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Can you play ESO without DLCs?

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Can You Play ESO Without DLCs? A Deep Dive into the Base Game Experience

Yes, absolutely! You can definitely play The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) without purchasing any DLCs. Once you buy the base game, you have access to a substantial amount of content that can keep you engaged for hundreds of hours. The original game comes with a vast open world, numerous quests, dungeons, and a compelling storyline. Think of it as a massive playground that’s already fully equipped. Let’s delve deeper into what this entails.

The Richness of the Base Game

A Plethora of Content

The base game of ESO is far from a meager offering. It includes multiple zones to explore, each with its own unique environment, quests, and storylines. You can choose from a variety of races and classes, each offering different playstyles and possibilities. The main storyline itself is quite extensive, taking you across Tamriel and introducing you to memorable characters. You’ll encounter challenging dungeons, delve into crafting professions, and even participate in player-versus-player (PvP) combat in Cyrodiil.

Character Progression

Without DLCs, you can still fully develop your character. You can level up, acquire new skills and abilities, and equip yourself with powerful gear. The crafting system in the base game allows you to create armor, weapons, and consumables, further enhancing your character’s capabilities. It is entirely possible to reach the maximum level and become a formidable force within Tamriel using only the resources available in the base game.

Social Interaction and Community

ESO is an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game), and the base game provides ample opportunities to interact with other players. You can join guilds, participate in group dungeons and trials (though some of the hardest ones will be in DLCs), and even engage in trading and social events. The sense of community is strong in ESO, and you can easily find friends and allies to adventure with, even without the DLCs. The Games Learning Society offers valuable insights into community dynamics within games like ESO.

The Drawbacks of Playing Without DLCs

Limited Access to Certain Content

The most obvious drawback of playing ESO without DLCs is the limited access to certain content. DLCs introduce new zones, quests, dungeons, trials, and even new classes (like the Warden from the Morrowind chapter, which is sometimes offered as part of the base game now). This means you’ll miss out on those specific storylines, environments, and rewards.

The Crafting Bag Conundrum

One of the most significant perks of ESO Plus, the game’s optional subscription service, is the crafting bag. This unlimited storage space for crafting materials is incredibly convenient and can drastically simplify inventory management. Without ESO Plus, you’ll need to manage your inventory more carefully, which can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re an avid crafter.

Missed Opportunities for Specific Gear

Certain gear sets and items are only available in the DLC zones and dungeons. While you can often purchase this gear from other players, you won’t be able to acquire it yourself without access to the DLC content. This can limit your options when it comes to optimizing your character’s build for specific roles or playstyles.

Is It Still Worth It?

Despite these drawbacks, playing ESO without DLCs is still a worthwhile experience. The base game provides a tremendous amount of content, and you can easily spend hundreds of hours exploring Tamriel, completing quests, and developing your character. If you’re on a budget or simply want to try the game before committing to a subscription or DLC purchases, the base game is an excellent starting point.

Weighing Your Options

Ultimately, the decision of whether to play ESO with or without DLCs depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re looking for a vast and immersive MMORPG experience and don’t mind missing out on some content, the base game is a fantastic option. If you want to experience everything ESO has to offer and streamline your crafting experience, then subscribing to ESO Plus or purchasing individual DLCs is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further understand playing ESO without DLCs:

  1. Is ESO fun without paying for anything extra? Yes, ESO is absolutely fun without paying for anything extra. The base game has a lot of content including story, dungeons and pvp to keep a player engaged for a long time.

  2. Can I reach the maximum level in ESO without DLCs? Yes, you can reach the maximum level in ESO without any DLCs. Leveling is primarily based on experience points earned from quests, enemies, and other activities, all of which are readily available in the base game.

  3. Do I need ESO Plus to enjoy the story in ESO? No, you do not need ESO Plus to enjoy the main story in ESO. The base game has a complete and engaging main storyline that you can play through without any additional content.

  4. Can I still play with friends who have DLCs if I only have the base game? Yes, you can still play with friends who have DLCs. You can participate in activities within the base game areas together. However, you won’t be able to join them in DLC-specific zones or dungeons unless you also own the respective DLCs.

  5. Are there any classes locked behind DLCs? Yes, some classes are locked behind DLCs, such as the Warden (often included with Morrowind) and the Necromancer (requires the Elsweyr chapter). These classes offer unique playstyles and abilities. However, there are still several classes available in the base game.

  6. Can I buy DLC gear from other players if I don’t own the DLC? Yes, you can buy DLC gear from other players, even if you don’t own the DLC. This allows you to acquire specific gear sets and items without having access to the DLC content.

  7. What happens if I cancel ESO Plus? If you cancel your ESO Plus membership, you will lose access to the DLC game packs that you haven’t purchased separately. However, you will retain any items, achievements, gold, or experience you earned while playing them. The crafting bag will no longer be available, and its contents will be moved to your inventory.

  8. Is ESO as good as Skyrim? ESO and Skyrim are different games with different focuses. Skyrim is a single-player RPG with a strong emphasis on exploration and personal freedom, while ESO is an MMORPG with a focus on social interaction, group content, and a persistent online world. Both games have their strengths and appeal to different types of players.

  9. Can ESO be played solo? Yes, ESO can be played solo. The game has a substantial amount of content that can be completed without the need for a group. This includes quests, exploration, and solo-friendly dungeons.

  10. Do I need a monthly subscription for ESO? No, you do not need a monthly subscription to play ESO. The base game can be purchased and played indefinitely without a subscription. However, ESO Plus is an optional subscription service that offers various benefits, such as access to all DLCs, the crafting bag, and monthly Crowns (the in-game currency).

  11. Is ESO worth playing in 2023? Yes, ESO is still worth playing in 2023. The game has a large and active community, a vast amount of content, and regular updates that add new features and improvements. Whether you’re a fan of The Elder Scrolls franchise or simply looking for a compelling MMORPG, ESO has a lot to offer.

  12. How much time does ESO require? ESO can be played at your own pace. You can play for a few hours a week or invest significant time into the game, depending on your preferences. There is no pressure to keep up with a specific schedule, and you can progress at your own speed.

  13. What are the minimum system requirements for ESO? The minimum system requirements for ESO are:

    • OS: Windows 7/Windows 8.1 64-bit
    • Processor: Intel® Core i5 2300 or AMD FX4350
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: Direct X 11.0 compliant video card with 2GB RAM (NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 750 or AMD Radeon™ HD 7850) or higher

  14. What do I lose if my ESO Plus expires? If your ESO Plus membership expires, you will lose access to any DLCs you haven’t purchased, the crafting bag, double bank space, bonus experience and gold gains, and the monthly Crown stipend. However, you will keep any items, achievements, and progress you made while the subscription was active.

  15. Is ESO similar to other MMORPGs? Yes, ESO shares many similarities with other MMORPGs. It features character progression, questing, dungeons, crafting, PvP, and social interaction. However, ESO also has unique elements, such as its action-oriented combat system, rich lore, and connection to The Elder Scrolls universe. For more on the theoretical underpinnings of games, check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Final Thoughts

Playing ESO without DLCs is a perfectly viable option for many players. The base game provides a substantial and engaging experience, and you can always choose to subscribe to ESO Plus or purchase individual DLCs later if you want to expand your horizons. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try the base game and see if it’s the right fit for you. Enjoy your adventures in Tamriel!

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