been multiple posts with suggestions on how solo players can do the content, yet you continue to hold your hands up to yours ears. Is it harder solo than not? Yes. Can it be done? Yes.

Prove it. Make a video and show it. Go play solo, engage in fights, kill a boss, just participate in the event, and prove it with a video. You can do it solo!
And read the topic again, because for me the problem isn’t joining a group. The issue is; I simply refuse to be used by ZOS. I refuse to be turned into “event fodder” just so others can participate.

Are you telling us in the entirety of your time in ESO you've never killed a world boss, or done a public dungeon group event, or done any of the incursions while not being grouped?

Just to make it clear. Can most players kill a boss in the Night Market solo? No. Can they do it without being grouped? Absolutely!

Athory · May 3

And to make it clear:
if ZoS removed the "being used" aspect, for example, by removing the keys required to enter trials and dungeons, I would be the first to say, “I love the Night Market.” Because then everything would be different. I wouldn’t feel used. I would simply choose to group up to complete the content, because in that case we would all be grouping with the same objective.

Yet… a normal mode should have been added from the start…

Gabriel_H · May 3

Athory wrote: »

And to make it clear:
if ZoS removed the "being used" aspect, for example, by removing the keys required to enter trials and dungeons, I would be the first to say, “I love the Night Market.” Because then everything would be different. I wouldn’t feel used. I would simply choose to group up to complete the content.

Yet… a normal mode should have been added from the start…

So you want all of the rewards without any of the work. Got it. /facepalm

Athory · May 3

Gabriel_H wrote: »

Athory wrote: »

And to make it clear:
if ZoS removed the "being used" aspect, for example, by removing the keys required to enter trials and dungeons, I would be the first to say, “I love the Night Market.” Because then everything would be different. I wouldn’t feel used. I would simply choose to group up to complete the content.

Yet… a normal mode should have been added from the start…

So you want all of the rewards without any of the work. Got it. /facepalm

oO wth?! Why? Have you even read what I said???

Soarora · May 3

Heavens forbid we get one new kind of content targeted towards groups, now the sky is falling down because ZOS will never add solo content to the game again. This is literally like having to give both your children a gift when it’s only one child’s birthday. Doesn’t matter that the other child will also have a birthday sometime this year, they see that their sibling is getting gifts, they’re not, and throw a fit. We are getting all sorts of solo questing content, we are getting the sage vault puzzle solo arena situation, we are getting high seas of tamriel which will have an area to explore and underwater fishing(?), we will have SOLO VERSIONS OF EXISTING DUNGEONS, we will have Winterhold next year… you also CAN go solo in Night Market, especially if you get the buffs (some buffs, like the Sorrow’s Friend race seem oriented for solo players actually)… guess what dungeon endgame gets. A long window for mask farm and Night Market and that’s it… and we’re not complaining. Night Market also isn’t a zone expansion like Winterhold will be and with all this negativity, who knows if ZOS will even make event zones ever again, let alone if they would be group focused or solo focused. My gods, people. We’re supposed to be adults… and I’m sure I’m younger than most of you. I don’t play ToT, I hate playing it, and if ZOS released a quarter where it was a class refresh + additions to ToT and nothing else, I wouldn’t be out here saying the game is going in a direction focused on card games, that ZOS is using me, that ZOS is neglecting dungeon players, and that I’m leaving???

Gabriel_H · May 3

Athory wrote: »

Gabriel_H wrote: »

Athory wrote: »

And to make it clear:
if ZoS removed the "being used" aspect, for example, by removing the keys required to enter trials and dungeons, I would be the first to say, “I love the Night Market.” Because then everything would be different. I wouldn’t feel used. I would simply choose to group up to complete the content.

Yet… a normal mode should have been added from the start…

So you want all of the rewards without any of the work. Got it. /facepalm

oO wth?! Why? Have you even read what I said???

Yes, of course I read it, hence my comment. The tangible rewards come from farming reputation (more from dungeons and trials) and from the trial itself which drops the Monster Set.

You want to bypass the necessary effort of getting into the things that provide those rewards. Or to put it another way: So you want all of the rewards without any of the work.

Shoulder: Valkyn Skoria Monster Set (for the 1 piece bonus)
Belt: Deadly Strike
Rest of Body: Warrior-Poet
All body pieces with Divines
Weapons & Jewellery: Deadly Strike except one ring which should be Pale Order
Scribed: Healing Contigency - Burst Heal, Heal Over Time, Minor Resolve
Slot a Major Resolve skill
Red CPs focus on Magicka/Stamina return on kill, Slippery and Armour
Blue CPs Wrathful Strikes, Stamina or Magicka, Weapon Damage, a damage boost
Food: Dubious Camoran Throne
Potions: Tri-Stat

Go to The Parch. Run to the NW of the gate. Find the interactable door. Go in. Crouch, get to the end without being hit by flame circles - get synergy that does massive damage.

Go kill stuff.

valenwood_vegan · May 3

Paramedicus wrote: »

[snip]

Right? Idk why people *keep* engaging with these.
[edited to remove quote]

SilverBride · May 3

Farming reputation is what pushed me to leave WoW. And why does reputation matter in getting rewards anyway? It's just another thing to keep players busy grinding.

Gabriel_H · May 3

SilverBride wrote: »

Farming reputation is what pushed me to leave WoW. And why does reputation matter in getting rewards anyway? It's just another thing to keep players busy grinding.

I've been doing the Night Market for about 2/3 hours a day for 4 days, I'm at 6,000 out of 10,000. It's not even close to the grind in WoW.

AzuraFan · May 3

There's plenty coming for solo players. Story content, sage's vault (I'm assuming it can be done solo), solo dungeons, rumours, etc.

I agree with what someone else said in another thread - perhaps the Night Market wasn't the best content to lead with for the new delivery content model. It might have been been better received later in the year, when the solo/duo base had already seen that there would be content for them. Maybe there wouldn't be so many people upset. But that ship has sailed.

Anyway, stuff like the Night Market doesn't interest me, but I'm not upset about it. I'm looking forward to all the stuff that does appeal to me that's coming down the pipe.

spartaxoxo · May 3

Dungeons were always group content and this is what replaced dungeons this time around. The rest of the year is focused on solo content.

If you're okay with grouping for dungeons then I don't understand what's the big deal about using group finder for night market.

Grafahel · May 3

Dude, I'm a pure solo player myself and Night Market, while a cool concept, isn't for me (found that out after getting wrecked in 2 seconds by the first mob I walked in to).
But to then immediately start dramatising that they're pushing you out because they're doing something new that isn't tailored to the exact way you play is a bit of an overreaction and also pretty entitled. Now unfortunately that sort of thing is nothing new here, but come on, take a breath and think about it.
Pretty much all of the game's content is exceptionally solo friendly. There are 2 PvP events a year vs at least 6 regular events (and I believe they announced a new event for the summer). Craglorn was a group zone that has since been made solo friendly. Hell, they're going to start releasing solo friendly versions of DLC group dungeons later this year, and most of the announced additions for the coming year sound like we're getting a lot more activities for everyone who just likes to spend time in the world.
Now they added one big new thing for groups because a lot of people think running their dungeons has gone stale, and you're blowing it up to be the end of the world for solo players.
I just got the Night Market house and I know I'm not going to be able to unlock all its features, but hey I did just get a load of cool furnishing for my other homes for free.

I really don't envy the staff that have the unfortunate job of having to engage with these sort of complaints on a daily basis.

Bguk · May 3

valenwood_vegan wrote: »

Paramedicus wrote: »

[snip]

Right? Idk why people *keep* engaging with these.

I'll be honest, I can't help myself. It's a reflex when I see these types of posts. Something I've been trying to work on. On ESO forums I'm failing this past month or so. I should refocus.
[edited to remove quote]

Soarora · May 3

valenwood_vegan wrote: »

Paramedicus wrote: »

[snip]

Right? Idk why people *keep* engaging with these.

Good point. I’m going to spontaneously combust if I see too many more posts jumping to conclusions that this year’s roadmap directly goes against. Constructive criticism is great, like, I do think the big (one gem) enemies in trash could use nerfing, but I’m losing it here. I will try to read & respond less lol. Healthier that way 😵‍💫
[edited to remove quote]

Bguk · May 3

Athory wrote: »

Bguk wrote: »

The only issue I see is the mentality of locking oneself out of content they want to play by refusing to group with others. Being a mainly solo player myself, I understand the reason why one does play solo. Simply refusing to group is childish. There's been multiple posts with suggestions on how solo players can do the content, yet you continue to hold your hands up to yours ears. Is it harder solo than not? Yes. Can it be done? Yes.

Prove it. Make a video and show it. Go play solo, engage in fights, kill a boss, just participate in the event, and prove it with a video. You can do it solo!
And read the topic again, because for me the problem isn’t joining a group. The issue is; I simply refuse to be used by ZOS. I refuse to be turned into “event fodder” just so others can participate.

You see it the problem as being "used by ZOS". I see it as a player refuses to play content unless it's how they want it. You, and others, who refuse to group (yes, you are refusing to group or try to tag along), are acting very childish. Life is not catered to all, including video games.

EDIT: And I left out a key part in what I posted originally. The NM can be done solo by following groups around.

SilverBride · May 3

Bguk wrote: »

You see it the problem as being "used by ZOS". I see it as a player refuses to play content unless it's how they want it. You, and others, who refuse to group (yes, you are refusing to group or try to tag along), are acting very childish. Life is not catered to all, including video games.

Of course a player will refuse to play content that isn't what they like. Refusing to group for very difficult content that is not what the player enjoys is not childish.

Athory · May 3

valenwood_vegan wrote: »

Paramedicus wrote: »

[snip]

Right? Idk why people *keep* engaging with these.

oO Why did you????
[edited to remove quote]

Destai · May 3

I’m fine with this being group content. I would have appreciated if they were more clear about group size and difficulty. Again, yet another reason the devs should be streaming their own game.

Where they’ve lost me is the rewards. I simply don’t understand how we are still at a point where features are launching with lacking rewards. I’m honestly not even giving them examples anymore because I don’t feel like it’s being heard or translated into institutional knowledge at ZOS.

Also the amount of reused assets makes this feel so recycled that there’s very little novelty. And seeing the challenges with grouping, I don’t want to even participate.

Athory · May 3

Bguk wrote: »

You see it the problem as being "used by ZOS". I see it as a player refuses to play content unless it's how they want it. You, and others, who refuse to group (yes, you are refusing to group or try to tag along), are acting very childish. Life is not catered to all, including video games.

EDIT: And I left out a key part in what I posted originally. The NM can be done solo by following groups around.

oO, you’re only realizing that now?? lol!
Yes, I refuse to group with others. But I have nothing against you grouping with other people.
Why are you so upset about me not feeling in the mood to be “used by ZoS to feed” other groups? I’m not upset at all if you go...
You’re calling me childish... well, to me, you’re exactly the kind of player who takes “orders” from anyone... lol.

edit:
"The NM can be done solo by following groups around." oO Oh boy... "Solo"..."following groups"....
If I want to play solo, I go right; if I see a group or other players going left, I don’t follow them. That’s why it’s called “solo.” If I want to follow a group, I’ll ask to join them. No? Does this make sense to you?

Syldras · May 3

To add something useful to this thread, the content drops for the rest of 2026:

Solo player content...

...in July to September:
- Thieves Guild storyline (8 quests)
- Sheogorath storyline (6 quests)
- Sage's Vault (some kind of puzzle dungeon)
- Dynamic World Events (a new location type, 3 of them added this summer; it says "cooperative" but looked very soloable)
- High Seas of Tamriel event (not many details on it yet, but it seems to be comparable to the Mara fest or similar events, so likely include solo content, if it's not even exclusively solo content)

...in October to December:
- 2 solo versions of dungeons

...and somewhere inbetween (not sure when, but it's already on PTS), there's also:
- Favors (a line of tasks or quests you do for an npc, starting with 3 npcs, and more will probably be added later)
- Rumors (I personally don't know much about that yet, but I've read you need to find clues and search for things without having quest markers or clear instructions about locations)

So there's still lots of solo-friendly content.

SilverBride · May 3

That looks like way more group content than solo. And a puzzle dungeon? No thanks.

New stories and quests and the solo dungeons are the only things that pique my interest even a little.

I've never given any relevance to the "ESO is dying" threads that crop up periodically, but honestly when I look at the past couple of year followed by what is planned for this year... I don't see much of a future for this game any more.