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The Elder Scrolls Onlinehas seen several large expansions, called Chapters, and smaller DLC add-ons since its launch in 2014. These additions have been great boons to the lore, story, and gameplay ofThe Elder Scrolls Online, with most of them adding some sort of gameplay feature that enhances the experience in a multitude of ways, even outside the expanded area and story.
With so much content released over the past decade, the expansion packs have varied in quality regarding their gameplay additions and overall storyline. While all of them held promise at the outset, some of them didn’t quite live up to their promised content, particularly in regard to their story.
S-Tier: Combining Storytelling with Gameplay Features
Morrowindis a return to the island of Vvardenfell in the province of Morrowind. With gorgeous new music that reimaginesNerevar Rising, and arevisit to the locations fromThe Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind,Morrowindis especially great for those who have played the single-playerMorrowindgame. There is, however, something for everyone here, with Vvardenfell’s dramatic settings, the chance to meet Vivec, and a compelling storyline. This chapter is also free, which gives no reason not to at least try it out.Morrowindgoes hand-in-hand withESO’s smaller add-on,Clockwork City, which features one of the other members of the Tribunal, Sotha Sil.
Thieves Guildincludes a great storyline and a series of heists that can prove to be challenging to perform, going beyond the mindless, repetitive tasks that often befall MMOs. The hub for Thieves Guild, located in Abah’s Landing, Hammerfell, is vibrant and a unique addition to Tamriel’s offerings.
Summersetfeatures one of thebest locations inThe Elder Scrolls Online, the Summerset Isles, capital of the Aldmeri Dominion. Filled with history, this add-on includes the Psijic Order and an accompanying Skill Line, Jewelry Crafting, and new group challenges. The Summerset Isles are larger than the entirety of Vvardenfell, giving players an incredible amount of new land to explore and places to discover.
A-Tier: Expanding Lore and Returning to Familar Places
One of the most popular factions inThe Elder Scrolls, the Dark Brotherhood, makes a return inESOwith theDark BrotherhoodDLC. Its storyline takes place within the Gold Coast region of Cyrodiil, a region that featured prominently inOblivion, and even features the iconic city of Kvatch, whereOblivion’s player characterforged their hero’s moniker.
Necromgives insight into one of the most popular of Morrowind’s five Houses, the Telvanni’s, and takes place on the Telvanni peninsula of Morrowind. Its connection toHermaeus Mora’s plane of Oblivion, Apocrypha, makes it an enigmatic location and continues theShadows Over MorrowindandSecrets of Apocryphastorylines.
Orsiniumgives much-needed depth and insight to the Orcs, a race which are often neglected inThe Elder Scrollsstorylines despite their fascinating lore and culture. With a well-written storyline, fun side-characters, and a compelling setting,Orsiniumstands out as one of the best ofESO’s smaller DLC.
B-Tier: Solid Adventures in New Places
Elsweyr is the home province of the Khajiit, the cat-people of Tamriel, and their home province is just as diverse as its people, with jungles, savannah, and deserts. The overarching plot ofElsweyrinvolves invading dragons and introduces the Necromancer class, but the execution of theElsweyr’s plot unfortunately fell flat for many.
High Isleintroduces a completely new area of Tamriel, giving players a unique setting that’s never been seen before inThe Elder Scrolls’lore. With visuals that rivalSummerset,High Islefeatures a gorgeous locale, but its story doesn’t quite deliver on the promises of its setting, falling into the trap of predictability thatESO’s storylines have had an unfortunate tendency to do.
ESO’s Blackwoodtakes place in the area around Leyawiin in southern Cyrodiil, and pays homage toOblivionin many ways, including a fun boss battle that includes portals to Oblivion. The add-on includes a companion system, which adds two recruitable companions who can be summoned, and a gorgeous setting featuring marshlands and the Deadlands.
C-Tier: Smaller Add-Ons and Those That Don’t Meet Their Potential
Dragonhold,Imperial City, andDeadlandsare smaller DLC add-ons that don’t include as much content as their counterparts, even if they deliver what they set out to do in their own right, or are so specialized that only certain types of players will enjoy the DLC.Imperial Cityis a PvP-focused DLC, and players who don’t have the correct build will see themselves be killed by other players in this area.
Greymoorsees a return to Skyrim, this time with a focus on its Western holds and Blackreach, one of the most iconic locations from 2011’sSkyrim. One of the new systems added toESOwithGreymooris the Antiquities system, which allows players to excavate and sell artifacts for gold, a system which could be more meaningful.
Gold Roadexpanded upon Ithelia, thefirst new Daedric Prince introduced inThe Elder ScrollssinceShivering Isles. Ithelia, the Daedric Prince of Fate, had enormous potential, but her storyline and character writing fell flat for many players.Gold Road’s lackluster story and mishandling of Ithelia puts it on the bottom tier of this list despite its introduction of Scribing and its depiction of Skingrad.
The Elder Scrolls Online
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an ever-expanding story across all of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online, an award-winning fantasy RPG. Explore a rich, living world with friends or embark upon a solo adventure.Ultimate freedom—Create your ultimate RPG character, play solo or adventure with friends, and determine your fate in an ever-expanding world. With no level restrictions, go anywhere at any time in a truly open world.Choose your adventure—Begin your adventure where you like: emerge from Coldharbour in the Base Game, battle Dragons in the Elsweyr Chapter, or get ready to face the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, in Blackwood. All content is accessible for new players, and you’re able to switch adventures whenever you like.
