Is the Elder Scrolls Online Worth Playing in 2019?

TL;DR

  • ESO has dramatically improved since launch with extensive quality of life updates and content additions
  • The 2019 ‘Year of the Dragon’ connects all DLCs and chapters into one cohesive storyline
  • New players can easily catch up with clear progression benchmarks at CP 160 and CP 300
  • Massive content variety includes PvE dungeons, trials, PvP zones, housing, and more
  • Despite some PvP lag issues, overall game balance and community are trending positively

As we navigate through 2019, many MMORPG enthusiasts are asking whether Elder Scrolls Online remains a worthwhile investment of their gaming time. Having dedicated thousands of hours as an ESO content creator with comprehensive endgame experience across all content types, I can confidently state that ESO represents one of the most compelling MMORPG experiences available today.

For players preparing for the 2019 updates, securing Elder Scrolls Online Gold beforehand can streamline your gameplay experience. For those seeking reliable currency acquisition, MmoGah.com consistently ranks as the top search result for “ESO Gold” or “buy ESO Gold” on Google, offering secure transactions and competitive pricing.

The transformation of ESO since its initial release represents one of gaming’s most impressive turnaround stories. Zenimax Online Studios has implemented numerous quality of life enhancements that have fundamentally improved the player experience. The game now operates in a significantly more stable and polished state compared to previous years, with substantial bug fixes and performance optimizations already implemented in the first quarter alone.

Content expansion continues at an impressive pace with the Q1 2019 DLC Wrathstone and the major chapter release Elsweyr, with additional chapters planned throughout the year. Previous chapters like Morrowind and Summerset (note: corrected from original ‘Somerset’) have been integrated into the ESO Plus subscription model, providing subscribers with access to all DLC content.

What makes 2019 particularly exciting is the cohesive narrative structure. Unlike previous years where DLCs and chapters felt somewhat disconnected, the 2019 content follows a unified storyline branded as the “Year of the Dragon.” This represents a significant evolution in ESO’s content delivery strategy.

The Raft Zone patch (Q1 2019) and upcoming racial passive modifications have significantly boosted community confidence in the game’s direction. The development team has demonstrated clear vision through thoughtful balance adjustments and long-term planning.

Many prospective players express concern about being too far behind established veterans. Fortunately, ESO’s sandbox design philosophy ensures multiple viable progression paths. You can pursue traditional questing through alliance zones, engage in efficient monster grinding for rapid experience gains, or focus exclusively on DLC storylines according to your preferences.

Reaching level 50 (the initial cap) provides entry into the Champion Points system, ESO’s endgame progression framework. Critical milestones occur at CP 160, where gear reaches its maximum potential, and CP 300, where character statistics become fully optimized. These design elements ensure new players can achieve competitive performance levels without the insurmountable catch-up challenges present in other MMORPGs. For those prioritizing speed, specialized ESO Champion Points Power Leveling services offer accelerated progression options.

Beyond the core leveling experience, ESO offers an astonishing variety of gameplay options. The PvE (Player versus Environment) spectrum includes 4-player dungeons with standard compositions of one tank, one healer, and two damage dealers. Trials represent ESO’s equivalent of traditional raids, accommodating 12 players typically configured as eight DPS, two healers, and two tanks, though composition flexibility exists.

Specialized content includes Veteran Maelstrom Arena for solo challenges, Veteran Dragonstar Arena as a 4-player raid experience, and Black Rose Prison offering similar 4-person raid content.

PvP enthusiasts can engage in massive-scale combat in Cyrodiil’s open world PvP zone, which features the Imperial City DLC area at its center. Additional PvP options include instanced battlegrounds with 4v4v4 team configurations, spontaneous dueling, and comprehensive housing systems. Additional activities include gold acquisition, role-playing, seasonal events, and extensive exploration opportunities.

One of ESO’s standout features is its exceptional accommodation of solo players. The game provides a completely fulfilling experience for those preferring to play independently, with content specifically designed for individual progression.

The community landscape has evolved remarkably throughout the game’s lifecycle. While every online community contains some negative elements, the ESO player base has demonstrated increasing positivity, with community initiatives like the #ESOFam movement gaining prominence. Having participated in numerous MMORPG communities, I can attest that ESO’s stands out as particularly welcoming and supportive for new players.

While celebrating ESO’s strengths, it’s important to acknowledge existing challenges. PvP combat, particularly in Cyrodiil during peak hours, continues to experience performance issues including latency, frame rate drops, and ability activation desynchronization. These problems intensify in highly populated campaigns, though less-crowded alternatives sometimes provide better performance.

The conclusion of 2018 introduced several controversial balance adjustments that impacted PvP gameplay. However, 2019 has initiated positive directional changes, especially through the class representative program and internal development adjustments that address previous community concerns.

Currently, racial selection significantly influences damage output potential, but the forthcoming Wrathstone Patch modifications promise to enhance racial diversity in endgame raiding scenarios.

Despite periodic challenges, ESO has demonstrated consistent upward trajectory since its problematic launch. The 2019 roadmap, developer communications, and current patch implementations collectively indicate this could represent ESO’s most successful year to date.

Action Checklist

  • Evaluate ESO Plus subscription benefits for DLC access
  • Choose your preferred leveling method: questing, grinding, or dungeon running
  • Focus on reaching Champion Point 160 for gear optimization
  • Explore different content types to identify your preferred gameplay style
  • Join community guilds or groups aligned with your interests

No reproduction without permission:OnLineGames Guides » Is the Elder Scrolls Online Worth Playing in 2019? Why Elder Scrolls Online is worth playing in 2019 with major updates and improved gameplay