Final Fantasy XIV vs The Elder Scrolls Online
Every attribute in the database, side by side — MMOlist scores Final Fantasy XIV at 85 and The Elder Scrolls Online at 75, but the right pick depends on how you play.
Final Fantasy XIV
2013 · Subscription · Tab Target
The Elder Scrolls Online
2014 · Buy-to-Play + Sub Option · Soft-lock Action
The short version
What they share: a themepark world and no open-world PvP.
Compared with Final Fantasy XIV, The Elder Scrolls Online is less alt-friendly, seen as more pay-to-win and more PvP-focused, with soft-lock action combat instead of tab-target combat and a buy-to-play + sub option model instead of subscription.
Final Fantasy XIV — strengths: Outstanding main story and music; One character can play every job. Watch out for: Slow, formulaic early hours.
The Elder Scrolls Online — strengths: Every zone is viable at any level; Massive amount of fully voiced quests. Watch out for: Floaty combat feel divides players.
| Final Fantasy XIV | The Elder Scrolls Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Live | Live |
| Release year | 2013 | 2014 |
| Developer | Square Enix | ZeniMax Online Studios |
| Business model | Subscription | Buy-to-Play + Sub Option |
| Platforms | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Combat type | Tab Target | Soft-lock Action |
| World design | Themepark | Themepark |
| MMOlist score | 85 | 75 |
| Steam rating | 86% | 81% |
| User score | 8.2/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Critic score | 85 | 70 |
| Steam peak CCU | 95K | 45K |
| PvE focus | ||
| PvP focus | ||
| Grindiness | ||
| Solo friendly | ||
| Duo friendly | ||
| Casual friendly | ||
| Typical session | 1–2 hours | 30–60 min |
| Time to endgame | 100–300h | 40–100h |
| Catch-up friendly | ||
| Chore pressure | ||
| Endgame progression | Vertical | Hybrid |
| Alt friendly | ||
| Crafting depth | ||
| Guild importance | ||
| P2W perception | Very Low | Moderate |
| Open-world PvP | No | No |
| Full-loot PvP | No | No |
| Housing | Open World | Instanced |
| Steam Deck | Playable | Verified |
| Cross-play | Yes | No |
| Cross-progression | Yes | No |
| Update cadence | Very Active | Active |
| Best for | Story lovers; Casual players; Crafters and housing decorators; Controller players | Elder Scrolls fans; Solo questers; Explorers; Housing enthusiasts |
Pick Final Fantasy XIV if you want…
- Story lovers
- Casual players
- Crafters and housing decorators
- Controller players
Pick The Elder Scrolls Online if you want…
- Elder Scrolls fans
- Solo questers
- Explorers
- Housing enthusiasts
Keep exploring
Still torn? Add a third game, or let the quiz decide from how you actually play.