Is ESO any good on console in 2026? A detailed look.
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has been available on Xbox and PlayStation consoles for several years now. But with new generations of consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X/S now available, does ESO still hold up well on console platforms in 2024? As an ESO enthusiast and player who has extensively experienced the game on both PC and consoles, I can provide a comprehensive breakdown.
At a Glance
Overall, ESO remains highly enjoyable and worth playing on modern consoles in 2024. Thanks to regular optimizations and new capabilities of current-gen consoles, ESO plays smoothly with visuals that can rival many gaming PCs. The core experience of questing, exploring and progressing your character is intact. While PC offers certain advantages, ESO absolutely shines on Xbox and PlayStation for more casual comfort-gaming with a controller from your couch.
The Console Experience
Smooth Performance
Early on, ESO struggled with performance issues on consoles, especially in populated areas where framerates could dip severely. But Zenimax has dramatically improved optimizations over the years. On an Xbox Series X or PS5, ESO now runs at a much more stable 60 FPS in performance mode even in busy cities. While not perfect, it‘s a night and day difference from earlier console issues.
Beautiful 4K Graphics
With the power of new consoles like Xbox Series X/S and PS5, ESO looks stunning in 4K resolution. On Xbox Series X specifically, it offers native 4K along with upgraded textures and longer draw distances compared to older consoles. Tiny details in armor, scenery and spells pop like never before, immersing you visually.
Intuitive Controller Gameplay
ESO‘s controls have always felt natural with a controller rather than keyboard and mouse. Both exploration and combat work smoothly. Recent additions like collections being accessible directly from the map greatly improve navigation for console players. The UI and menus suit a big TV screen.
Thriving Community
Across Xbox and PlayStation, ESO retains millions of active monthly players. The game feels lively and populated. You‘ll always see other players running around in-game zones, and there‘s a thriving trading economy. Queue times for dungeons and PvP are reasonably fast. Finding a guild is easy. The social experience is great on console.
Ongoing Updates
A major benefit is that ESO on consoles receives the same DLC packs, chapter expansions, and major feature updates as the PC version. 2022 alone saw the High Isle chapter, Myth of Empires DLC, Firesong DLC and massive Update 35. Console players get huge amounts of new quests, items and quality-of-life improvements added regularly since launch.
Console vs PC Comparison
While the core experience remains similar, there are some key differences between playing ESO on console vs PC.
| Console | PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Fidelity | 4K/30fps or 1080p/60fps | Higher resolution and framerate with good hardware |
| Load Times | Can be slow without SSD | Much faster with good SSD |
| Addons | Limited options | Many addons to customize UI and features |
| Updates | Slight delay for certification | Get updates 1-2 weeks earlier |
| Text Chat | Only via phone app | Built-in text chat channels |
| Public Test Server Access | No | Yes, can preview upcoming features |
| Platform Population | Millions of players | Higher overall, but healthy console population |
Mods & Addons
One of the biggest differences is that addons are far more limited on console. The gameplay experience itself is the same, but addons allow PC players to customize their UI and access certain info more easily. Console players need to rely more on basic built-in UI.
Faster Loading
PCs with a good SSD load much faster than even the newer consoles when accessing new areas. Console load times have improved, but are still slower. On PC, loads are almost instant with an NVMe SSD.
Earlier Access to Updates
Patches and DLC hit PC a week or two earlier than consoles due to the certification process. Console updates need more thorough testing. So PC players get access to new content first.
Text Chat Differences
PC has built-in text chat and channels, while console requires the mobile app for text. Voice chat however is built-in on consoles.
Should You Play ESO on Console in 2024?
For new or returning players considering ESO on a console platform in 2024, I think it‘s absolutely worth playing. The core gameplay experience that makes ESO so enjoyable is fully present on Xbox and PlayStation. For more casual gaming from your couch with a controller, it‘s a great option that will provide hundreds of hours of quality content.
Plus, if you have a newer console like PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, you‘ll benefit from smoother performance, faster load times and enhanced 4K graphics compared to last-gen. ESO feels and looks great on current-gen consoles in 2024. The base game is cheap, and you can seamlessly play with others online. If you enjoy exploring, questing and becoming immersed in the Elder Scrolls world, I highly recommend giving ESO a try on console.