PC Gamer recently posted a new preview of The Elder Scrolls Online. In development at ZeniMax Online Studios for Mac and Windows PCs, the MMO will be the first Elder Scrolls game to allow gamers to explore the world of the fantasy series with others.

The Elder Scrolls Online will be third-person with action bar combat. As such, it differs substantially from the recent games in the series.

You’re limited to a certain number of skills at any given time, a system that sounds similar to Diablo 3 or Guild Wars 2 – both promising models. Zenimax Online’s focus is reportedly to make each ability important and fun to use in its own right.

Also similar to Guild Wars 2, it’ll be possible for players to casually group simply by pitching in and helping each other in the wild – you won’t need to ask for an invite to get kill credit.

Despite the MMO trappings, familiar elements from the single player Elder Scrolls games will be present. These include guilds, including the Mages Guild, and birthsigns. Skyrim allows players to switch birthsigns on the fly, and we don’t yet know whether The Elder Scrolls Online will go with this system or opt for the previous, chosen-at-character-creation model for assigning bonuses.

PC Gamer: Elder Scrolls Online Preview

Elder Scrolls Online (add to watch list)

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