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Does ESO Have a Monthly Fee? The Lowdown on Elder Scrolls Online Subscriptions

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) offers players a vast and immersive world to explore, filled with quests, dungeons, and countless adventures. But with so much content, the question often arises: Does ESO require a monthly fee to play? The short answer is no, you do not need to pay a monthly fee to play ESO. You can purchase the base game and its expansions and play indefinitely. However, ESO offers an optional subscription service called ESO Plus, which provides significant benefits that enhance the gameplay experience. Let’s delve deeper into the details of ESO’s subscription model and what it means for you.

Understanding ESO Plus: Optional, Not Mandatory

While the base game and expansions are one-time purchases, ESO Plus is a premium subscription that unlocks a host of perks designed to improve your journey through Tamriel. It is important to understand that ESO Plus is not required to enjoy the core game. You can explore the vast world, complete quests, level up your character, and participate in group content without it. However, ESO Plus provides several compelling reasons to consider subscribing.

The Benefits of ESO Plus

What exactly do you get for your money with ESO Plus? Here’s a breakdown:

Full Access to All DLC Game Packs (Except the Latest Expansion): This is perhaps the most significant benefit. ESO boasts a wealth of downloadable content (DLC), ranging from smaller dungeon packs to larger zone expansions. ESO Plus grants you access to all of these DLC packs, dramatically expanding the available content. Note that the latest yearly Chapter (expansion) is not included.
1650 Crowns Per Month: Crowns are ESO’s premium currency, used to purchase cosmetic items, mounts, pets, and even some gameplay enhancements from the Crown Store. The monthly crown stipend effectively offsets the cost of the subscription if you regularly purchase items from the Crown Store.
Unlimited Crafting Material Storage (Craft Bag): This is a game-changer for crafters. The Craft Bag automatically stores all crafting materials, freeing up valuable inventory space. The Craft Bag is the primary reason many players subscribe to ESO Plus, as it significantly streamlines crafting and resource management.
Double Bank Space: Another quality-of-life improvement. Double bank space allows you to store even more items, alleviating inventory management issues.
10% Increase to Experience, Gold, Inspiration (Crafting XP), and Archival Fortune Gains: A boost to progression in several key areas of the game.
Double Transmutation Crystal Storage: For players engaging in endgame content, this is a welcome perk.
Exclusive Deals: ESO Plus members receive access to exclusive sales and promotions in the Crown Store.
Ability to dye costumes: Normally you can only dye armor pieces, but with ESO plus you are granted the ability to dye your full costumes.

The Drawbacks of Not Having ESO Plus

While you can certainly play ESO without ESO Plus, there are some drawbacks:

Limited Access to DLC Content: You’ll need to purchase each DLC pack individually to access its content. This can become expensive over time.
Inventory Management Challenges: Without the Craft Bag and the extra bank space, you’ll spend a significant amount of time managing your inventory.
Slower Progression: The 10% boost to experience and other gains can make a noticeable difference in your character’s progression speed.

How to Get ESO Plus

Subscribing to ESO Plus is straightforward. You can purchase a subscription through the in-game Crown Store, on the ESO website, or through your platform’s online store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam). Subscriptions are available in various durations (1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months), offering flexibility depending on your needs.

Is ESO Plus Worth It?

The value of ESO Plus ultimately depends on your play style and goals. If you plan to play ESO extensively, engage in crafting, and want access to all the DLC content, ESO Plus is likely a worthwhile investment. The convenience of the Craft Bag, the monthly crown stipend, and access to DLC packs can significantly enhance your experience. However, if you are a casual player who only plays occasionally or are not interested in crafting, you may find that the base game provides enough content to keep you entertained without the need for a subscription.

It is worth experimenting with the free trials that are periodically offered. Taking advantage of an ESO Plus free trial allows you to experience the benefits firsthand and determine whether the subscription is right for you.

ESO and Platform Subscriptions (PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass)

It’s important to note the distinction between ESO Plus and platform subscriptions like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass. While PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass are required to play ESO on consoles, ESO Plus is a separate subscription that provides in-game benefits. You need a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription to access ESO’s online features, regardless of whether you have ESO Plus.

ESO: Evolving with the Times

The Elder Scrolls Online has come a long way since its initial launch. ZeniMax Online Studios has consistently updated the game with new content, features, and improvements, making it a thriving and engaging MMORPG. The optional ESO Plus subscription offers a way to support the game’s ongoing development while enjoying significant in-game benefits. Understanding the nuances of the subscription model allows you to make an informed decision about whether ESO Plus is right for you.

The Games Learning Society

The world of gaming, including titles like The Elder Scrolls Online, offers rich environments for learning and social interaction. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring these educational opportunities and promoting the use of games for learning and development. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need ESO Plus to play the main storyline?

No, you do not need ESO Plus to play the main storyline. The main storyline is included with the base game. ESO Plus primarily grants access to DLC content and quality-of-life improvements.

2. What happens if I stop my ESO Plus subscription?

When your ESO Plus subscription ends, you lose access to the DLC content, the Craft Bag, double bank space, and other associated benefits. You will retain any items and skills you acquired during your subscription. If you are over the item limit in your bank/inventory, you will not be able to add more items until you get back below the original limit.

3. Can I buy DLC packs permanently instead of subscribing to ESO Plus?

Yes, you can purchase DLC packs individually from the Crown Store. This allows you to own the content permanently, even if you don’t have an active ESO Plus subscription.

4. How much does ESO Plus cost?

The cost of ESO Plus varies depending on the subscription length. A one-month subscription typically costs around $14.99, while longer subscriptions (3 months, 6 months, 12 months) offer a discounted rate.

5. Is ESO Plus available on all platforms?

Yes, ESO Plus is available on all platforms where ESO is playable, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

6. Will ESO Plus give me access to the latest expansion?

No, ESO Plus does not include the latest yearly chapter (expansion). Those must be purchased separately. ESO Plus grants access to all DLC game packs excluding the most recent expansion.

7. How do I cancel my ESO Plus subscription?

The cancellation process depends on the platform you purchased the subscription through. You can typically cancel through the ESO website, your platform’s online store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam), or through your account settings.

8. What are Crowns used for?

Crowns are ESO’s premium currency and are used to purchase cosmetic items, mounts, pets, and some gameplay enhancements from the Crown Store.

9. Can I earn Crowns in-game without subscribing to ESO Plus?

No, you cannot earn Crowns in-game. Crowns are only available for purchase with real money or through the monthly stipend provided with an ESO Plus subscription.

10. Is ESO pay-to-win?

ESO is not considered a pay-to-win game. While Crowns can be used to purchase some gameplay enhancements, they do not provide a significant advantage over other players. Skill and strategy are far more important than purchasing items from the Crown Store.

11. Can I play ESO solo without a subscription?

Yes, you can play ESO solo without a subscription. The game offers a vast amount of solo content, including quests, storylines, and exploration.

12. Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play ESO on consoles?

Yes, PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass are required to play ESO on consoles, as they are necessary for accessing the game’s online features.

13. Is there a free trial of ESO Plus?

Yes, ZeniMax Online Studios occasionally offers free trials of ESO Plus. These trials allow you to experience the benefits of the subscription for a limited time without paying. Keep an eye on the ESO website and official social media channels for announcements about free trials.

14. Does ESO have cross-platform play?

No, ESO does not currently have cross-platform play. Players can only play with others on the same platform.

15. Can I play Elder Scrolls Online on multiple platforms?

Yes, you can play The Elder Scrolls Online on multiple platforms, but you’ll need to purchase the game separately for each platform. Characters, items, crowns, and ESO Plus subscriptions are not shared across different platforms.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has answered your questions about ESO’s subscription model and helped you decide whether ESO Plus is right for you. Dive into Tamriel and enjoy the vast and immersive world that The Elder Scrolls Online has to offer!

Does ESO have monthly fee?