Bethesda’s massive online RPG is set for a radical transformation in just three months. Battle passes, free content, and a completely new structure are redefining the future of The Elder Scrolls Online. Bethesda and ZeniMax Online Studios are taking a bold leap into a seasonal model starting this April with Season 0.

For many years, Elder Scrolls fans hoped to see a cooperative or online version of one of Bethesda’s role-playing games, but those wishes went unanswered for a long time. That finally changed in 2014 with the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online, the first MMO set in the TES universe. Initially met with skepticism, the project gradually earned its place as a major multiplayer title, mirroring the long road to acceptance later traveled by Fallout 76. Now, just three months away from its twelfth anniversary, Bethesda and ZeniMax Online Studios have openly detailed the sweeping changes coming in 2026 through the introduction of Seasons, replacing the familiar DLC structure with a far more flexible and accessible content model.

First revealed in 2024, the shift marked a departure from traditional Chapters and DLCs, paving the way for a new era introduced through the Seasons of the Worm Cult, which wrapped up last year. However, ZeniMax Online Studios had a larger evolution in mind: a true leap toward fully playable Seasons. This new approach will officially begin in 2026 with Season 0, bringing a wide range of additions designed to keep the MMO fresh and competitive.

The Elder Scrolls Reinvents Itself With Season 0

The decision to overhaul The Elder Scrolls Online was not made lightly, as executive producer Susan Kath and game director Nick Giacomini explained during an exclusive presentation last December. Moving to a seasonal format represents a fundamental change in philosophy. Rather than predictable release cycles, each season will offer a distinct experience, allowing ZeniMax to experiment with varied content. This approach opens the door to bolder storytelling, new regions, and innovative mechanics within a constantly evolving framework that brings developers and players closer together.

ZeniMax is intentionally avoiding repetition of its previous formula. Each season will run for three months, with locations, additions, and narrative elements shifting dramatically from one season to the next. This ensures constantly refreshed content while allowing players to jump in at any point without worrying about missed material or unwanted purchases. Crucially, all seasonal content will be free for every TESO owner, including those playing via Game Pass. Additionally, earlier Chapters will be folded into the base game, making them accessible to all players.

This removes artificial barriers to storylines and regions, greatly simplifying cooperative play across platforms. Seasons will also launch simultaneously on PC and consoles, with updates and patches arriving on the same day everywhere, a long-requested change for console players.

Tamriel Tomes, TESO’s Battle Pass System

At the heart of this transformation lies Tamriel Tomes, effectively The Elder Scrolls Online’s answer to the battle pass. Through this system, all players—whether using the free track or one of the paid options, with three tiers available—can complete weekly and seasonal challenges to earn Tome Points. This currency can be exchanged for cosmetics, weapons, armor, Seals of Effort, housing items, and new skill styles, unifying rewards that were previously scattered across multiple systems.

Daily rewards are expanded through Golden Pursuits, a new set of time-limited challenges tied primarily to events, content updates, and key moments throughout the year. Seasonal challenges span every aspect of the MMO, from dungeons and quests to PvP and crafting. Players can customize their objectives by randomly selecting challenges that fit their preferences, removing the pressure of mandatory daily tasks. However, pass duration varies: the free version limits completion to the active season, while paid passes priced at $14.99 or $29.99 allow unrestricted access to past Tomes.

This Effectively Removes the Stress of Rigid Daily Goals

Alongside Tamriel Tomes comes the Gold Coast Bazaar, a new in-game marketplace where players can trade items using trade bars. These coins are earned through battle pass challenges and other in-game activities and differ from Crowns in that they have no cap and cannot be purchased with real money. The system is designed to reward effort while enhancing the appeal of the battle pass structure.

The shop will feature both new items and selections from previous seasons, allowing access to formerly limited content. Most items will remain available throughout an entire season, eliminating the frustration of short-lived offers and enabling players to progress at their own pace.

This naturally raises concerns about the future of ESO Plus. The subscription has traditionally granted access to DLC packs, Crowns, experience bonuses, and various perks, which are now being expanded. According to the developers, ESO Plus subscribers will receive additional Tome Points, faster progression, and, after twelve months of continuous subscription, free access to the highest-tier $29.99 battle pass for the following season.

With these changes, ZeniMax is preparing for the most ambitious transformation The Elder Scrolls Online has ever seen. Season 0 launches officially on April 2, while Update 49 arrives earlier on March 9 across all platforms. That update focuses on core MMO improvements, including skill adjustments, increased housing limits, new mounts, and faster training options, signaling a clear effort to modernize the game’s foundations and improve overall quality of life.

Source: 3djuegos