The Elder Scrolls® Online similar games & best alternatives

Why it matches

• Both let you express yourself Highly detailed character creation and cosmetic customization support strong self-expression.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Highly addictive with long play sessions, habitual grinding, and a marathon-like progression demanding substantial time investment.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong focus on gear upgrades, item collection, and long-term advancement.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Strong emphasis on group activities such as raids, dungeons, rift events, and world invasions requiring teamwork.
• Both are about exploring Large world with dynamic rifts, events, puzzles, and artifact hunting encourages discovery.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Many players report long playtimes and habitual engagement with extensive content and events.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Co-op is a core feature with teamwork emphasized in boss fights, shared progression, and synergy between archetypes.
• Both pull you into another world Immersive dark fantasy sci-fi worlds, puzzles, and lore provide strong escape from real life stress and routine.
• Both build a real sense of fellowship Community and social play important through co-op, shared achievements, and cooperative boss fights.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Strong emphasis on group activities like world events, raids, fractals, and guild participation.
• Both build a real sense of fellowship Players feel part of a community with guilds, social events, and cooperative gameplay.
• Both are about exploring Exploration is a core feature with dynamic events, jumping puzzles, and a vibrant open world.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people The game emphasizes group content like dungeons, raids, and party play, with matchmaking and guild systems supporting teamwork.
• Both build a real sense of fellowship Guilds, parties, and social chat are important; community is generally friendly and cooperative.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Many players report long playtimes, habitual daily quests, and grind-heavy endgame content encouraging extended engagement.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Strong emphasis on social interaction, guilds (organizations), group raids, and community support.
• Both build a real sense of fellowship Strong community bonds, long-lasting friendships, and active guilds foster a sense of belonging.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on leveling, item acquisition, twinking, and character power growth.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Co-op play is integral, with summoning allies for boss fights and exploration, fostering teamwork.
• Both are about exploring Strong emphasis on discovering new areas, secrets, and lore through curiosity-driven exploration.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Highly replayable with multiple playthroughs, long sessions, and strong player attachment.

Why it matches

• Both are better with other people Strong emphasis on group play and teamwork; many quests and raids designed for parties; guilds provide buffs and social support.
• Both build a real sense of fellowship Active guilds and community; players form lasting friendships and social connections.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Long-term player engagement through reincarnation system, extensive content, and replayability; many players have thousands of hours.

Why it matches

• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on gear upgrades, character power accumulation, and tier progression.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Many players invest hundreds to thousands of hours; game designed for long-term engagement and habitual play.
• Both pull you into another world Players use the game as a distraction and stress relief; immersive world and combat offer escape from real life.