Does The Elder Scrolls Online Have a Monthly Fee? The Definitive Answer

The short answer is no, you don’t need to pay a monthly fee to play The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). ESO operates on a “buy-to-play” model. You purchase the base game, and you can play it indefinitely. However, there is an optional subscription service called ESO Plus that provides numerous benefits and enhances the overall experience. Whether or not it’s “worth it” depends entirely on your play style and preferences.

Understanding the ESO Business Model

ESO deviates from the traditional Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) subscription model, opting instead for a system that allows players to access a significant portion of the game without mandatory recurring costs. This approach makes ESO accessible to a wider audience and allows players to control their spending.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Base Game Purchase: This gives you access to a substantial amount of content, including the original zones, storylines, and classes. Think of it as the core foundation upon which the entire game is built. You can easily sink hundreds of hours into just the base game.
• Optional ESO Plus Subscription: This is where the monthly fee comes in, but it’s entirely optional. ESO Plus grants a host of perks, the most significant of which is access to all DLC game packs (excluding Chapters). These DLCs add new zones, quests, dungeons, trials, and more. ESO Plus also provides:
  • Crafting Bag: Unlimited storage for crafting materials. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement, especially for serious crafters.
  • Monthly Crowns: A stipend of Crowns (the in-game premium currency) that can be spent on cosmetic items, utility items, or even DLCs.
  • XP Boosts: Increased experience gain, helping you level up faster.
  • Double Bank Space: Extra storage for your characters’ personal items.
  • Dye Stamps: Apply dyes to your outfits in bulk.
• Crown Store: A marketplace where you can purchase cosmetic items, mounts, pets, and convenience items using Crowns. Crowns can be purchased with real money or earned through ESO Plus.
• DLC Purchases: You can purchase DLC game packs individually through the Crown Store, allowing you to own them permanently even without an ESO Plus subscription.
• Chapter Purchases: Chapters are larger expansions that introduce substantial new content, including new zones, classes, and storylines. Chapters are not included in ESO Plus and must be purchased separately. Think of them as the equivalent of expansions in other MMOs.

Is ESO Plus Worth It?

That depends on how you play ESO. Consider these points:

• Casual Players: If you only play occasionally or are primarily interested in the main storyline, you may not need ESO Plus. The base game offers plenty of content to keep you entertained.
• Dedicated Players: If you play regularly and want to experience all the content ESO has to offer, ESO Plus is highly recommended. The crafting bag alone is worth it for many players, and access to all DLCs significantly expands your options.
• Crafters: If you enjoy crafting, ESO Plus is almost essential. The crafting bag eliminates inventory management headaches and allows you to hoard resources without worry.
• Completionists: If you aim to complete all quests, dungeons, and achievements, ESO Plus is a must-have, as it unlocks access to all the necessary DLC zones.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Many players subscribe to ESO Plus for a month or two to explore the DLC content, then unsubscribe and purchase their favorite DLCs individually. Others maintain a continuous subscription for the convenience and perks it provides.

Games Learning Society

The design and implementation of the Elder Scrolls Online’s payment model is fascinating. It straddles the line between traditional subscription and modern free-to-play systems, making it accessible to players of all types. You can learn more about the theory and practice behind game design and educational theory on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

ESO on Epic Games Store

Occasionally, ESO will be available for free on the Epic Games Store. If you claim the game while it is free, you can keep it forever. This is a great way to begin playing the game. Keep an eye on announcements from Bethesda and the Epic Games Store for these opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of ESO’s payment structure:

1. Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play ESO?

   Yes, if you are playing on PlayStation or Xbox, you will need an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription to access online multiplayer features, including ESO. This is a platform requirement, not an ESO-specific one.

2. Can I play ESO without ESO Plus on PC?

   Absolutely! The base game is accessible without any subscription. You only need to purchase the base game to start playing on PC.

3. What happens when my ESO Plus subscription expires?

   You lose access to the DLC game packs you haven’t purchased individually with Crowns. You will also lose access to the Craft Bag, bonus XP and gold gains, and increased bank space. Items you stored in the Craft Bag will remain, but you won’t be able to add more until you resubscribe or transfer them to regular inventory.

4. Can I buy DLCs permanently instead of subscribing to ESO Plus?

   Yes, you can purchase individual DLC game packs from the Crown Store. Once purchased, you own them permanently, even without an ESO Plus subscription.

5. Are Chapters included in ESO Plus?

   No, Chapters are not included in ESO Plus. You must purchase Chapters separately.

6. Is ESO free-to-play?

   No, ESO is not entirely free-to-play. It’s a buy-to-play game with an optional subscription.

7. How often is ESO on sale?

   ESO is frequently on sale, especially on platforms like Steam and the PlayStation Store. Keep an eye out for discounts, which can significantly reduce the cost of entry.

8. Is crafting viable without ESO Plus?

   Crafting is possible without ESO Plus, but it’s significantly more challenging due to limited inventory space. You’ll need to manage your inventory carefully and may need to create multiple characters to store crafting materials.

9. Can I play ESO solo?

   Yes, you can play a significant portion of ESO solo. Most quests, storylines, and overland content are designed to be solo-friendly. However, some content, like dungeons and trials, are designed for groups.

10. How much does ESO Plus cost?

    ESO Plus costs $14.99 per month. However, you can save money by purchasing longer subscriptions (3 months, 6 months, or 12 months).

11. Can I earn Crowns in-game without paying real money?

    The primary way to earn Crowns is through an active ESO Plus subscription. Each month, you’ll receive a stipend of Crowns. You cannot earn Crowns through regular gameplay.

12. Is ESO fun without ESO Plus?

    Yes! The base game offers a vast world to explore with plenty of content to keep you engaged. You can definitely enjoy ESO without a subscription, especially if you’re new to the game.

13. What is the difference between DLC and Chapters in ESO?

    DLCs are smaller content packs that add new zones, dungeons, trials, and questlines. Chapters are larger expansions that typically introduce new classes, skill lines, and significant storylines. Chapters are generally more substantial than DLCs.

14. If I unsubscribe from ESO Plus, do I keep the items I obtained from DLC zones?

    Yes, you keep all items, achievements, gold, and experience you earned while playing in DLC zones, even if you no longer have access to those zones.

15. How do I get ESO for free?

    Keep an eye out for promotions on the Epic Games Store or other platforms where ESO might be offered for free for a limited time. Claiming the game during these promotions allows you to keep it permanently.