The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, A big move for Morrowind

The Elder Scrolls Online has seen significant changes since it launched on PC last year now the game will be taking its updated buy-to-play model to current-gen consoles. While many of the upgrades were changes like the addition of more responsive combat and systems for level-capped players to engage in to refine and correct things that maybe didn’t function smoothly at launch, other nuances are coming into play now that the title is heading to consoles.

Two veteran dungeons have been added since launch, along with the fact that all dungeons scale with the leader of the group. Repeatable quests offer compelling rewards to go dungeon diving, an incentive absent on release that we noticed way back when we provided our launch impressions. An account wide Champion “alternate advancement” system now unlocks for level 50 players, allowing them to add passive abilities on a track that offers continual progression.

Some other broad improvements that have gone in since launch include gear dye, player-created heraldry, writs (mini-quests focused on crafting that provide a glut of resources), death recaps, chat bubbles, and improved experience gains in the Alliance War.

A criminal-justice system has also been added to the game, featuring more rewards and consequences related to interactions in the world. If you see an item you don’t own laying on a table or chair, you might be able to take it, but you may not be able to run off with the item without the possibility of punishment. This system extends to the potential assault and murder of Tamriel’s citizens. Depending on your lifestyle, you can choose to become an outlaw living outside the confines of Tamriel’s laws. This system echoes many of the more open-ended inter-actions that players have become used to from many of The Elder Scrolls single-player titles and gives them more choices in how to play and engage with the world.

With the shift to the buy-to-play model, players can still opt to engage in a subscription like system with ESO Plus, which gives a number of bonuses and provides premium currency, the Crown. You won’t need a subscription to use Crowns, and the Crown store will host many convenience items such as mounts, pets, and costumes. Certain DLC will also fall under this flag, such as the Orsinium DLC a full zone experience featuring new weapons and armor.

The control scheme of Elder Scrolls Online always seemed to be a solid fit for consoles, but many changes have been made to prepare the title for the console experience. These include improvements to UI sizes, analog-stick movement, and controls that allow for single-button use of abilities and skills.

Tamriel Unlimited will include all changes from launch to the 1.6 update, with further updates, DLC, and expansions planned for the future.