Since hitting the scene back in 2014, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has introduced a bunch of large expansions known as Chapters, alongside a variety of smaller DLC add-ons. Each of these brings something extra to the table—be it to the game’s rich stories, deep lore, or captivating gameplay. These new elements often deliver an array of fresh gameplay mechanics that spice up the player experience, not just within the new areas and narratives introduced.
However, with years of content piled up, the quality of these expansions has sometimes been a mixed bag. Although they often had us hyped up during their announcements, some unfortunately didn’t quite hit the mark, especially when it came to delivering the promised storytelling depth.
Now, let’s dive into the different tiers for these expansions:
S-Tier: Blending Epic Narratives with Gameplay Innovations
Morrowind takes us back to the nostalgia-filled island of Vvardenfell in Morrowind. With a magnificent soundtrack that pays homage to Nerevar Rising and familiar settings from The Elder Scrolls 3, this chapter is a love letter to players who cherished the original Morrowind game. It’s not just for veterans, though; anyone can enjoy Vvardenfell’s striking landscapes, meeting the iconic Vivec, and a gripping storyline. Plus, it’s free for ESO enthusiasts, making it a no-brainer to give it a whirl. Alongside it, the smaller Clockwork City add-on shines with Sotha Sil of the Tribunal starring.
Meanwhile, Thieves Guild introduces a compelling narrative coupled with challenging heists that break free from the typical MMO grind. Abah’s Landing in Hammerfell serves as a bustling, colorful hub—infusing fresh energy into the world of Tamriel.
The Summerset addition showcases one of the most stunning locations ESO offers—the elegant Summerset Isles, home to the Aldmeri Dominion. Dive into a sea of history with elements like the Psijic Order and Jewelry Crafting, all wrapped in expansive new lands only waiting for you to explore.
A-Tier: Delving into Lore and Revisiting Favored Domains
The Dark Brotherhood DLC reintroduces one of the franchise’s most adored factions. Set in Cyrodiil’s Gold Coast, the storyline entices players to reminisce about previous ventures in Oblivion, particularly in the city of Kvatch, a birthplace of legend.
On a similar note, ESO’s Necrom chapter offers a look into the mysterious Telvanni House. It unfolds over Morrowind’s Telvanni Peninsula, establishing connections to the enigmatic Apocrypha and deepening the Shadows Over Morrowind and Secrets of Apocrypha sagas.
With Orsinium, we witness the spotlight turn to the Orcs, a race often overlooked despite their intriguing culture. It’s masterfully written and filled with well-developed side-kicks, securing Orsinium as a standout among ESO’s smaller DLC.
B-Tier: Consistent Adventures in Fresh Territories
Continuing with Elsweyr, explore the lively lands of the cat-like Khajiit—featuring jungles, savannahs, and deserts. While the introduction of dragon battles and the Necromancer class brought excitement, the overarching narrative didn’t resonate as strongly with the community.
High Isle presents an entirely new area within Tamriel, offering a breath of fresh air with its untouched lore. It boasts visuals akin to Summerset, but its promise isn’t fully realized in the storyline, succumbing to the predictability recurring in ESO tales.
In Blackwood, explore regions surrounding Leyawiin in southern Cyrodiil, celebrating Oblivion with various nods. The expansion comes packed with a companion system and panoramic vistas filled with marshlands and the fiery Deadlands.
C-Tier: Small Additions and Missed Opportunities
Here, Dragonhold, Imperial City, and Deadlands present themselves with limited content and cater mainly to niche audiences. Imperial City’s strong PvP focus means that players without a suitable setup may find themselves frequently outmatched.
Returning to familiar grounds, Greymoor revisits Skyrim, focusing on its western domains and the legendary Blackreach. The newly introduced Antiquities system adds another layer, though some users felt it lacked depth.
Finally, Gold Road takes us through Ithelia’s realm, a novel Daedric Prince, since Shivering Isles. However, despite the unique addition of Scribing, the narrative and Ithelia herself didn’t quite steal the show, resulting in its place in the lower ranks.
ESO’s continued evolution delivers an impressive array of content that caters to various player preferences, ensuring something for everyone awaits in Tamriel’s sprawling landscape.
