The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, has become one of the most successful MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) since its launch in 2014. With its vast open world, rich lore, and constantly evolving content, ESO has garnered a loyal and growing player base. As one of the most prominent entries in the Elder Scrolls franchise, ESO has attracted a diverse global audience, but how many people actually play it?
While exact numbers can be difficult to ascertain, especially with the ever-changing nature of the game, there are several ways to estimate the player base of The Elder Scrolls Online through official reports, community insights, and metrics from third-party sources. In this article, we'll explore the available data, how ESO has evolved over time, and attempt to give a clear picture of how many people are playing the game today.
1. Initial Launch and Early Struggles
Elder Scrolls Online launched in April 2014, initially as a subscription-based MMO. It aimed to expand upon the massively popular Elder Scrolls single-player RPGs, but it faced challenges in its early days. Critics and players alike expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of the game, including its combat system, quest design, and overall performance. This led to a decline in the player base after launch, and in 2015, the developers decided to switch ESO to a buy-to-play model with optional microtransactions, dropping the monthly subscription requirement. This was a pivotal decision that allowed the game to rebuild and attract a larger audience.
2. The Growth of Elder Scrolls Online Post-2015
After the transition to a buy-to-play model, The Elder Scrolls Online began to show significant improvement. The game received frequent updates, including new content, expansions, and improvements to gameplay mechanics. Notably, in 2015, the release of the Tamriel Unlimited edition (which included the base game and all updates up to that point) provided a fresh start for ESO. This expansion of content, paired with the removal of the subscription fee, gave the game a much-needed boost in terms of player retention and new player acquisition.
By 2017, Elder Scrolls Online had reached a significant milestone: the game surpassed 10 million total players. This was an impressive achievement, as it showed a steady increase in interest, driven by consistent updates like the Morrowind expansion, which brought a huge amount of content and lore from the beloved Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
3. Current Player Base Estimates
As of recent years, ZeniMax Online Studios has reported over 20 million players for Elder Scrolls Online. This includes both new players and returning veterans, thanks to the game's evolving world and regular updates. This milestone was announced during the game's 2021 anniversary celebration and highlighted ESO's ongoing success.
What do these numbers mean? The 20 million players figure includes all accounts ever created, not necessarily active players at any given time. However, it does provide a strong indicator of ESO's widespread appeal. Unlike many MMORPGs, which experience sharp declines in active players over time, ESO has managed to sustain its popularity due to several key factors.
4. Active Players and Retention Rates
While there's no definitive public metric for active player counts, there are several factors to consider when estimating how many people are playing Elder Scrolls Online regularly.
A. Steam and Third-Party Metrics
One of the most accessible ways to track active players is by monitoring Steam player counts. ESO is available on Steam, and its daily concurrent player numbers can provide some insights into the game's popularity. On average, Elder Scrolls Online sees anywhere between 15,000 to 30,000 players online at any given time on Steam. This number can fluctuate based on updates, events, and sales.
In addition to Steam, the game is available on other platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC (via the ESO Launcher), and this greatly expands the active player base beyond just Steam users. There are reports that the console versions of the game have a similarly strong following, contributing to the overall player count.
B. Expansions and Events
ESO regularly releases major content expansions and seasonal events that can spike player activity. For example, the annual Elder Scrolls Online events like the Jester's Festival or the Imperial City expansion often result in a surge of players returning to the game, significantly increasing concurrent player counts.
The release of new expansions such as Summerset (2018), Elsweyr (2019), Greymoor (2020), Blackwood (2021), and the Necrom expansion in 2023 has led to an increase in the player base as both new and returning players are drawn back into the world of Tamriel.
C. Player Retention
ESO's ability to retain players is one of the key reasons for its continued growth. In an industry where MMORPGs often struggle to keep players long-term, ESO has managed to create a compelling and immersive world that keeps players engaged. Regular updates, monthly content drops, and a deep connection to The Elder Scrolls series lore all help maintain a strong sense of community.
Additionally, ESO's model of offering both free-to-play content and premium content via DLCs, expansions, and a subscription-based "ESO Plus" service allows players to engage with the game on their own terms. Players who want to access everything, including exclusive cosmetics and additional content, can subscribe to ESO Plus, which has led to a stable, ongoing source of revenue for the game.
5. Community and Player Engagement
The community surrounding Elder Scrolls Online has also played a crucial role in the game's longevity. ESO boasts a dedicated and active fanbase, with hundreds of thousands of players engaging in forums, social media groups, and fan sites. Online communities such as Reddit's /r/elderscrollsonline, ESO-related Discord channels, and the official forums are buzzing with activity.
In-game guilds and cooperative play are also significant draws for ESO's social interaction. With a variety of PvE and PvP activities, including dungeons, trials, and large-scale PvP battles in the Cyrodiil zone, players often form tight-knit groups that return to the game together. This level of community interaction has helped ESO maintain a thriving, supportive ecosystem of players.
6. Global Reach and Accessibility
The global reach of Elder Scrolls Online further explains its large player base. Available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Russian, and more, ESO attracts players from around the world. Its accessibility across different platforms (PC, PlayStation, and Xbox) ensures that players can join the game regardless of their preferred gaming system.
One of the most notable expansions, Elsweyr, even highlighted the game's international appeal by incorporating culturally significant elements and providing content in multiple languages to better cater to its diverse player base. The game's continual updates and patches ensure that players worldwide receive timely content and bug fixes.
7. Conclusion: Estimating the Player Count
As of 2024, The Elder Scrolls Online boasts more than 20 million registered players, and with regular updates, new expansions, and continued community support, the game is still going strong. While concurrent player numbers can fluctuate, estimates suggest anywhere between 100,000 to 500,000 active players at any given time, depending on the platform, region, and current content.
ESO's blend of rich lore, expansive content, and its ability to adapt over time has kept it relevant in the competitive MMORPG landscape. Buy ESO Gold from MMOexp.com now, Join it. While it may not have the massive player numbers of some other online games, The Elder Scrolls Online has carved out a loyal and dedicated fanbase that continues to grow year after year.
MMOexp Elder Scrolls Online Team