How Far is Skyrim From ESO? A Deep Dive into the Elder Scrolls Timeline
The distance between Skyrim and The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is primarily defined by time: approximately 1,000 years. ESO takes place during the Second Era, specifically during the chaotic Interregnum, about a millennium before the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which occurs in the Fourth Era. This temporal gap impacts everything from the political landscape to the available technology, making them distinct experiences within the same rich universe.
Exploring the Temporal Divide
The thousand-year difference isn’t merely a footnote; it fundamentally shapes the game world. Consider the political landscape: in ESO, Tamriel is fractured, with different factions vying for control of the Ruby Throne. The Second Empire has collapsed, and the Third Empire, under which Skyrim takes place, is still centuries away from its rise. This political instability manifests in ESO’s gameplay through its Alliance War, where players fight for one of three factions to claim the Imperial City.
In contrast, Skyrim takes place during a more unified (though still tumultuous) period under the Third Empire. While a civil war rages between the Stormcloaks and the Imperial Legion, the overall political structure is significantly different than the fragmented Tamriel of ESO.
Geographical Overlap and Differences
Despite the temporal distance, both games share some geographical similarities. Regions of Skyrim like Eastmarch (home to Windhelm) and The Rift (where Riften is located) are explorable in both games. However, due to the thousand-year gap, these locations are not exactly the same. Cities may have different layouts, architectural styles, and populations. Structures built in the Fourth Era may not yet exist in the Second Era, or vice versa. The layout of some areas are a bit different because things have changed over the years due to war, natural disasters, and construction.
For example, while Windhelm and Riften exist in both games, they may be larger and contain different buildings in ESO. The areas surrounding the cities have changed in time as well. Whiterun, on the other hand, does not exist in ESO.
Story and Lore Connections
While the Dragonborn of Skyrim is absent in ESO (because it’s before their time), ESO delves deep into the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe, providing context for many of the events and characters referenced in later games. ESO explores events and characters from the past, enriching the lore and adding depth to the universe of The Elder Scrolls. Players might encounter ancestors of famous characters or uncover ancient secrets that shed light on events in Skyrim.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Skyrim-ESO Relationship
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Skyrim and ESO:
1. Can you visit Skyrim in ESO?
Yes, you can visit parts of Skyrim in ESO. The Greymoor Chapter and later expansions introduced regions of Western and Eastern Skyrim to the game. This allows players to explore areas like Solitude, Morthal, and Windhelm, albeit in their Second Era forms.
2. How big is the map in Skyrim vs. ESO?
ESO’s map is significantly larger than Skyrim’s. Skyrim’s explorable area is roughly 15 square miles (or 37 square kilometers), while ESO encompasses a much larger portion of Tamriel, making its overall map size considerably greater.
3. Where does ESO fit in the timeline?
ESO takes place during the Second Era, specifically in the Interregnum following the collapse of the Second Empire. This is roughly 1,000 years before the events of Skyrim, which occur in the Fourth Era.
4. Is all of Skyrim in ESO?
No, not all of Skyrim is in ESO. Currently, ESO features regions of Western and Eastern Skyrim, including cities like Solitude, Windhelm, and Riften. Other areas of Skyrim are not yet accessible in ESO.
5. Is ESO 1000 years before Skyrim?
Yes, The Elder Scrolls Online takes place approximately 1,000 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
6. Does Whiterun exist in ESO?
No, Whiterun does not exist in ESO. It was likely founded sometime between the Interregnum and the Fourth Era.
7. What planet is Skyrim on?
Skyrim, like all Elder Scrolls games, takes place on the continent of Tamriel, located on the planet of Nirn.
8. What part of Skyrim is in ESO?
Currently, Eastmarch and The Rift are parts of Skyrim that are in ESO. These regions include cities like Windhelm and Riften. The Greymoor chapter added Western Skyrim which is in ESO.
9. Are you Dragonborn in ESO?
No, you are not the Dragonborn in ESO. The events of ESO occur before the return of the dragons and the emergence of the Dragonborn in Skyrim. Players in ESO have different roles and destinies.
10. Does Earth exist in Elder Scrolls?
No, Earth does not exist in the Elder Scrolls universe. The games take place on the fictional planet of Nirn, which has its own unique history, geography, and cosmology.
11. Why does Skyrim have 2 moons?
Skyrim and the planet Nirn have two moons, Masser and Secunda. These moons are said to be the two halves of the dead god Lorkhan’s body.
12. Do other planets exist in the Elder Scrolls?
Yes, other planets exist in the Elder Scrolls universe. They are referred to as the Aedra.
13. Is ESO still worth playing in 2024?
Yes, ESO remains a popular and actively developed MMORPG. With a vast amount of content, including expansions, dungeons, trials, and a vibrant player community, ESO offers hundreds of hours of gameplay and continues to receive updates and new content. Its appeal has remained because of its ability to adapt to different playing styles.
14. Can you get a house in Elder Scrolls Online?
Yes, players can acquire various homes in ESO, ranging from small apartments to grand mansions. Homes can be purchased with in-game gold or Crowns (premium currency) and can be customized with furniture, decorations, and crafting stations.
15. How does player learning in ESO compare to Skyrim?
ESO offers a different learning experience compared to Skyrim. While Skyrim focuses on a solitary journey of discovery and self-improvement, ESO emphasizes collaborative learning and problem-solving within a massive multiplayer environment. Players learn from each other through group content, trading tips, and sharing knowledge about game mechanics, crafting, and quest strategies. The Games Learning Society focuses on the intersection of education and video games like these. You can find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
The distance between Skyrim and ESO is not just a matter of years, but a measure of how much the world can change in a millennium. Both games offer unique and compelling experiences within the Elder Scrolls universe, each enriching the other and providing a deeper understanding of Tamriel’s rich history and lore. Whether you prefer the solitary adventure of Skyrim or the communal experience of ESO, both games provide countless hours of exploration, adventure, and immersion in one of gaming’s most beloved fantasy worlds.