Since the arrival of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 last year, several previous-generation games have announced enhanced ports coming to Sony and Microsoft's upgraded hardware. One of the biggest games slated to make the leap is The Elder Scrolls Online, with the immensely popular MMO revealed to be hitting the latest platforms on June 8.
Today, Bethesda opted to give players an insight into the changes coming to The Elder Scrolls Online's next-generation ports, highlighting several visual touch-ups and technical upgrades that will feature in its "Console Enhanced" update. The footage shows off small but striking changes to the game, confirming that it will offer a visually rich experience that runs better than ever.
The promo focuses on illuminating the changes between playing on Xbox One and Xbox Series X, highlighting that the latest version will come loaded with enhanced reflections, advanced lighting, improved shadows, and "unlocked" textures. The scenic shots used to accentuate these changes make it clear that The Elder Scrolls Online's additions will stand out, with a picturesque river reflecting rays of sunlight and a quiet courtyard being cloaked in realistic shadows.
Of course, it won't just be visual tweaks coming in the next-generation update, with the trailer also highlighting the addition of fidelity and performance modes. A Console Enhanced breakdown on The Elder Scrolls Online website last month confirmed that Performance Mode will feature 60 FPS, while Fidelity Mode will presumably trade the upped frame rate for prettier visuals. The trailer also highlights improvements to the game's anti-aliasing, upgrades to its ambient occlusion, and improvements to its SSGI.
It's a good time for these enhancements too, with ZeniMax Online Studios currently in the process of developing the game's next big add-on: The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood. The DLC will bring players back to one of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion's most iconic locations, with Blackwood acting as a fun callback for fans as well as a massive open-world filled with new content. Players will be able to explore the marshy location while enjoying fresh side missions, dungeons, and a quest line including Daedric enemies and The Prince of Destruction himself, Mehrunes Dagon.
It looks to be a significant slice of MMO action and a must-play for Elder Scrolls aficionados, launching for console players alongside the next-generation update on June 8. PC and Stadia players will be able to play it a little earlier, with it hitting both platforms on June 1.
The Elder Scrolls Online is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Google Stadia, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S ports launching on June 8.
Source: ZeniMax Online