Two of Bethesda's most recent MMO games, Fallout 76 and Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), have both been through quite a few iterations since they first launched a few years ago, changing and evolving in response to player and the gradual introduction of additional expansions. However, it seems that ESO has generally been better-received than Fallout 76.
On paper, both games seem relatively similar. Both took the existing worlds of Bethesda's successful single-player RPGs and turned them into the setting for a multiplayer experience instead. Both had a relatively lackluster launch, though Fallout 76 significantly more so, and both have since improved over the years to draw in a more substantial player base. A paid subscription service is likewise available for both titles, and gradually the games have expanded their narratives to explore more of the iconic universes fans know and love.
An important distinction, however, can be found in the actual gameplay of both Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76. Whereas Elder Scrolls Online is frequently adding new quests, challenges, and even player classes to encourage progression, Fallout 76 has been criticized as feeling both empty and stagnant, lacking consistent and meaningful gameplay experiences. Though it's improved substantially since it first launched, there are still a few things it could learn from Elder Scrolls Online.
The Differences Between Fallout 76 & ESO
Part of Elder Scrolls Online's success may be in the fact that it's managing to win over gamers who might never have touched an MMO previously. ESO accommodates just about all varieties of playstyles, offering trials for groups of up to 12 players, PvP battleground game modes, and smaller group dungeons. It also has lots to offer for fans of the series who are just there for the lore and don't want to engage with other players. Fallout 76, on the other hand, arguably finds its fun almost entirely through online play, such as by allowing players to make their own factions. The game didn't even include human NPCs until the Wastelanders update, and still has quite a ways to go in of offering the narrative experience that most Fallout fans are used to.
Another important factor is that of transparency and communication. A major part of the backlash in response to Fallout 76 came from claims that the delivered game was nothing like what Bethesda promised at launch, and following the game's release was less than what many players had been hoping for. Whereas Fallout 76's expansions have revolved around adding in new forms of gameplay that were missing from the base game, Elder Scrolls Online instead uses expansions to introduce new story, areas, dungeons, and content to the game proper. In short, ESO was closer to a fully-finished product by the time it launched. Hopefully, though, as Fallout 76's updates continue the game's world and mechanics will both expand significantly.
