Is Elder Scrolls Online Crossplay?

Since its launch in 2014, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has evolved into one of the most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) in the gaming world. Set in the immersive world of ESO Gold Tamriel, ESO offers players an expansive range of activities, including quests, dungeons, PvP battles, crafting, and much more. However, one question frequently asked by players is whether ESO supports crossplay—the ability to play with friends across different platforms.

In this article, we’ll explore the current state of crossplay in ESO, its limitations, and the potential for cross-platform play in the future.

What Is Crossplay?

Crossplay refers to the feature that allows players on different gaming platforms to play together in the same game world. For example, crossplay enables a player on a PlayStation 5 to join a server and team up with friends on Xbox, PC, or other supported platforms. In recent years, crossplay has become an increasingly sought-after feature in multiplayer games, removing platform-based barriers and enabling gamers to connect regardless of their hardware.

While crossplay has been adopted by many popular multiplayer titles such as Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Minecraft, not every game has implemented this feature. The reasons for this vary but often include technical challenges, platform restrictions, and design considerations.

Current Crossplay Status in Elder Scrolls Online

As of 2024, The Elder Scrolls Online does not support crossplay between different platforms. This means players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC cannot interact or group up in the same game world. Each platform operates on its own isolated server ecosystem, ensuring that interactions are limited to users playing on the same platform family.

That said, ESO is not entirely without cross-platform features. While true crossplay is not available, there are exceptions and nuanced aspects worth noting:

1. Cross-Progression

ESO does allow for cross-progression across platforms in certain circumstances. Players can maintain their characters and game progress across different devices, provided they use the same account. For example, a player who starts their ESO journey on PC can continue their adventure on an Xbox or PlayStation by logging into the same account.

To enable this feature, you must link your game account to a Bethesda.net account. Once linked, your character progress, inventory, and achievements can carry over to another platform, allowing you the flexibility to play wherever you prefer.

2. PlayStation and Xbox Ecosystem Compatibility

While crossplay between Xbox and PlayStation is not supported, players within the same console family can enjoy seamless multiplayer experiences. For example, a PlayStation 5 player can group up with someone on a PlayStation 4, and the same applies to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One users. In the PC ecosystem, players using Windows, macOS, Steam, or the standalone ESO client can play together without restrictions.

Why Does ESO Not Support Crossplay?

The absence of crossplay in ESO can be attributed to several factors, including technical challenges, platform policies, and game design considerations. Let’s delve into the primary reasons:

1. Platform-Specific Certification and Policies

One major obstacle to crossplay lies in platform certification and policies. Each platform, whether PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, has unique requirements, from user interface optimizations to security protocols. To integrate crossplay, Zenimax Online Studios would need to align with the policies of each platform, a task that involves extensive negotiation and technical effort.

Historically, companies like Sony have been more resistant to crossplay compared to Microsoft, which has actively embraced the concept in recent years. While progress has been made, these policies still present challenges for developers.

2. Server Infrastructure

ESO’s servers are platform-specific, meaning there are separate ecosystems for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players. Integrating these server systems to enable crossplay would require significant infrastructure upgrades. The game’s developers would need to ensure server stability while accommodating the complexities of merging different player bases.

3. Gameplay Balance and Experience

ESO is an RPG with many variables that can affect gameplay balance. For example, PC players often have access to higher frame rates and more precise controls using a mouse and keyboard, which could give them an advantage over console players using controllers. To ensure a fair and enjoyable experience, the development team may have chosen to keep platforms separate.

4. Resource Allocation

Implementing crossplay is a resource-intensive process that requires time, money, and personnel. The developers might have prioritized other features and updates, such as expanding the game’s world, improving performance, or adding new content, over crossplay implementation.

Will ESO Ever Support Crossplay?

While Zenimax Online Studios has not confirmed any plans to implement crossplay, it remains a possibility in the future. Several factors could make crossplay more feasible:

1. Advancements in Server Technology

As server technology continues to evolve, integrating cross-platform play might become more practical. Improved server capabilities could address many of the technical challenges currently preventing crossplay in ESO.

2. Shifting Platform Policies

If Sony, Microsoft, and other platform holders continue to relax their crossplay restrictions, it could pave the way for ESO to adopt the feature. The gaming industry’s trend toward inclusivity and connectivity suggests that crossplay could become standard in more games over time.

3. Community Demand

Player feedback plays a significant role in shaping online games. If the ESO community demonstrates strong demand for crossplay, it could motivate Zenimax to prioritize its implementation in future updates.

Conclusion

As of now, The Elder Scrolls Online does not support crossplay, meaning players on different platforms—PlayStation, Xbox, and PC—cannot interact or play together in the same world. However, the game does offer cross-progression for players who want to switch platforms without losing their progress. Additionally, players within the same console family or PC ecosystem can group up without issues.

The lack of crossplay is primarily due to technical, logistical, and policy-related challenges, but advancements in technology and shifting industry norms could make it a reality in the future. Until then, ESO players can enjoy the rich and dynamic world of Tamriel within their platform’s ecosystem.

For those hoping to see crossplay implemented, keeping an eye on official announcements from Zenimax Online Studios is the best course of action. In the meantime, ESO continues to offer a deep and cheap ESO Gold rewarding experience, whether you’re exploring solo or with friends on the same platform.