Elder Scrolls Online: How to play chapters and DLCs in chronological order
Shaun M Jooste 
The Elder Scrolls Online is designed to let players explore Tamriel in any order, but that freedom can be confusing for those who care about story. With multiple Chapters, DLCs, and year-long narrative arcs released over more than a decade, it’s not always clear where the story truly begins, or how it unfolds over time.
If you jump between zones at random, you may meet characters before their introductions, encounter story consequences without context, or miss the emotional weight of major events. Playing ESO in chronological order transforms the game from a collection of regions into a single, evolving epic.
This Journey Through Tamriel guide explains how to play Elder Scrolls Online chapters and DLCs in chronological order, helping story-focused players experience the world, characters, and conflicts of Tamriel in the way they were originally intended.
Feel free to watch our Journey Through Tamriel video playlist as we tackle chapters and stories, with one here below!
Table of Contents
Do I need to play ESO in a specific order?
Technically, no. The Elder Scrolls Online was redesigned with the One Tamriel system, allowing players to enter almost any zone, Chapter, or DLC at any time. From a gameplay perspective, Elder Scrolls Online does not force a linear path, and ESO will scale enemies and quests to your level.
However, from a story and lore perspective, playing Elder Scrolls Online out of order can be confusing.
ESO’s narrative is built on long-running character arcs, political shifts, and world-changing events that unfold across Chapters and DLCs. When content is played randomly, you may:
- Meet major characters before their canonical introduction
- Encounter villains after their story arc has already concluded
- See the consequences of events that have not yet occurred in your playthrough
This is why many story-focused players choose to experience Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, even though ESO does not require it.
Following a structured order allows the world of Tamriel to evolve naturally, making character relationships, alliances, and conflicts feel earned rather than disjointed.
In short:
- Casual or gameplay-focused players can jump in anywhere
- Lore and narrative-driven players benefit greatly from a chronological approach
The next section breaks down how Elder Scrolls Online content is structured, so you can understand why Chapters and DLCs fit together the way they do.
How ESO content is structured (quick overview)
To understand the correct chronological order, it helps to know how The Elder Scrolls Online delivers its content. Elder Scrolls Online uses several different content types, each serving a specific purpose in the overall story of Tamriel.
Base game (Main Quest and Alliance stories)
The base game forms the narrative foundation of Elder Scrolls Online. It includes:
- The Main Quest involving Molag Bal and the Planemeld
- Three Alliance storylines: Daggerfall Covenant, Aldmeri Dominion, and Ebonheart Pact
These stories establish key characters, factions, and political tensions that are referenced throughout later ESO Chapters and DLCs.
Chapters (major yearly expansions)
Chapters are large expansions released annually. Each Chapter:
- Introduces a major new zone
- Adds new systems or gameplay features
- Begins a significant story arc
In Elder Scrolls Online, Chapters usually serve as the starting point of a year-long narrative, which is then continued and concluded in later DLCs.
Story DLCs (narrative continuations)
Story DLCs are smaller than Chapters but are essential for the overall plot. They typically:
- Continue or conclude a Chapter’s main storyline
- Resolve major conflicts introduced earlier
- Provide critical lore and character development
If you are playing Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, these DLCs should always follow their associated Chapters.
Dungeon DLCs (optional story content)
Dungeon DLCs focus on group-based content. While they often include story elements, they:
- Are not required to understand the main narrative
- Usually act as side stories or prologues
- Can safely be skipped by solo, story-focused players
For the purposes of this guide, dungeon-only DLCs are optional and not included in the main chronological order.
Understanding this structure makes it much easier to follow Elder Scrolls Online as a single, connected saga rather than a collection of unrelated zones. In the next section, we’ll begin the full chronological order, starting with the base game and early post-launch content.
The shift from Chapters to Seasons (2025 onwards)
In 2025, The Elder Scrolls Online moved away from its long-running annual Chapter model and adopted a seasonal content structure. Instead of one large expansion each year, Elder Scrolls Online now delivers story content through smaller, more frequent updates released across the year.
Under this system, each Season represents a themed collection of content that unfolds over multiple updates and is accessed through a single annual Content Pass or Premium Edition.
Key features of the seasonal model include:
- More frequent releases: Content is delivered every few months rather than once a year, creating a steadier flow of new storylines, zones, and systems in ESO.
- Strong thematic focus: Each season is built around a central narrative theme. The 2025 storyline, Seasons of the Worm Cult, acts as a direct sequel to the original main quest, bringing Elder Scrolls Online full circle narratively.
- A mix of content types: Seasons may include:
- New or expanded zones
- Story quests and narrative arcs
- Dungeon packs
- In-game events
- New gameplay systems, such as the Subclassing system introduced in 2025
- Content Pass purchase model: All seasonal content released within a calendar year is unlocked via a single Content Pass. While ESO Plus continues to grant access to older DLC, current-year seasonal content typically requires this separate purchase.
- Permanent additions to the game world: Seasonal content does not expire. Once released, it becomes a permanent part of Elder Scrolls Online, just like earlier Chapters and DLCs.
This shift allows the developers to release content when it is ready, rather than being locked to a strict annual deadline. For players following the story in order, seasons simply represent the next evolution of ESO’s storytelling, continuing the same chronological principles established by earlier Chapters and DLCs.
Elder Scrolls Online chronological story order
With the structure of The Elder Scrolls Online in mind, we can now look at the chronological story order that follows the narrative as it unfolds across Tamriel. This sequence reflects the intended progression of events, character introductions, and world-changing conflicts within Elder Scrolls Online.
While ESO allows you to enter most content at any time, the order below is designed for players who want the cleanest, most coherent story experience. Playing Elder Scrolls Online in this order ensures that major arcs begin and conclude naturally, recurring characters develop properly, and story consequences make sense as you move from one era of content to the next.
The list starts with the base game and early post-launch content, then moves through Chapters, DLCs, and later seasonal storylines, presenting Elder Scrolls Online as a single, evolving epic rather than a collection of disconnected adventures.
1. Base Game (Main Alliance Stories)
The base game of The Elder Scrolls Online forms the starting point of the entire ESO timeline. All later Chapters, DLCs, and seasonal stories build on the characters, factions, and conflicts introduced here, which is why this content should always be played first when following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order.
At the heart of the base game are two intertwined narrative layers:
The Main Quest
The Main Quest focuses on Molag Bal and the Planemeld, a Daedric invasion threatening all of Tamriel. This storyline introduces core concepts of Elder Scrolls Online, establishes major recurring characters, and provides essential context for later Daedric-focused expansions. Completing the Main Quest early gives crucial background that will be referenced repeatedly throughout ESO’s long-term narrative.
The Three Alliance Storylines
Alongside the Main Quest, Elder Scrolls Online features three Alliance stories, each representing one faction in the Three Banners War:
- Daggerfall Covenant – Breton, Redguard, and Orc territories
- Aldmeri Dominion – Altmer, Bosmer, and Khajiit lands
- Ebonheart Pact – Nord, Dunmer, and Argonian regions
Each Alliance storyline unfolds across multiple zones and introduces political tensions, leaders, and regional conflicts that shape Tamriel’s future. While you begin with one alliance based on your character choice, Elder Scrolls Online allows you to experience all three on a single character after completing the main narrative.
Why this matters for chronological play
Playing the base game first ensures that:
- Key characters are introduced in the correct order
- Political and faction conflicts are properly established
- Later story arcs feel like natural consequences rather than disconnected events
Once the Main Quest and Alliance stories are complete, you are fully grounded in the world of Elder Scrolls Online and ready to move into the first post-launch story zone, where the broader ESO saga truly begins.
2. Craglorn
Craglorn is the first post-launch story zone introduced in The Elder Scrolls Online, and it serves as a narrative bridge between the base game and the more expansive story arcs that follow.
Originally designed as group-focused content, Craglorn stands apart from later Chapters and DLCs by shifting the tone from alliance politics to a larger, world-threatening mystery. Its story centres on ancient Yokudan ruins, powerful celestial forces, and the Serpent constellation, laying early groundwork for the more cosmic and Daedric themes explored later in Elder Scrolls Online.
From a chronological perspective, Craglorn is important because:
- It takes place after the events of the Main Quest
- It moves the focus away from the Three Banners War
- It introduces a broader, continent-spanning threat
While Craglorn is more mechanically challenging than the base game, much of its story can now be completed solo, making it accessible to modern ESO players who are following the narrative in order.
For story-focused players, Craglorn marks the point where Elder Scrolls Online begins to expand beyond faction conflicts and into the long-form, interconnected storytelling that defines later Chapters and DLCs.
3. Imperial City (DLC)
The Imperial City DLC is the next key step in the chronological story of The Elder Scrolls Online, and it represents a turning point where political conflict and Daedric influence collide directly.
Set in the heart of Cyrodiil, the Imperial City explores the aftermath of the Planemeld and the power vacuum left behind. While the Three Banners War continues on the surface, the true danger lies beneath the city, where Molag Bal’s forces still linger and Daedric corruption has not been fully eradicated.
From a story perspective, Imperial City is important because it:
- Acts as a direct narrative continuation of the Main Quest
- Shows the lingering consequences of Molag Bal’s defeat
- Bridges the base game into later Daedric-focused storylines
Although the Imperial City includes PvP elements, its core story quests are entirely playable for narrative-focused players and provide valuable context for future expansions. Characters and themes introduced here echo strongly in later Elder Scrolls Online Chapters, particularly those involving Oblivion and Daedric Princes.
Chronologically, this DLC reinforces the idea that while the Planemeld has ended, Tamriel is far from safe, and the scars left by Daedric interference will continue to shape the world.
4. Orsinium (Wrothgar DLC)
Orsinium is widely regarded as one of the strongest standalone stories in The Elder Scrolls Online, and it fits neatly into the chronological timeline after Imperial City.
Set in the rugged region of Wrothgar, this DLC shifts the focus away from Daedric invasions and toward political intrigue, cultural identity, and internal conflict. The story follows the Orcs’ attempt to establish a legitimate homeland with the founding of a new Orsinium, while facing resistance from both external enemies and internal factions.
From a chronological and narrative perspective, Orsinium is important because it:
- Shows Tamriel rebuilding after the chaos of the Planemeld
- Explores non-Daedric threats and mortal politics
- Deepens the world-building of Elder Scrolls Online beyond alliances and princes
Unlike some later expansions, Orsinium stands largely on its own. However, it reinforces a recurring theme in Elder Scrolls Online: even without Daedric manipulation, power struggles and ambition can be just as destructive.
For story-focused players, Orsinium works best after Imperial City and before the Daedric War arc begins, acting as a breather chapter that grounds the world in realism and cultural depth.
5. Morrowind (Chapter)
The Morrowind Chapter marks the beginning of one of the most important long-running story arcs in The Elder Scrolls Online: the Daedric War.
Set on the island of Vvardenfell, Morrowind returns players to familiar Elder Scrolls territory while introducing a new, self-contained storyline that gradually expands into something far larger. The story centres on Vivec, the Tribunal, and a mysterious affliction threatening both the god and the land itself.
Chronologically, Morrowind is significant because it:
- Introduces the central conflict of the Daedric War arc
- Establishes key characters who return in later content
- Begins a multi-expansion narrative that spans several years
Unlike Orsinium, Morrowind is not a standalone experience. Its story is designed to continue directly into later DLCs and Chapters, making it essential to play at this point in the timeline. Themes of divine power, manipulation, and hidden Daedric influence introduced here are developed much further as the story unfolds.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Morrowind should be treated as the first chapter of a larger saga, not an isolated expansion.
6. Clockwork City (DLC)
Clockwork City is the direct continuation of the Morrowind storyline and the second major entry in the Daedric War arc within The Elder Scrolls Online.
This DLC takes players into the hidden mechanical realm of Sotha Sil, where the consequences of Morrowind’s events begin to unfold in full. The story shifts from regional crisis to a multi-Daedric conflict, revealing how deeply the forces of Oblivion have embedded themselves in Tamriel’s fate.
Chronologically, Clockwork City is essential because it:
- Continues the Daedric War narrative without a break
- Expands on the Tribunal and their limitations
- Introduces major Daedric players whose roles become central later
Unlike many DLCs, Clockwork City is not optional for story-focused players. Key plot revelations, character motivations, and alliances are established here, and skipping this content will leave noticeable gaps in the overarching narrative.
From a tonal perspective, this DLC deepens Elder Scrolls Online’s themes of inevitability, sacrifice, and the cost of divine power, preparing players for the climax of the Daedric War.
7. Summerset (Chapter)
Summerset serves as the culmination of the Daedric War storyline and is one of the most lore-significant Chapters in The Elder Scrolls Online.
Set on the previously inaccessible Summerset Isles, this Chapter brings the long-running conflict introduced in Morrowind and continued through Clockwork City to a definitive close. The narrative expands beyond regional threats into a crisis that endangers the balance of Tamriel itself, involving multiple Daedric Princes and forces that have been manipulating events from the shadows.
Chronologically, Summerset is crucial because it:
- Concludes the Daedric War arc in full
- Resolves storylines involving Vivec, Sotha Sil, and the Tribunal
- Reveals major truths about the Psijic Order and the nature of reality
Summerset is designed to be played only after Morrowind and Clockwork City. Characters reference past events extensively, and the emotional and narrative payoff depends heavily on having experienced the earlier parts of the arc in order.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Summerset represents the end of a multi-year saga and a natural stopping point before the game transitions into more self-contained storylines.
8. Murkmire (DLC)
Murkmire is a standalone, lore-focused DLC that follows the conclusion of the Daedric War in The Elder Scrolls Online and acts as a tonal reset after the high-stakes events of Summerset.
Set deep in Argonian territory, Murkmire shifts the narrative away from gods and Daedric Princes and instead focuses on ancient history, lost civilisations, and cultural preservation. The story explores Argonian traditions, forgotten ruins, and the dangers of tampering with relics tied to the distant past.
Chronologically, Murkmire works well because it:
- Takes place after the Daedric War has fully concluded
- Provides a grounded, self-contained narrative
- Expands Elder Scrolls Online lore without escalating world-ending threats
Murkmire is not required to understand later Chapters, but it adds meaningful depth to Tamriel’s history and reinforces that Elder Scrolls Online is not only about cosmic conflicts, but also about the survival of cultures and identities.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Murkmire serves as a breathing space between major story arcs, preparing the narrative shift toward the return of dragons in the next Chapter.
9. Elsweyr (Chapter)
Elsweyr marks the beginning of one of the most cinematic and emotionally resonant story arcs in The Elder Scrolls Online, and it is often remembered as a fan-favourite Chapter for good reason.
Set in Northern Elsweyr, this expansion brings dragons back to Tamriel for the first time in Elder Scrolls Online, transforming the landscape, the tone, and the stakes of the story almost immediately. Unlike earlier arcs that slowly revealed their threats, Elsweyr opens with chaos, invasion, and a world struggling to survive under an ancient terror.
Chronologically, Elsweyr is important because it:
- Launches the Season of the Dragon storyline
- Reintroduces dragons as a living, world-altering force
- Establishes a tightly structured narrative designed to continue directly into later DLC
The story is deeply character-driven, particularly in its exploration of Khajiiti culture, faith, and history. Elsweyr balances large-scale spectacle with intimate moments, making the threat feel personal rather than abstract. This is one of the reasons many players consider it a standout moment in ESO’s storytelling.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Elsweyr should be played after Murkmire and treated as the opening act of a two-part saga rather than a standalone adventure.
10. Dragonhold (DLC)
Dragonhold is the direct continuation and conclusion of the Season of the Dragon storyline that began in Elsweyr, and it completes one of the most tightly structured narrative arcs in The Elder Scrolls Online.
Set in Southern Elsweyr, this DLC shifts the tone from sudden invasion to desperate resistance and resolution. The people of Elsweyr are no longer reacting to the return of dragons; they are fighting to reclaim their land, their history, and their future.
Chronologically, Dragonhold is essential because it:
- Brings the dragon threat to a definitive conclusion
- Resolves character arcs introduced in Elsweyr
- Provides emotional closure to the Khajiiti-focused storyline
Unlike some DLCs that feel optional, Dragonhold is integral to the Elsweyr narrative. Playing Elsweyr without Dragonhold leaves the story unfinished and undercuts its emotional impact.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Dragonhold should always be played immediately after Elsweyr, completing the Season of the Dragon before moving on to the next major story arc.
11. Greymoor (Chapter)
Greymoor begins a darker, more introspective story arc in The Elder Scrolls Online, shifting the focus from dragons and open warfare to ancient myths, buried secrets, and the cost of legacy.
Set in Western Skyrim, this Chapter draws heavily on Nordic folklore and introduces a looming threat tied to vampirism, forgotten pacts, and the land’s deep past. Rather than presenting an immediate, world-ending invasion, Greymoor slowly builds tension, revealing how old sins continue to shape the present.
Chronologically, Greymoor is important because it:
- Launches the Dark Heart of Skyrim storyline
- Introduces major themes that unfold across multiple releases
- Reconnects Elder Scrolls Online to its Nordic roots and mythic history
Greymoor works best when played after Dragonhold, as it represents a clear narrative shift into a new year-long arc. Characters, factions, and mysteries introduced here are deliberately unresolved, setting the stage for the story’s conclusion in later DLC content.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Greymoor should be treated as the opening chapter of a slow-burning saga, one that prioritises atmosphere, discovery, and moral complexity over spectacle.
12. Markarth (DLC)
Markarth serves as the conclusion of the Dark Heart of Skyrim storyline, bringing the themes introduced in Greymoor to a powerful and unsettling close in The Elder Scrolls Online.
Set in the Reach, this DLC explores a land shaped by oppression, rebellion, and ancient magic. The story delves into Reachfolk culture, long-standing grudges, and the dangerous bargains made in the shadows, revealing the true cost of the events set in motion during Greymoor.
Chronologically, Markarth is essential because it:
- Completes the Dark Heart of Skyrim narrative arc
- Resolves lingering mysteries introduced in Greymoor
- Expands on themes of corruption, sacrifice, and power
Unlike some DLCs that act as side stories, Markarth provides critical narrative closure. Characters reference events and decisions made earlier in the arc, and the consequences of those choices are fully realised here.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Markarth should always be played immediately after Greymoor, ensuring the Dark Heart storyline is experienced as a single, cohesive narrative.
13. Blackwood (Chapter)
Blackwood marks a return to large-scale Daedric conflict in The Elder Scrolls Online, opening the Gates of Oblivion storyline and deliberately echoing themes from the game’s original main quest.
Set in the Blackwood region on the border between Cyrodiil and Black Marsh, this Chapter explores what happens when Daedric influence resurfaces in a world that believes it has already survived the worst. Oblivion Gates once again tear open across Tamriel, forcing mortal factions to confront threats they thought were long buried.
Chronologically, Blackwood is important because it:
- Launches the Gates of Oblivion year-long storyline
- Reconnects Elder Scrolls Online to its original Planemeld themes
- Introduces new Daedric schemes that build on past conflicts
Blackwood works best when played after Markarth, as it represents a clear narrative escalation following the darker, more localised threats of the Dark Heart of Skyrim arc. Characters, locations, and Daedric politics introduced here are designed to continue directly into later DLC content.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Blackwood should be treated as the opening act of a renewed Daedric crisis, blending nostalgia with new revelations.
14. Deadlands (DLC)
Deadlands is the direct continuation and conclusion of the Gates of Oblivion storyline that began in Blackwood, bringing another major Daedric arc to a close in The Elder Scrolls Online.
This DLC takes players beyond Tamriel and into the realms of Oblivion itself, where the true scope of the Daedric threat is finally revealed. The story escalates from scattered invasions to a final confrontation, exposing the motives behind the reopening of the Oblivion Gates and the consequences of meddling with forces that never truly disappear.
Chronologically, Deadlands is important because it:
- Concludes the Gates of Oblivion storyline in full
- Resolves Daedric schemes introduced in Blackwood
- Reinforces long-running themes from Elder Scrolls Online’s original main quest
Deadlands is not optional for story-focused players. Skipping it leaves the Gates of Oblivion arc unresolved and diminishes the narrative payoff built throughout Blackwood.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Deadlands should always be played immediately after Blackwood, completing the Daedric storyline before the game transitions into a more political and diplomatic narrative focus.
15. High Isle (Chapter)
High Isle signals a notable shift in tone for The Elder Scrolls Online, moving away from world-ending Daedric threats and returning the focus to politics, diplomacy, and mortal ambition.
Set in the Systres Archipelago, this Chapter explores Breton culture and the fragile power balance of the Three Banners War. Rather than relying on external cosmic villains, High Isle centres its narrative on intrigue, secret alliances, and the dangers posed by individuals who manipulate conflict for their own gain.
Chronologically, High Isle is important because it:
- Launches the Legacy of the Bretons storyline
- Reframes Tamriel’s conflict around political instability rather than invasion
- Explores the human cost of prolonged war
High Isle works best after Deadlands, as it intentionally de-escalates the narrative and asks a different question: what happens when Tamriel’s greatest threat is no longer gods or Daedra, but its own leaders?
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, High Isle should be treated as the opening chapter of a politically driven storyline, where tension is built through deception and ideology rather than spectacle.
16. Firesong (DLC)
Firesong brings the Legacy of the Bretons storyline to its conclusion, closing the political and ideological conflict introduced in High Isle within The Elder Scrolls Online.
Set on the island of Galen, this DLC shifts the story from diplomacy and intrigue to revelation and consequence. Hidden motives are exposed, alliances are tested, and the true scope of the forces manipulating Breton politics finally comes into focus. While the threats in Firesong are less overtly cosmic than earlier arcs, their impact on Tamriel’s future is no less significant.
Chronologically, Firesong is essential because it:
- Concludes the Legacy of the Bretons storyline
- Resolves conspiracies introduced in High Isle
- Demonstrates how ideology and ambition can rival Daedric threats
Firesong reinforces a recurring theme in Elder Scrolls Online: that peace is often harder to achieve than victory. The DLC provides narrative closure while setting the stage for the next evolution of ESO’s storytelling.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Firesong should always be played immediately after High Isle, completing the Breton-focused arc before the story transitions into more esoteric and knowledge-driven themes.
17. Necrom (Chapter)
Necrom opens a more cerebral and unsettling chapter in The Elder Scrolls Online, shifting the narrative focus toward forbidden knowledge, cosmic secrets, and the long shadows cast by Daedric Princes.
Set in the Telvanni Peninsula and the city of Necrom, this Chapter centres on Hermaeus Mora and the dangerous cost of curiosity. Rather than relying on open warfare or invasion, Necrom builds its tension through mystery, manipulation, and revelations that challenge what mortals believe they understand about reality and power.
Chronologically, Necrom is important because it:
- Launches a new, knowledge-driven story arc
- Introduces long-term consequences tied to Daedric secrets
- Expands Elder Scrolls Online’s lore into more philosophical territory
Necrom works best after Firesong, as it represents a deliberate tonal evolution away from political conspiracies and back toward existential threats, though approached in a subtler and more psychological way.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Necrom should be treated as the foundation of a new saga, one that prioritises discovery and consequence over spectacle.
18. Gold Road (Chapter)
Gold Road continues the knowledge-driven storyline introduced in Necrom, expanding the influence of Hermaeus Mora and the consequences of forbidden knowledge in The Elder Scrolls Online.
Set in West Weald, Gold Road shifts the focus back to Tamriel’s heartlands while maintaining the darker, more philosophical tone established in Necrom. The story explores how Daedric secrets do not remain isolated. Once knowledge is uncovered, its effects ripple outward, reshaping mortal ambition, power structures, and the balance between control and free will.
Chronologically, Gold Road is important because it:
- Acts as a direct continuation of the Necrom storyline
- Deepens Hermaeus Mora’s long-term influence on Tamriel
- Shows the real-world consequences of cosmic manipulation
Gold Road reinforces the idea that the greatest threats in Elder Scrolls Online are not always invasions or wars, but what mortals choose to do with dangerous knowledge once it is in their grasp. Characters and events reference revelations from Necrom, making this Chapter far more impactful when played immediately after it.
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, Gold Road should be played after Necrom, completing the arc that explores knowledge as both power and corruption.
From here, Elder Scrolls Online transitions fully into its seasonal storytelling era, where future narratives unfold through themed content released across the year rather than traditional annual Chapters.
The first seasonal storyline: Seasons of the Worm Cult
The first full storyline released under the new seasonal model in The Elder Scrolls Online is Seasons of the Worm Cult, launched in 2025. This season is especially significant because it acts as a direct narrative sequel to the original base game main quest.
Rather than introducing a completely new threat, this storyline revisits the Worm Cult, the same organisation responsible for the Planemeld and Molag Bal’s invasion at the very start of Elder Scrolls Online. While the cult was believed to be broken after the main quest, the season reveals that its influence never truly disappeared.
Why this season matters chronologically
Seasons of the Worm Cult is important because it:
- Continues the story threads established in the base game Main Quest
- Explores the long-term consequences of the Planemeld
- Bridges early ESO lore with the modern narrative era
For players following Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order, this season feels like a full-circle moment, reconnecting new content with the foundations laid more than a decade earlier.
Structure of the season
Instead of a single large expansion, the season unfolds across multiple updates released throughout the year. Together, these updates form a two-part story and zone saga, supported by:
- New and updated zones
- Narrative questlines
- Dungeon content tied to the season’s theme
- In-game events and system updates
All content released as part of the season is unlocked through a single annual Content Pass and remains permanently available after release.
Narrative focus and tone
Unlike recent Chapters that centred on dragons, political intrigue, or forbidden knowledge, Seasons of the Worm Cult returns to dark ritual, necromancy, and cult-driven manipulation. The tone deliberately echoes early Elder Scrolls Online, reinforcing the idea that some threats never truly die, they merely wait.
This approach makes the first season an ideal entry point into ESO’s new storytelling model, especially for long-time players who experienced the original main quest.
How seasons fit into chronological play
For story-focused players, seasonal content should be played after the most recent Chapter it follows, just like traditional DLC. Seasons do not replace chronology; they simply change how stories are delivered.
In practical terms:
- Chapters and DLCs define the timeline up to Gold Road
- Seasonal stories continue that timeline in smaller, connected pieces
Future seasons are expected to follow the same pattern, making them a natural extension of Elder Scrolls Online’s evolving narrative rather than a break from it.
Can you play ESO out of order?
Yes, you can play The Elder Scrolls Online out of order, and from a gameplay perspective, ESO fully supports this freedom. Thanks to level scaling and the One Tamriel system, players can enter most zones, Chapters, and seasonal content at any time without being blocked by progression requirements.
However, while Elder Scrolls Online allows this flexibility, the story is not designed to be experienced randomly.
When ESO content is played out of chronological order, narrative continuity often suffers. Players may encounter characters who already know them before they have formally met, see the aftermath of major events without experiencing the cause, or miss the emotional weight of long-running character arcs.
Playing Elder Scrolls Online out of order can result in:
- Characters referencing shared history that has not yet happened in your playthrough
- Story revelations losing impact because their buildup was skipped
- Confusion around shifting political alliances and Daedric motivations
For players who prioritise combat, exploration, or multiplayer content, this may not matter. But for those who enjoy lore, world-building, and long-form storytelling, following a chronological order significantly improves the experience.
In short:
- Yes, Elder Scrolls Online can be played out of order
- No, it is not the best way to experience ESO’s story
If you care about narrative cohesion, character development, and understanding how Tamriel evolves over time, playing Elder Scrolls Online in chronological order remains the most rewarding approach.
Recommended playstyle for story-focused players
If your main goal is to experience the narrative of The Elder Scrolls Online in a coherent and immersive way, a story-first playstyle works best. Elder Scrolls Online offers immense freedom, but a few intentional choices can dramatically improve how the story unfolds.
1. Start with the base game and main quest
Begin with the Main Quest and your chosen Alliance storyline. This establishes the political landscape, introduces key characters, and provides essential context that later Chapters and seasonal content build upon. Completing this foundation first ensures Elder Scrolls Online makes sense narratively from the very beginning.
2. Follow Chapters, then their follow-up DLCs
For the smoothest story flow, play each Chapter and then immediately continue with its associated DLCs or seasonal follow-ups. ESO’s major story arcs are designed to unfold over multiple releases, and skipping ahead can break character continuity and weaken narrative payoffs.
3. Treat dungeon DLCs as optional
Dungeon DLCs often include interesting lore, but they are not required to understand the main story of Elder Scrolls Online. If you are playing solo or focusing on narrative progression, these can be safely skipped or revisited later without disrupting the timeline.
4. Avoid jumping between story eras
It can be tempting to fast-travel between zones or start newer content early, but doing so often introduces characters and events out of context. Staying within one story arc at a time keeps Elder Scrolls Online feeling like a single evolving epic rather than fragmented adventures.
5. Use freedom for pacing, not skipping
One of ESO’s strengths is that you can pause a storyline, explore side quests, or take breaks without losing progress. Use this freedom to control your pace, not to bypass major narrative steps.
For story-focused players, Elder Scrolls Online is at its best when treated like a long-form fantasy series. Follow the timeline, let the world breathe, and allow characters and conflicts to evolve naturally as Tamriel’s story unfolds.
Conclusion: the best way to experience ESO’s story
The greatest strength of The Elder Scrolls Online lies in how its world evolves over time. While Elder Scrolls Online gives players complete freedom to explore Tamriel in any order, its story is at its most powerful when experienced as a connected, chronological journey.
Playing ESO in story order allows character arcs to develop naturally, political shifts to make sense, and long-running threats to carry real weight. From the original Planemeld and the fall of the Worm Cult, through Daedric wars, dragons, conspiracies, and forbidden knowledge, each chapter builds on what came before.
The shift to seasonal storytelling does not change this principle. It simply refines how stories are delivered. Whether content arrives as Chapters, DLCs, or Seasons, the narrative of Elder Scrolls Online remains a single, unfolding saga.
For players who care about lore, immersion, and world-building, the best way to experience Elder Scrolls Online is simple:
start at the beginning, follow the timeline, and let Tamriel reveal its story the way it was meant to be told.
That approach transforms ESO from a collection of zones into one of the most expansive and rewarding fantasy narratives in modern gaming.
