ESO Gold Road Review PS5 | West Weald Calls You

"The return of a forgotten Daedric Prince sets the stage for one of ESO’s most mysterious and compelling narratives yet." - Shaun M Jooste, CEP

Operating System: PS5

Application Category: Game

Editor's Rating:
5

Welcome to my PS5 ESO Gold Road review! With ZeniMax Online Studios at the helm as developer and Bethesda Softworks as the publisher, it was released on 3 June 2024.

In my ESO Gold Road review, I’ll cover several aspects before reaching my final verdict. I’ll talk about the story elements, of which there are plenty. You’ll learn about the gameplay mechanics and read how to play the new chapter of the MMORPG, Elder Scrolls Online. Finally, I’ll talk a bit about the visuals and sounds, which are outstanding.

Want to know more? Read my detailed PS5 ESO Gold Road review below!

Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this product from Bethesda Game Studios. Still, this review is based on my personal experience of the game and is not impacted by the gift.

Contents hide

1 ESO Gold Road Review PS5 | West Weald Calls You

2 Story Review | Daedric Prince Ithelia is Back

3 Gameplay Review | Magic, Mayhem, and Scribing

4 Audio-Visual Review | Superb Visuals and Sound

5 ESO Gold Road Review PS5: Final Verdict

6 Enjoy Our Fantasy Stories!

Story Review | Daedric Prince Ithelia is Back

One of the most captivating reasons to play Elder Scrolls Online has always been its expansive storytelling. With ESO Gold Road, ZeniMax Online Studios takes the epic fantasy narrative to new heights on PS5. For long-time MMORPG fans and newcomers alike, the return of a forgotten Daedric Prince Ithelia promises a chapter rich in mystery, divine conflict, and deep lore.

In this part of my ESO Gold Road review, I’ll dive into how the story unfolds in West Weald, explore the threat of Ithelia’s re-emergence, and touch on the unexpected twists that make this MMORPG chapter a must-play for PS5 players in 2024.

The Forgotten Prince Rises

The reawakening of Daedric Prince Ithelia forms the foundation of this chapter’s plot. What’s truly intriguing in this ESO Gold Road PS5 review is how the developers tap into elder lore to build suspense around Ithelia, a being no one remembers yet whose influence is unmistakably growing.

The narrative kicks off with signs of Daedric manipulation and the unravelling of memory across the region. This isn’t just a tale of brute force and demonic invaders; it’s a cerebral epic fantasy that plays with perception, prophecy, and forgotten history. The presence of followers known as The Recollection adds to the creeping dread, reminding us just how unpredictable the Daedric Princes can be, especially one shrouded in near-complete obscurity.

West Weald and the Return to Skingrad

As the setting for this ESO Gold Road review, West Weald is both nostalgic and freshly reimagined. PS5 players will appreciate the balance between honouring the Oblivion-era version of Skingrad and introducing new narratives that enrich this part of Tamriel. ZeniMax has pulled off something rare in an MMORPG: a story arc that not only serves long-time Elder Scrolls fans but is accessible to those just joining the world.

The city of Skingrad becomes a central hub of activity and political tension. While Ithelia’s forces stir chaos in the shadows, mortal factions squabble for control, secrets, and survival. Whether you’re deciphering ancient texts or chasing cultists through sun-drenched vineyards, the Gold Road campaign feels like an epic fantasy novel brought to life, one you’re actively shaping.

Intrigue, Memory, and Moral Dilemmas

What truly sets this chapter apart is how it blends traditional fantasy storytelling with unique narrative mechanics. In ESO Gold Road, the plot challenges your assumptions. What if your character’s memories, or the memories of others, can’t be trusted? What happens when history itself becomes a weapon?

As your journey unfolds, you’ll encounter moral choices with unexpected consequences, a hallmark of great MMORPG writing. You’re not just the hero; you’re a key player in a war of remembrance. The balance between epic world-ending stakes and personal, character-driven quests makes this one of the most narratively satisfying ESO chapters in recent memory.

How Long to Play ESO Gold Road on PS5?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to complete the ESO Gold Road story on PS5, you’re looking at around 30 – 40 hours for the main storyline, depending on your pace. However, if you’re like me and can’t resist side quests, exploring every corner of West Weald, and getting tangled in Daedric lore, you can easily double that playtime.

There’s also plenty of replay value, especially if you enjoy branching dialogues, alternative choices, and different combat builds. As with many epic fantasy MMORPG expansions, ESO Gold Road isn’t just a chapter: it’s an experience that unfolds over time.

Final Thoughts on PS5 ESO Gold Road Review Story Elements

To wrap up this part of my ESO Gold Road review for PS5, the story content is nothing short of excellent. From the moment you step into West Weald and feel the tension building around Ithelia’s mysterious return, you know you’re in for something special. The writing, pacing, and integration of Elder Scrolls lore are masterfully done.

This epic fantasy tale isn’t just another fetch-quest filler: it’s a bold, well-written chapter that deepens the entire Elder Scrolls Online experience. Whether you’re here for Daedric drama or the rich political subplots in Skingrad, you’ll find something that hooks you. For fans of MMORPG storytelling, ESO Gold Road is a gold standard worth following.

Gameplay Review | Magic, Mayhem, and Scribing

One of the core strengths of The Elder Scrolls Online has always been its evolving gameplay mechanics. With ESO Gold Road on PS5, ZeniMax Online Studios delivers new layers of complexity and excitement, making the MMORPG experience feel fresh even for long-time players. At the heart of this chapter lies a brand-new system, Scribing, which significantly expands the ways you interact with your magical abilities.

In this part of my ESO Gold Road review, I’ll break down the combat flow, class enhancements, and the fascinating new gameplay systems that give this chapter its unique flavour. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a party-focused strategist, there’s a lot to love in this epic fantasy sandbox.

A Refined Combat Experience for PS5 Players

The moment you pick up the controller on PS5, the responsiveness of combat in ESO Gold Road feels solid and refined. Whether you’re unleashing fireballs or sneaking through shadowy ruins, controls are intuitive, with fluid transitions between light/heavy attacks, dodges, and skill rotations. The performance on PS5 is also commendable: fast load times, minimal lag, and gorgeous particle effects during chaotic battles make for a very satisfying MMORPG combat loop.

New enemy types tied to the Ithelia storyline offer more than just meat shields. They require careful positioning, ability timing, and sometimes even puzzle-solving under pressure. It’s not just mindless mayhem; it’s strategic fantasy warfare at its best.

Introducing Scribing: Custom Magic Like Never Before

Perhaps the most exciting addition in ESO Gold Road is the Scribing system, a brand-new gameplay mechanic that takes magical customisation to a whole new level. As part of this chapter’s progression, you’ll unlock the ability to modify Grimoires, special abilities that come with Scripts you can tailor to fit your build.

This isn’t just stat tweaking. You can fundamentally alter the behaviour of abilities: change targeting, enhance support functions, or unleash new types of AoE attacks. It’s like creating your own spells within the framework of ESO’s established mechanics, which gives spellcasters and support players a thrilling new toolset.

And yes, it’s just as epic as it sounds. In my ESO Gold Road review experience, Scribing encouraged experimentation and gave me a reason to revisit old combat scenarios with entirely new strategies.

Classic Systems Enhanced

Beyond Scribing, ESO Gold Road builds upon many of the familiar systems that fans of the MMORPG genre love. There are new public dungeons, world bosses, and delves that feel handcrafted rather than copy-pasted. Quest pacing has also been improved, with better integration between main quests and side objectives.

Crafting, gear upgrades, and group activities (including PvP and Trials) remain as deep and rewarding as ever, especially for players who enjoy maximising their builds. The PS5’s performance hardware means fewer framerate drops in large-scale battles and smoother experiences overall in heavily populated zones like Skingrad.

How Easy is it to Play ESO Gold Road on PS5?

Whether you’re a seasoned Elder Scrolls veteran or a complete newcomer, ESO Gold Road is surprisingly welcoming on PS5. The UI has been fine-tuned for console play, with clean skill bars, fast access to inventory and map functions, and snappy navigation across the menus. The onboarding for the new Scribing system is especially well done, walking you through the mechanics without overwhelming you.

Accessibility features are also improving, with better visual clarity and control options for those who need alternate input styles. This makes the epic fantasy world of ESO Gold Road one of the most playable chapters in the franchise for console MMORPG players.

I also found it very fun to play ESO Gold Road on PS5 because the new quests are engaging right from the start, filled with layered objectives and clever twists that keep you invested. Exploring West Weald felt like stepping into a rich epic fantasy novel, with diverse locations ranging from sun-drenched vineyards to eerie Daedric ruins, each packed with secrets and lore.

The new NPCs are memorable and well-voiced, with strong personalities and motivations that add emotional weight to your choices. Whether you’re uncovering lost memories or facing off against cultists, the world feels alive and full of purpose, making it easy to lose hours at a time just following your curiosity.

Final Thoughts on ESO Gold Road Review Gameplay Elements

From my hands-on experience, the gameplay of ESO Gold Road on PS5 is nothing short of exceptional. The new Scribing system is a game-changer for those who love magical combat and character customisation, while the moment-to-moment gameplay remains fun, fast, and addictive.

Whether you’re charging through the front lines with a broadsword or weaving complex spells from the backlines, this chapter provides a wide canvas for creativity. Add to that the sheer polish on PS5 and the rich MMORPG systems we already love, and it’s clear this is a chapter that both pushes boundaries and honours tradition.

If the story made you curious, the gameplay will make you stay. ESO Gold Road isn’t just another chapter: it’s a statement that the game still has fresh ideas and bold systems to explore.

Audio-Visual Review | Superb Visuals and Sound

One of the greatest strengths in this ESO Gold Road review for PS5 is how the visuals and soundscape pull you deeper into its epic fantasy world. From sweeping views of West Weald to the powerful soundtrack that underlines every moment, ZeniMax Online Studios has once again proven their mastery in delivering an immersive MMORPG experience on console.

West Weald in Full Detail

From the moment you step into West Weald, it’s clear that the team has poured a great deal of care into environmental storytelling. The region is a visually rich blend of golden forests, vine-covered ruins, and sun-drenched plains, each designed with layered textures and vibrant lighting that bring this new zone to life on PS5.

Skingrad is a highlight, with its familiar architecture from Oblivion beautifully reimagined in high definition. Whether you’re walking cobbled streets, exploring eerie caves, or standing at the edge of a crumbling cliffside fortress, the game rewards you with one picturesque view after another. The graphical fidelity on PS5 makes every frame feel alive.

Magical Effects and Combat Visuals

Combat in ESO Gold Road has never looked better. With the new Scribing system, you’ll unleash a whole new range of spell effects that dazzle the screen. Elemental magic shimmers with fine detail, while Daedric summons and scripted abilities add vibrant new animations to the battlefield.

Weapons and armour are intricately designed, often featuring glowing sigils or enchanted particles that reinforce the fantasy aesthetic. On PS5, these visuals remain crisp even in the most chaotic group fights, with minimal frame drops and smooth transitions that enhance every swing, cast, and dodge.

A Soundtrack Fit for an Epic Tale

No ESO Gold Road review would be complete without praising the sound design, which remains one of the series’ most consistent triumphs. The orchestral score is sweeping and emotive, shifting seamlessly from tension-filled moments in ancient ruins to peaceful exploration in the countryside.

It’s the kind of soundtrack that subtly enhances the emotional beats of each quest without overpowering them. In addition, ambient sounds, like the rustling of leaves, creaking of old doors, or the distant howls of Daedric beasts, add atmospheric depth.

Voice acting, as always, is top-tier, with distinct performances that give each NPC personality and weight. On PS5, the audio quality is crystal-clear and helps anchor you in the world, whether you’re adventuring solo or sharing the journey with friends.

Final Thoughts on ESO Gold Road Review Audio-Visual Elements

In closing, ESO Gold Road offers a visually and aurally breathtaking experience on PS5, one that’s fully worthy of its epic fantasy narrative. The new zone of West Weald is a stunning addition to Tamriel, enriched by top-notch sound and visual polish. Whether you’re here for beauty, immersion, or battle-ready spectacle, this MMORPG chapter doesn’t disappoint on any sensory front.

ESO Gold Road Review PS5: Final Verdict

As you’ve seen throughout this ESO Gold Road review, ZeniMax Online Studios has delivered one of the strongest chapters in the Elder Scrolls Online MMORPG to date. On PS5, the experience is smooth, gorgeous, and absolutely packed with rich content: from a gripping epic fantasy narrative to groundbreaking gameplay features like Scribing.

The return to West Weald is more than nostalgic; it’s refreshing, layered, and meaningful. Every quest, character, and corner of the map feels crafted with love and purpose. Whether you’re here for the story, exploration, character builds, or simply the joy of getting lost in a massive online world, ESO Gold Road absolutely delivers.

Without question, this is a five-star MMORPG chapter that raises the bar for what’s possible on PS5.

What I Would Like to See in ESO Gold Road PS5

Honestly? Nothing. ESO Gold Road already delivers on every front. The story is compelling, the world is visually stunning, the new mechanics like Scribing are well-balanced and exciting, and the performance on PS5 is excellent. I can’t think of anything I’d ask to be improved; it’s that good.

Is ESO Gold Road Worth Buying on PS5?

Absolutely. If you’re even remotely a fan of fantasy RPGs or MMORPGs, ESO Gold Road is a must-have chapter for your PS5 library. Whether you’re returning to Tamriel or exploring it for the first time, this expansion is loaded with value, innovation, and hours of immersive gameplay. It’s not just another DLC. It’s a standout chapter that adds depth, drama, and dazzling new systems to the world of Elder Scrolls Online.

What Other Games Are Like ESO Gold Road on PS5?

If ESO Gold Road hooks you, you may also enjoy:

Final Fantasy XIV Online: Another top-tier MMORPG with deep storytelling and refined class systems.
Diablo IV: While more action-RPG focused, it shares dark fantasy tones, loot-based progression, and online play.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Not an MMO, but a choice-heavy epic fantasy RPG with party-based storytelling and complex lore.
Dragon Age: Inquisition: For those who love character-driven epic fantasy with expansive worldbuilding.

What I Liked and Didn’t Like About ESO Gold Road

Pros:

A gripping, mysterious epic fantasy story centred on the Daedric Prince Ithelia
The stunning West Weald region and revamped Skingrad on PS5
Scribing system adds real depth and creativity to builds
Seamless PS5 performance with breathtaking visuals and audio
Excellent voice acting and soundtrack
Meaningful quests and engaging NPCs
Hours of rich, replayable MMORPG content

Cons:

Honestly? Nothing. I loved it all.

Enjoy Our Fantasy Stories!

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