The Elder Scrolls Online Graphics: Are They Any Good?

Yesterday, ZeniMax Online lifted the media embargo on The Elder Scrolls Online (alas, mere gaming mortals such as you and I are still subject to the ESO non-disclosure agreement). As a result, more specifics and first-hand opinions about the game are being reported in the press, and some interesting thoughts and comparisons are coming out in regards to The Elder Scrolls Online graphics.

The Elder Scrolls Online Graphics

When ZeniMax revealed the very first gameplay videos of ESO, there was grumbling in some quarters that The Elder Scrolls Online graphics didn’t look so hot. Gamers are understandably sensitive when it comes to graphics (I know I am). With the advances in technology and the amazing capabilities of modern day graphics cards and HD monitors, there is no excuse to have lame graphics — especially in a game like The Elder Scrolls Online where immersion is so important.

Yesterday, Jill Scharr of TomsGuide.com reported that:

The game comes with five different graphics quality levels: Minimum, Low, Medium, High and Ultra-High, as well as a custom setting. The default is Low, but you can change it in the game’s Settings tab by pressing the Esc key during play.

On Ultra-High, the game’s graphics are on the same level as the PC version of  “Elder Scrolls V:Skyrim” from 2011. Every texture, from wood to rough stone, pops off the screen; light gleams off metal objects, and fire and water, two of the most difficult objects to render, move and flicker admirably well.

She concluded her impressions about The Elder Scrolls Online graphics by saying:

Overall we were happy and impressed with the graphics of “Elder Scrolls Online.” Gamers with high-quality hardware will be treated to a visually stunning gameplay experience that blows most other MMOs out of the water. Players with less powerful graphics cards and processors, however, can still enjoy the game’s detailed environment, and can play the game without any serious hang-ups.

Also on the same day, IGN released a video showing a side-by-side comparison of the minimum and maximum graphics on PC. After watching the video, I think it’s safe to say that The Elder Scrolls Online graphics look every bit as good as Skyrim’s.

Final Thoughts

In order to make ESO as accessible to as many players as possible, ZeniMax ensured that gamers with older PCs can still get in on the action. As a result, the game’s minimum system requirements aren’t that stringent (see the Skyrim Fansite article Elder Scrolls Online System Requirements for more information).

With that said, if The Elder Scrolls Online graphics are important to you, you’ll want to rock a newer gaming rig with a solid gpu that allows gameplay on ultra settings. Based on the TomsGuide article and IGN video, you won’t be disappointed.