While chatter in regards to the next-generation consoles continued to arise in anticipation for the release of the newest systems later on in November 2020, developers in preparation for the latest machines shared its plans to better optimize its titles. From Bethesda, both Doom Eternal and The Elder Scrolls Online were shared to receive a next-generation enhancement to Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
Although Doom Eternal continued to take the spotlight with its now concluded The Ancient Gods add-on campaign, it should be noted that The Elder Scrolls Online has yet to inject what is pushing the latest Xbox & PlayStation devices. And that is because developer Zenimax Online Studio has yet to share those details. Although the next major expansion ‘Blackwood’ is to arrive this summer, there is no word on the upgrade.
That was until this Wednesday where Bethesda announced the Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 to receive a new version of The Elder Scrolls Online later this June.
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.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.
In regards to other projects over at Zenimax Online Studio, Lead Graphics Engineer Alex Tardif confirms that the developer is underway on a new AAA project. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you planning to return to The Elder Scrolls Online for next-gen machines?
The Elder Scrolls Online upgrade arrives to Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 on June 8, 2021; out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
Source: Zenimax Online Studio
