The Elder Scrolls Online switches to a seasonal model in 2026: Bethesda announces far-reaching system overhaul

The Elder Scrolls Online is getting a new foundation in 2026: Bethesda is introducing a seasonal model that bundles content, simplifies access, and delivers updates to all players simultaneously.

A new era begins for The Elder Scrolls Online in 2026. Bethesda and ZeniMax Online Studios are moving away from the previous release cadence and will structure the MMO into clearly defined seasons going forward. Each of these phases lasts around three months and brings gameplay-relevant additions without any additional purchase requirement—the only prerequisite remains the base game.

The new model is designed to ensure that all players experience content at the same time. Whether quests, new systems, or technical optimizations: everything will be released in parallel across all platforms. Chapter purchases and staggered releases will therefore be a thing of the past.

The starting signal is Season Zero: Dawnlight and Duskfall, which will run in The Elder Scrolls Online from April 2 to July 8, 2026. Update 49 arrives as early as March and focuses heavily on quality-of-life features and revised core mechanics. These include free skill resets, faster mount training, larger player homes, and account-wide outfit slots. Guild trading, antiquities, and new mounts are also being adjusted.

A central highlight of the first season is the Night Market, a time-limited event zone set in the Realm of Oblivion. There, you choose one of three factions and take on PvE challenges with their own storyline, new characters, and a fully earnable player home. Such event zones are planned to return in the future, offering shifting perspectives.

The combat system in TESO is also receiving attention: the Dragonknight class and the Two-Handed weapon line are getting visual and gameplay overhauls, with werewolves—including a female model—following later. Toward the end of the season, additional challenges await PvE and PvP veterans.

For those with the time: in a 45-minute reveal video released by Bethesda, the developers speak directly about these changes (starting at 29:00). TESO is intended to become more accessible, more modern, and more community-focused in the long term.

Source: https://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en-gb/news/post/69137