ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer behind The Elder Scrolls Online, announced a strategic shift from major expansions to smaller seasonal updates with free content starting in April 2026. While this appears reactionary to the massive layoffs at Microsoft last year, executive producer Susan Kath assures fans the change had been planned over 12 months prior. The new structure aims for smaller updates every six to nine months to enhance gameplay flexibility, addressing longstanding issues and player requests. The trial and error development process is part of their commitment to evolve the game while adapting the team’s focus post-layoffs.

nWhat changes are coming to The Elder Scrolls Online with the new seasonal updates?

The Elder Scrolls Online is shifting towards quarterly seasonal updates, which will integrate previously paid expansions into the base game and introduce a seasonal battle pass with free and paid tiers, offering more frequent content updates.

The Elder Scrolls Online, initially launched in 2014, has continuously evolved with expansions and updates. It is set in the beloved Elder Scrolls universe, allowing players to explore Tamriel in a massively multiplayer online environment. The game has seen significant growth over the years, establishing a dedicated community and influencing the MMO landscape significantly with each update and expansion cycle.