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Zenimax Online Studios intends to test the Cyrodiil population in ESO which could lead to an increase in the server.
Cyrodiil Testing and Double AP Event
In a recent post on ESO Forums, Brian Wheeler outlines a plan to test Cyrodiil’s population cap and double AP event:
Next week, we will be running some tests in Cyrodiil where we’ll be periodically adjusting the population caps. The first realm being tested is PC EU on Wednesday, December 6. During this time, we will increase population caps and monitor throughout the day through prime-time hours; if all goes well, we will do the same on PC NA and consoles later in the week.
We encourage everyone willing to fight for their Alliance to hop into their respective Campaigns because, throughout the testing period until December 12, everyone in Cyrodiil will earn Double AP!
Brian Wheeler, PvP & Combat Lead
The intent of this testing seems to be to a possible increase in the Cyrodiil population. Let us examine why, and how this could benefit the game.
ESO Population and Cyrodiil
To put it bluntly, the only thing that has increased the ESO population dramatically in the last year is the hardware refresh. If you look at Steam charts, ESO saw its biggest jump in population correlated with the hardware refresh on PC mega servers alongside with Necrom chapter on the PTS. This dramatic increase was felt by anyone who played and enjoyed Cyrodiil during that month.
The population of the ESO Cyrodiil server is technically unknown. Currently, some players speculate it’s around 50-60 per faction with 3 factions, a max population of roughly 150 to 180 players. Given the sheer size of the area, you end up with a lackluster PvP experience outside of prime time.
Cyrodiil At Launch
The limited Cyrodiil population is a far cry from the game’s early days. It is said that Cyrodiil originally had a population per faction of 150 or more players. Each server was filled with players with fights across the map. However, the game suffered from terrible server performance. Over the years, ZOS continually reduced the size of the population cap, leading to long lines waiting to play.
With the reduction in the player population, you also had a reduction in fun and the number of players playing ESO. While some players have nothing to do with Cyrodiil, many of us Veteran players find it our social gathering, time, and end-game content. Playing against NPC you can “conquer” the game but against players it’s limitless.
ESO Future in 2024
This test in population increase is a good sign heading into the year 2024. This will mark ESO’s 10th anniversary, and maybe a revitalization in Cyrodiil and PvP. Like many MMO players, we want to see a thriving community full of players battling 24/7 for the Ruby Throne. An increase in population and maybe (wishful thinking) a PvP-centric update would go a long way to revitalize a 10-year-old MMO that many love.
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