The Elder Scrolls Onlineenriched the lore ofThe Elder Scrollsfranchise in a way that hadn’t been seen sinceMorrowind, but players have started to feel fatigue and disappointment over its own narrative in recent years. When it launched on April 4th 2014, people weren’t quite sure what to make of the game yet – whether it wanted to be anElder Scrollstitle, or an MMORPG – but with the release of One Tamriel, its unique identity was presented with a newfound strength and clarity.
What One Tamriel did forThe Elder Scrolls Online’s gameplay, the Wrothgar Chapter did for its story. At its heart, it featured a thrilling conspiracy orchestrated by religious extremists of Trinimac, set against the sprawling backdrop of the orcs trying to rebuild Orsinium. The unofficial Chapter allowed players to explore the pathos of the Orsimer with a depth that hadn’t been seen in anElder Scrollsgame yet, and theMorrowindChapter that followed was met with even more acclaim.
RELATED:The Elder Scrolls Online Reveals How Long It Takes to Beat New Firesong DLC Story
However, the reception to theHigh IsleChapterand its Firesong DLC has been lukewarm by comparison, asThe Elder Scrolls Onlineplayers gathered on Reddit to discuss the worryingly stale direction of the game’s narrative. The discussion was initially broached by chimpthegreat, and his critique provided other fans a platform to air out their grievances. Compared to the previous Chapters of the game, the overarching plot of the “Legacy of the Bretons” was found wanting, devoid of the depth that the game’s story was once known for.
Boring villains such as the Ascendant Lord, moments where the player and the supporting cast act oblivious to obvious clues, or a lack of any true exploration of Breton lore seem to be the main source of disappointment. Players feel the story inThe Elder Scrolls Onlinehas begun to feel too manufactured in recent Chapters, and the annual format introduced with the “Season of the Dragon” only adds to the fatigue.
Ultimately, people agree thatThe Elder Scrolls Onlinehaving a “play in any order” policy on its Chapters hampers the story more than it benefits the game, as it never allows the Chapters to move the story or evolve its cast of characters satisfyingly. Many fans believe the narrative was strongest in theMorrowindandSummersetChapters, which featured a long, interconnected storyline that culminated in a confrontation with Nocturnal atop the Crystal Tower.
Though some in the community have begun to wonder if the lack of effort is tied toZenimax Online Studios working on a new project, they ultimately feelThe Elder Scrolls Onlinedeserves better. Luckily, the current lull is hardly inescapable and can easily be course-corrected with a pivot into a larger plot, perhaps unshackled from the annual storyline format – and if recent rumors are to be believed, the next Chapter forThe Elder Scrolls Onlinewill be set in Hammerfell and feature Sheogorath.
The Elder Scrolls Onlineis available for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Stadia, and Xbox One and Series X|S.
MORE:Elder Scrolls Online: What To Know Before Starting The High Isle Chapter
