The Elder Scrolls Online Console Enhanced launches this June as a free upgrade

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Bethesda have confirmed the launch date for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of The Elder Scrolls Online and it’s not too far away, June 8th to be precise. The update will be a free upgrade to all current players. Here are more details on the enhancements: 60 FPS -For the first time, you can experience the game running at 60 frames per second when in “Performance Mode” on console. Previously capped at 30FPS, you can now enjoy a crisp 60FPS throughout your adventures. Further details on the Performance and Fidelity Modes will be released closer to launch date. Increased Draw Distance – Thanks to Console Enhanced, the game’s draw distance has almost been doubled for your new console, allowing you to see more than ever before when exploring the ever-growing world of Tamriel. Unlocked Textures – In addition to Draw Distance, we’ve also unlocked the ability for new-gen consoles to use high resolution textures so that they look even better on larger screens. Updated Antialiasing – Improved antialiasing is also in place to help smooth out the jagged edges of foliage, grass, and structures in game while also sharpening these elements when viewed up close. Improved Reflections – We’ve also improved visuals with the addition of planar reflections, providing a massive boost to the game’s level of detail and realism. This is most noticeable in areas with water (such as Vivec City or Summerset). Note that when in Performance Mode, the boost to reflections might vary in water-heavy zones (such as Murkmire) or in areas where performance is most valued (such as in Cyrodiil or Trials). Improved Ambient Occlusion with Screen Space Global Illumination – Upgrades to the game’s ambient occlusion with SSGI creates more realistic and natural indirect lighting and broadly boosts the level of detail in the game’s shadows. Improved Shadows – Speaking of shadows, shadow resolution has been doubled and set to the PC equivalent of “Ultra”—the best possible setting for shadows in any version of ESO. This includes improvements to shadow distance. Improved Depth of Field – The upgrade enables circular depth of field (the highest possible setting), creating smoother and more realistic background views, particularly when interacting with NPCs. Improved Loading Times – Finally, loading times have been tuned to be much faster than previous generation consoles, with loading times being nearly cut in half on average.   I stepped back in to Tamriel a month or two ago to play with a friend and TESO does look incredibly janky these days so these improvements are most welcome. That next-gen versions of the game will launch at the same time as this year’s massive new story chapter which is part of the year-long Gates of Oblivion adventure. The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood tasks players with uncovering the schemes of the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon 800 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Packing more than 30 hours of new main storyline, tons of side quests, countless quality of life features, and fantastically – and for the first time ever – introduces Companions who will adventure through Tamriel alongside the player. The new Chapter will take players from the walls of the Imperial City of Leyawiin, first featured in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, to the murky bogs of Shadowfen, and of course to the mysterious region of Blackwood where players will uncover the Daedric plot at its heart. The new Rockgrove Trial, Oblivion Portal World Events, unique Chapter-specific rewards and more will provide ESO players and newcomers alike with an amazing year of deadric destruction. The Gates of Oblivion storyline begins with the arrival of the Flames of Ambition Dungeon DLC pack on March the 8th for PC, Mac, and Stadia with Xbox and PlayStation players having to wait until the 16th to jump in. This new pack reveals takes you to a series of dungeons that reveal the threat of Mehrunes Dagon, directly setting up this summer’s Blackwood story chapter in June. If you’re a regular player you’ll need to make sure you’re checking in for everything Gate of Oblivion related, while new players will be able to dive straight in, with Elder Scrolls Online offering a fantastic on-boarding experience for new starters. Source: ESO