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Is ESO Plus Worth It? A Deep Dive for Elder Scrolls Online Players

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a vast and immersive world, and for many players, the question of whether or not to subscribe to ESO Plus is a critical one. The short answer? For most dedicated ESO players, ESO Plus is absolutely worth the investment. It significantly enhances the gameplay experience, providing benefits that streamline progression, expand content access, and offer considerable convenience. However, that “most” is important. Let’s break down why, and who it might not be for.

Understanding the Value Proposition of ESO Plus

ESO Plus isn’t just another subscription service; it’s a key that unlocks a significant portion of the game’s potential. While the base game offers a substantial amount of content, ESO Plus adds layers of depth and convenience that many players find indispensable. Let’s explore the core benefits:

Access to DLC Game Packs: This is the biggest draw for many. ESO Plus grants access to almost all DLC game packs available in the Crown Store, including popular expansions like Thieves Guild, Orsinium, and Morrowind (zone and story, not the chapter if purchased separately). This dramatically expands the available quests, zones, dungeons, and stories. Note that newly released Chapters are not included with ESO Plus and must be purchased separately.
Monthly Crowns: Subscribers receive 1650 Crowns each month. Crowns are the premium currency used to purchase cosmetic items, mounts, pets, and even DLCs permanently in the Crown Store. Over time, these monthly Crowns can be used to acquire the DLCs you enjoy the most, essentially allowing you to “own” the content even if you later cancel your ESO Plus subscription.
The Crafting Bag: This single feature is often cited as the reason players subscribe. The unlimited crafting bag eliminates the need to constantly manage inventory space for crafting materials. This is a massive time-saver and allows you to focus on gameplay rather than inventory Tetris. Trust me, you will spend a lot of time inventory managing otherwise.
Double Bank Space: All your characters will receive double the bank space. Bank space is an important part of ESO as it is across all your characters on one server.
Increased Progression: ESO Plus provides a 10% boost to experience gain, gold gain, crafting inspiration, and research times. These boosts stack with other buffs and contribute significantly to faster character leveling, skill progression, and crafting advancement.
Exclusive Deals & Bonuses: Subscribers often receive exclusive access to special sales and promotions in the Crown Store.
Dye Stamps: You get free Dye Stamps to allow you to dye the outfit or armor of your choice.
Furnishing Slots: You get double the amount of furnishing slots for your housing.
Transmute Crystal Storage: You get double the storage for your transmute crystals.

Who Should Consider ESO Plus?

ESO Plus is ideal for players who:

Plan to play ESO regularly: The long-term value of ESO Plus increases with the amount of time spent playing. The crafting bag and DLC access are most beneficial to those who are actively engaging with the game.
Enjoy crafting: The crafting bag is a game-changer for crafters. The sheer convenience it provides makes crafting a much more enjoyable and less tedious experience.
Want to experience all of ESO’s content: The DLC access opens up a vast amount of new quests, zones, and stories that enhance the overall Elder Scrolls Online experience.
Value convenience and efficiency: The experience boost, increased bank space, and other perks contribute to a smoother and more efficient gameplay experience.

Who Might Not Need ESO Plus?

While ESO Plus offers significant advantages, it might not be necessary for everyone. Consider skipping it if you:

Only play occasionally: If you only log in a few times a month, the benefits of ESO Plus might not outweigh the cost.
Are primarily focused on the base game content: The base game offers a substantial amount of content, and if you are happy exploring it at your own pace, ESO Plus might not be essential.
Don’t enjoy crafting: If you have no interest in crafting, the crafting bag will be of little value to you.
Are on a tight budget: ESO Plus is an ongoing expense, and if it strains your budget, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy ESO without it.

Cost Analysis and Long-Term Value

ESO Plus is available in various subscription lengths, ranging from monthly to annual. The annual subscription offers the best value, providing a significant discount compared to paying monthly. The cost of ESO Plus can be offset by the value of the monthly Crowns, which can be used to purchase DLCs and other items in the Crown Store. Consider this when calculating the true cost of the subscription.

While the cost of the subscription can seem high, when compared to the amount of content you get, and the convenience, it is well worth it for most players.

Games Learning Society

ESO and other games offer great examples of the various learning mechanics that can be explored, such as resource management. To learn more, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

FAQs: ESO Plus – Everything You Need to Know

Here are some frequently asked questions about ESO Plus:

1. Does ESO Plus include all DLCs?

ESO Plus provides access to almost all DLC game packs available in the Crown Store. However, newly released Chapters are typically not included and must be purchased separately.

2. What happens to the DLCs if I cancel ESO Plus?

You will lose access to the DLC game packs when your subscription expires. However, any progress you made in those zones and stories will be saved, and you can regain access by resubscribing or purchasing the DLCs permanently with Crowns.

3. Can I purchase DLCs with the Crowns I receive from ESO Plus?

Yes! The monthly Crowns you receive can be used to purchase any item in the Crown Store, including DLC game packs. This allows you to permanently own the content even if you later cancel your subscription.

4. Is the crafting bag shared across all my characters?

Yes, the crafting bag is account-wide and shared across all characters on the same server.

5. How much does ESO Plus cost?

The cost varies depending on the subscription length. Monthly subscriptions are more expensive per month than longer subscriptions like 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month subscriptions. Check the ESO website or in-game Crown Store for current pricing.

6. Do I need ESO Plus to enjoy ESO?

No, ESO is perfectly enjoyable without ESO Plus. The base game offers a substantial amount of content. However, ESO Plus significantly enhances the experience and provides numerous conveniences.

7. Can I try ESO Plus for free?

Yes, ZeniMax occasionally offers free ESO Plus trials. Keep an eye on the official ESO website and social media channels for announcements.

8. What are the benefits of the experience boost?

The experience boost from ESO Plus helps you level up your character faster, progress through skill lines more quickly, and earn Champion Points more efficiently.

9. Is it easy to cancel ESO Plus?

Yes, you can cancel your ESO Plus subscription at any time through your account management page on the ESO website. Your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period.

10. Does ESO Plus give me an advantage in PvP?

While the experience boost can help you level up faster and acquire better gear, ESO Plus does not directly provide any advantages in PvP combat.

11. Does ESO Plus include the Necromancer class?

No, the Necromancer class must be purchased separately with Crowns from the in-game Crown Store. It is not included with ESO Plus.

12. What happens to my crafting materials if I cancel ESO Plus?

All crafting materials in your crafting bag will remain there. However, you will not be able to add any new materials to the bag until you resubscribe or remove materials to bring the total amount below your normal inventory limit.

13. Does ESO Plus make me a VIP?

While ESO Plus provides VIP perks, it doesn’t necessarily make you a “VIP” in the traditional sense. It simply grants access to exclusive benefits and conveniences.

14. What if I only want the crafting bag?

Unfortunately, the crafting bag is only available as part of the ESO Plus subscription. There is no way to purchase it separately.

15. Can I buy ESO chapters with Crowns that I get from ESO Plus?

No, you cannot purchase Chapters, such as Necrom, with Crowns. Only DLC game packs are purchasable with Crowns.

Is it worth it to buy ESO Plus?