After more than ten years since its launch, The Elder Scrolls Online will finally introduce cross-play. Developer ZeniMax Online Studios has confirmed that work is underway on this feature, but players should be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait.
While cross-play has been a long-desired goal for ZeniMax Online, this marks the first definitive acknowledgment from the developer that it is indeed in the pipeline. Specific details on the launch timeline, however, remain unclear.
During a recent virtual Q&A, ESO executive Susan Kath stated, "Cross-play is definitely coming, but it's going to be a while." She explained that implementing this feature is complex, especially considering the game was not originally designed with cross-play capabilities in mind. Numerous factors need to be taken into account before its release.
Kath added that players might see some testing related to cross-play by the end of this year, indicating some progress is being made.
This announcement came as part of a live stream discussing the upcoming changes for the long-running MMORPG, which will transition to a seasonal content model starting in 2026 instead of the traditional yearly expansions that have characterized its history.
Currently, players can only engage with others on their designated platforms, with separate servers for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation communities. ZeniMax Online has highlighted various technical issues that have hindered cross-play until now, including distinct server economies, performance challenges, and gameplay disparities between console and PC players.
In addition to the announcement regarding cross-play, ZeniMax Online shared more details on what players can expect in the future. Following a tumultuous year in 2025, including staff reductions and the cancellation of another MMO project, 2026 will see ESO fully embrace seasonal content. This includes the rollout of a new battle pass system named Tamriel Tomes, class reworks, fresh zones and activities, solo dungeons, as well as the integration of previously paid DLC like the Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild into the core game at no additional cost.
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