Loads of free content is coming to The Elder Scrolls Online this year here are the four biggest additions

Date:
Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Description:
We break down some of the biggest additions coming to The Elder Scrolls
Online throughout 2026.

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Publisher Bethesda has revealed loads of new content that's coming to The Elder Scrolls Online throughout the year, with the vast majority of it being available free for all players.

The popular massively multiplayer online (MMO) game transitioned away from receiving big annual expansions at the start of 2025, adapting a premium content pass model thats now transitioning to a more dynamic seasonal system intended to deliver an exciting mix of content at a less rigid pace.

This year is already shaping up to be one of the biggest in the games 12-year history, and its almost impossible to recap everything thats been announced
so far, and theres even more to come.

Whether youre a seasoned veteran or a newcomer deciding if now might be a
good time to take the plunge and explore the vast online world of Tamriel, these are the best and biggest additions coming to the game in the near future. 1. The games first event zone is on the way (Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)

The games very first event zone, the Night Market, is set to release on April 29. Game director Nick Giacomini described it as an example of some new, experimental content, and it might give us a good idea of what future updates could look like.

Its a limited-time player-versus-environment (PvE) zone thats filled with new mechanics and difficulty levels that the team wants to try out - effectively part in-game event and part testing ground for interesting ideas.

Its set in Fargrave, a zone that previously appeared extensively in the games Gates of Oblivion storyline, and features loads of challenging encounters to put your combat skills to the test. Although accessible to anyone, its best for high-level players accompanied by a group of friends or playing with
their Guild. (Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)

Youll be able to align yourself with one of three unique factions in the
area, all competing to make the most progress. Of course, there will be
plenty of rewards for players willing to take on the challenge, including a large new house that you can upgrade by making progress in the zone. Its the first house in the game that comes with its own in-built bank, too, which is going to be pretty useful for managing your inventory.

The team already plans to bring the event back in the future, with it returning at least once more and potentially even becoming permanent if its enjoyed by players. 2. Two new stories are coming to the game (Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)

Lore lovers rejoice - new story content is on the way, and some of it is centered around the Thieves Guild. The shadowy organization already has a strong presence in The Elder Scrolls Online , but players will be able to experience a new set of quests come the release of Season One in the summer.

If youre not too interested in sneaking around, a second dose of story
content introduces quests focused on Sheogarath - the iconic mad god who has previously (and very memorably) appeared in the worlds of The Elder Scrolls Online, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim , and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion via The Shivering Isles expansion.

Presumably, well be learning more about what these new narrative additions entail in the weeks and months to come. 3. Prepare for big improvements for solo players (Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)

If, like me, you mainly play The Elder Scrolls Online solo, then youll be pleased to hear that a wealth of improvements are on the way as part of
season two at the end of the year.

This includes the addition of two solo versions of the existing Moon Hunter Keen and March of Sacrifices so that you can learn their mechanics or experience their narrative content without the pressure of having other players running around completing objectives.

Solo mode is planned to have its own difficulty levels, so you can adjust the level of challenge, and potentially even a dedicated option just for
immersing yourself in the story. There are plans to expand the ability to
play alone to even more dungeons if it proves popular, too. 4. Expect plenty of other quality of life changes (Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)

There will be loads of quality of life changes throughout the year, too, including big visual updates to combat.

In March, the Dragonknight class and abilities will receive a big visual refresh alongside the two-handed weapon skill line - plus a little balancing to boot. Then, in June, the Werewolf skill line is set to receive some love
in the form of new models for both male and female werewolves and some balancing work.

The Warden class is then being similarly updated in September, followed by
the Sorcerer class in November. All of these changes are meant to modernize the combat and remove much of the floatiness of the old animations.

Other neat improvements include the ability to re-spec your skills and attributes for free via the UI, the addition of account-wide outfit slots, an increased furnishing limit to help you build the virtual home of your dreams (plus an even higher limit for ESO+ members), and much faster mount training to address the grind of levelling up your ride.

Premium game packs, including Orsinium, Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, and Imperial City, and being made available to all players - with Greymoor to follow at the end of the year. Who doesn't love some freebies?

The Elder Scrolls Online is available now on PC, PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , and Xbox One .

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/loads-of-free-content-is-coming-to-the-elder- scrolls-online-this-year-here-are-the-four-biggest-additions


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