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The Elder Scrolls® Online similar games & best alternatives

The Elder Scrolls® Online

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 • 2017

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Quick resume

Every legend starts somewhere and in The Elder Scrolls Online, it starts with you. Join millions of players in an online, fantasy RPG set in a vast living Elder Scrolls world.

Global score

81/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Massively Multiplayer, Role-playing (RPG)

Similar games

    Pros

    • Vast and beautiful open world
    • Rich and engaging story and quests
    • Flexible character customization and builds
    • Active and friendly community
    • Frequent updates and large content volume

    Cons

    • Grind and slow progression in some areas
    • Monetization and expensive dlcs
    • Lack of official localization in many languages
    • Some bugs and technical issues
    • Complexity and high learning curve for new players

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Status, Competition, Story.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to explore any zone, choose any class and build, and make own decisions in quests and gameplay."

    • Competence
      3

      "Game offers skill-based combat, crafting complexity, and progression systems that reward mastery and experimentation."

    • Competition
      2

      "PvP exists with large-scale faction battles and arenas, but many players focus on PvE and solo play without heavy competition."

    • Continuation
      5

      "Extensive content, frequent updates, and large world encourage long-term habitual play and attachment."

    • Cooperation
      4

      "Group dungeons, trials, guilds, and PvP faction battles promote teamwork and social interaction."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players can customize characters, builds, housing decoration, and crafting styles extensively."

    • Domination
      -2

      "Community generally friendly and cooperative; some elitism in dungeons but balanced by guild support and social play."

    • Escapism
      5

      "Immersive world, rich lore, and engaging quests provide strong escape from real life."

    • Expectation
      -3

      "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment and exploration rather than obligation; some frustration with grind and monetization."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Players encouraged to try different builds, weapons, and crafting combinations; exploration of vast world."

    • Exploration
      5

      "Huge open world with many unique zones, caves, dungeons, and secrets to discover."

    • Expression
      4

      "Character customization, housing decoration, and cosmetic items allow self-expression."

    • Fantasy
      5

      "Set in a rich fantasy universe with magic, mythical creatures, and epic storylines."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Guilds, social events, and cooperative content foster community and belonging."

    • Growth
      4

      "Skill acquisition, character progression, and crafting development provide learning and improvement."

    • Health
      -4

      "Typical sedentary MMO gameplay encourages long sitting sessions with minimal physical activity."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention for combat and questing; not designed for passive or background play."

    • Intimacy
      2

      "Some social interaction and friendships form in guilds and groups, but mostly surface-level connections."

    • Leadership
      2

      "Guild leaders and dungeon leaders guide groups, but many players participate collaboratively without strong leadership."

    • Progression
      5

      "Strong emphasis on leveling, gear acquisition, crafting upgrades, and unlocking content."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Exploration and crafting provide relaxing flow, though combat and grind can create tension."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Visuals, sound, and combat effects provide sensory stimulation and excitement."

    • Status
      2

      "Guild ranks, titles, and PvP achievements offer social recognition but not dominant focus."

    • Story
      5

      "Rich narrative with voiced quests, character interactions, and evolving plotlines."

    • Strategy
      3

      "Combat and build customization require planning and tactical thinking."

    • Thrill
      2

      "PvP and boss fights provide moments of suspense, but much gameplay is steady and predictable."

    • Value
      2

      "Large amount of content for price; some frustration with monetization and grind but generally good value."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat against monsters and players is core gameplay, with fantasy violence and destruction."

    • Survival
      1

      "Some resource management and combat challenge, but overall low risk due to scaling and healing options."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026