Unveiling High Isle and ESO Plus: A Definitive Guide
The burning question on every adventurer’s mind: Do you get High Isle with ESO Plus? The straightforward answer is no. While ESO Plus grants access to a plethora of DLC game packs, newly released Chapters like High Isle are typically not included. Think of ESO Plus as a fantastic subscription for expanding your horizons within the world of Tamriel, but the latest and greatest landmasses require a separate purchase. High Isle needs to be bought individually.
Understanding ESO Plus and Chapter Access
ESO Plus is your VIP pass to much of Tamriel’s rich history and diverse landscapes, unlocking full access to all DLC game packs within the Crown Store. These DLCs offer new zones, intriguing quests, challenging dungeons, and compelling stories. However, the large-scale Chapters, like High Isle, are generally treated differently. They represent significant expansions to the core game and, as such, are sold separately.
Think of it like this: ESO Plus gives you access to the episodes of a TV series, while Chapters are the movie releases. Both add to the overall experience, but they have different acquisition methods.
Acquiring High Isle: Your Options
So, if ESO Plus doesn’t unlock High Isle, how do you get your hands on it? You have several options:
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Purchase the High Isle Upgrade: If you already own The Elder Scrolls Online base game, this is the most direct route. You can find the High Isle Upgrade on various online stores like The Elder Scrolls Online Store, Steam Store, Xbox Store, and PlayStation Store.
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Buy the Collection Edition: The Collection editions (Standard and Collector’s) offer the most comprehensive package, including the base game and all previous Elder Scrolls Online Chapters to date, which could include Morrowind, Summerset, Elsweyr, Greymoor, Blackwood, and potentially even future chapters if you buy a future version.
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Acquire it with Crowns: While you can’t buy the High Isle Chapter with Crowns immediately upon release, it typically becomes available for purchase with Crowns in the in-game Crown Store when the next Chapter is released. So, patience can be a virtue!
Maximizing Your ESO Experience
Whether you choose to dive into High Isle or stick with the content unlocked by ESO Plus, remember that the Elder Scrolls Online offers a vast and ever-expanding world to explore. Understanding the difference between DLCs and Chapters will help you make informed decisions about how to expand your adventures. If you are intrested in the science behind games, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does ESO Plus Give You All Chapters?
Absolutely not. Newly-released Chapters are not included in ESO Plus subscriptions. They are available for separate purchase from online stores or through retail copies of the game.
2. What Exactly Does ESO Plus Membership Give You?
ESO Plus is brimming with benefits! Here’s a quick rundown:
- Full access to all DLC game packs available in the Crown Store.
- 1650 monthly crowns to spend on in-game items.
- Unlimited storage for crafting materials (the coveted Craft Bag!).
- Increased bank space.
- 10% bonus to experience, gold, and inspiration gains.
- Double furnishing limits for houses.
- Exclusive deals in the Crown Store.
- The ability to dye costumes.
3. What DLCs Are Included with ESO Plus?
The list of DLC game packs included in ESO Plus is extensive and ever-growing! Some highlights include:
- Imperial City
- Orsinium
- Thieves Guild
- Dark Brotherhood
- Shadows of the Hist
- Horns of the Reach
- Clockwork City
- Dragon Bones
- Morrowind (zone and story)
- Wolfhunter
- Murkmire
- Wrathstone
- Summerset
- Scalebreaker
- Dragonhold
4. Can I Buy Chapters That Are Part of Plus While Subscribed?
Yes, you absolutely can! You are free to purchase any DLCs or Chapters, regardless of your ESO Plus subscription status. This gives you permanent access to that content, even if your subscription lapses.
5. How Do I Unlock the High Isle Main Quest?
Even if you own High Isle, you need to activate the quest! Navigate to your Collections UI, select Stories, and then Chapters. From there, find High Isle and pick up the first quest, “Of Knights and Knaves,” to begin your adventure.
6. Is ESO Worth Playing Without ESO Plus?
Definitely! The base game offers a substantial amount of content. ESO Plus is beneficial but not mandatory. The craft bag is a major convenience, but you can certainly manage without it.
7. What’s Not Included with ESO Plus?
While ESO Plus is comprehensive, it doesn’t cover everything. It generally doesn’t include:
- Newest Chapters (like High Isle, initially)
- Items, mounts, and cosmetics
- Classes (like the Necromancer)
8. Does ESO Plus Give You the Necromancer Class?
Negative. The Necromancer class must be purchased separately with Crowns from the in-game Crown Store. It’s located under the “Upgrades” section.
9. Does ESO High Isle Include All Expansions?
Not if you buy the Upgrade version. However, both Collection Editions of High Isle (Standard and Collector’s) offer all previous Elder Scrolls Online Chapters to date, giving you a complete package.
10. How Much Does the High Isle Expansion Cost?
The cost can vary slightly depending on the platform and retailer, but expect to pay around $59.99 for the ESO Collection, which includes High Isle and all previous Chapters. The High Isle Upgrade will likely be a lower price.
11. What Version of ESO Should I Buy in 2024?
If you are buying ESO as a new player, you have two main options:
- Standard Edition: Includes the base game and the Morrowind chapter.
- Necrom Collection: Includes the base game and all currently available chapters up to Necrom.
Consider what content you want access to from the start when making your decision. Future collections will include newer chapters as they are released.
12. How Do You Get High Isle Armor?
You can acquire pieces of High Isle armor sets from various sources throughout the High Isle and Amenos zone:
- World Bosses
- Delve Bosses
- Public Dungeon Bosses
- Volcanic Vents
The Overworld armor sets in High Isle are Blessing of High Isle, Steadfast’s Mettle, and Systres’ Scowl.
13. Can I Buy ESO Necrom With Crowns?
Yes, you can! But, the latest Chapter always becomes available with Crowns when the next Chapter debuts. This means you’ll have to wait a little while.
14. How Long Does It Take to Do All Quests in ESO?
This is a monumental undertaking! If you estimate around 15 minutes per quest, you’re looking at roughly 350 hours (around 15 days) of non-stop questing.
15. Is The Elder Scrolls Online Worth Playing in 2024?
Absolutely! For anyone interested in exploring a vast open world, crafting their character’s every detail, and immersing themselves in one of gaming’s most celebrated franchises, The Elder Scrolls Online remains a fantastic choice in 2024.