The 4 Biggest Changes Elder Scrolls Online Needs for Its Next Decade

Elder Scrolls Online has had a massive year, and the future looks brighter than ever. The new DLC format—with its quarterly ESO Content Pass releases and narrative-driven chapters—feels like a smart step forward. Add in subclassing, swimming mounts, and a renewed focus from Zenimax’s leadership team on keeping the game alive for decades, and it’s clear that ESO isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Bethesda Softworks/ZeniMax Online Studios

Still, there’s a lot I hope to see evolve as Elder Scrolls Online moves deeper into the next-gen era. From a long-overdue graphics update to better class balance and more meaningful story choices, ESO has the potential to cement itself as the best MMORPG of the decade. Don’t get me wrong—I love this game. But if Zenimax really wants to make Elder Scrolls Online unforgettable, a few big changes could make all the difference.

A Full Graphics Update (Please, Zenimax. I’m Begging.)

The time has come. The base-game graphics—especially armor models—are starting to show their age. (I’m looking at you, flat fuzzy Nord gear.) ESO’s DLC zones look incredible, but the jump in visual quality between them and the launch areas is jarring for any player.

If the team really wants ESO to thrive for another decade, a phased visual overhaul seems essential. Update it zone by zone or faction by faction to avoid downtime—but give the game a facelift.

And while we’re at it, let’s improve character creation. We need more sliders, more hairstyles, and a wider range of facial options. If Tamriel’s going to survive the next generation of consoles, it needs to look the part.

Classes and Subclassing

The new subclass system was ambitious—and I love the roleplay potential—but the rollout’s been rough. Balance issues are obvious: if you’re min-maxing, you’re picking Arcanist or Nightblade.

A fix could be simple: tone down subclass skills slightly when used outside their native class. A Templar using Nightblade abilities shouldn’t hit quite as hard as a true Nightblade.

Beyond tuning, I’d love to see more classes added. Imagine an Alchemist, Artificer, or Bard class—each already has pieces in existing sets and systems. A Dwemer-based inventor using mechanical constructs and potion bombs? Yes, please.

And please—some animation updates. Dragonknights especially deserve more dramatic visuals. Think molten veins and glowing armor instead of random spikes and heart effects. Let us feel—and look—powerful again.

New Stories That Change the World (and No More Daedra)

If I have to stop one more Daedric Prince from ending the world, I’m joining them.

We’ve fought them all—Mehrunes Dagon, Molag Bal, Hermaeus Mora—enough already. I’m ready for something new: political wars, revolutions, betrayal within the guilds—anything that feels human.

And if they do bring back the Daedra, then go big. Make it a Thanos-level extinction event. Let the world break. Let our decisions matter. Dolmens shouldn’t still be raining from the sky after we’ve defeated Molag Bal. It’s time to show consequences.

Difficulty Setting

Players have long requested an ESO difficulty toggle or veteran overland mode to make story quests more challenging. Overland content is far too easy. It’s meant to welcome new players, sure—but for veterans, it’s mind-numbingly simple.

Let us choose a “Veteran Mode” for the open world with boosted enemy health, smarter AI, and more mechanics. The DLC world bosses get this mostly right—why not the base game?

Challenge makes victory feel earned—and we want to earn it.

Bethesda Softworks/ZeniMax Online Studios

Final Thoughts

If you missed Bethesda’s recent survey about the future of ESO, it’s not too late to make your voice heard. Whether it’s better visuals, tougher fights, or fresh stories, the game’s next chapter will depend on player feedback.

Tamriel’s best days are still ahead—if we keep pushing for them.