# The Elder Scrolls: Legends is Coming to a Close – Here’s What You Should Know
The Elder Scrolls series is famed for its engrossing role-playing experiences set in vast, dark fantasy universes such as *Skyrim* and *Oblivion*. However, many enthusiasts may not realize that the franchise also ventured into the territory of online card games with *The Elder Scrolls: Legends*. This digital collectible card game, often likened to *Hearthstone*, was available for free on platforms like Steam until recently. Sadly, the game’s saga is concluding, as the developers have revealed that the servers will be permanently deactivated in early 2025.
## The End is Approaching: Server Shutdown Date Confirmed
In an in-game announcement, Bethesda, the creators of *The Elder Scrolls: Legends*, verified that the servers will be taken offline on **January 30, 2025**. After the servers cease operation, the game will no longer be playable due to its online-dependent design. Additionally, the game has already been removed from digital marketplaces, meaning that new players cannot download or buy it anymore. Only those who have the game already in their library will be able to continue playing until the shutdown date.
Although the news of the shutdown is disheartening, there is a bright side for current players. Bethesda has made all of the game’s content available at an extremely low price, allowing fans to enjoy every aspect of the game before it disappears for good.
## The Community Responds
The news of the server shutdown has left the *Legends* community feeling downcast, though not entirely taken aback. On platforms like Reddit, players have shared cherished memories of the game, with many expressing nostalgia for the game’s earlier days. One user reflected:
> “I recall playing it for a few months during the initial expansion. It was a blast.”
Despite its somewhat niche appeal, *The Elder Scrolls: Legends* developed a loyal fanbase. While it may not have achieved the same level of fame as other card games like *Hearthstone*, it still received favorable reviews. On Steam, the game currently boasts an impressive **89% positive rating** in recent reviews, along with an overall rating of **74%**.
Nonetheless, the game found it challenging to keep a steady player base. Over the past year, it seldom exceeded 400 concurrent players, which likely influenced the decision to close the servers.
## A Final Goodbye: Access to All Content
As a farewell gift to its community, Bethesda has made all in-game content accessible at a minimal price. In the same in-game announcement that disclosed the shutdown, the developers indicated that:
> “From now until January 30, 2025, all items in the store and access to in-game events will be priced at 1 gold each, so you can enjoy all the content that *Legends* has to offer.”
This means that players can unlock all expansions, card packs, and additional in-game content for an almost negligible cost. Essentially, Bethesda is offering players a chance to fully experience everything the game has to offer before it vanishes. Whether you’re a long-time player or someone who stepped away from the game, now is the ideal opportunity to return and explore the world of *The Elder Scrolls: Legends* one last time.
## Why is *The Elder Scrolls: Legends* Closing Down?
The choice to discontinue *The Elder Scrolls: Legends* is likely attributed to a mix of factors, including declining player numbers and the competitive landscape of the digital card game industry. Despite its positive reception, *Legends* found it hard to compete with titans in the genre like *Hearthstone* and *Magic: The Gathering Arena*. The game’s player base gradually diminished over time, making it increasingly difficult to justify ongoing development and server upkeep.
While the closure is unfortunate, it’s not unusual for online games to encounter this scenario, especially in the crowded and rapidly changing arena of digital card games. For instance, *Gwent*, a card game spin-off from *The Witcher* franchise, also experienced its final content update in September 2023. However, unlike *The Elder Scrolls: Legends*, *Gwent* will still be playable, though without any new updates.
## What Lies Ahead for the *Elder Scrolls* Franchise?
Although *The Elder Scrolls: Legends* is drawing to a close, the wider *Elder Scrolls* franchise remains more popular than ever. Fans are anxiously anticipating updates on *The Elder Scrolls VI*, which is currently under development. In the meantime, *The Elder Scrolls Online* continues to receive regular patches and expansions, providing players with opportunities to explore the world of Tamriel in a massively multiplayer environment.
As for card game fans, the conclusion of *Legends* doesn’t signify the end of *Elder*