Do I have to buy ESO again?
The answer to the question Do I have to buy ESO again? is no, you do not have to rebuy The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) if you already own it, as the game now operates under a single account system, allowing you to access your game from either the PC/Mac or console version without needing to purchase it again. However, if you want to play ESO on both PC/Mac and console, you will need to purchase two separate copies of the game, one for each platform.
Understanding ESO Purchase and Subscription
To delve deeper into the specifics of purchasing and subscribing to ESO, let’s address some frequently asked questions that can provide clarity and guidance for both new and existing players.
FAQs About ESO Purchase and Subscription
- Is ESO a one-time purchase? Unlike other MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games) that require a monthly subscription fee, ESO offers a one-time purchase of the game itself to play, with the option of ESO+ for additional benefits.
- Do you have to keep paying for Elder Scrolls Online? No, The Elder Scrolls Online is not a free-to-play game, but once you’ve bought it, you can play indefinitely without needing a subscription.
- Do I have to buy ESO again for PC? Yes, to play The Elder Scrolls Online on both PC/Mac and console, you must purchase two copies of the game, one for each platform.
- Do I have to buy ESO again for PS5? If you already own ESO for PS4 or Xbox One, you can upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X version for free, gaining access to new fidelity and performance modes.
- Will ESO 6 be on PS5? According to official announcements, The Elder Scrolls 6 will be exclusive to PC and Xbox, with no PlayStation version planned at the time of announcement.
- Can I transfer ESO from PC to PS5? No, characters and progress are not shared between platforms, meaning you cannot transfer your ESO progress from PC to PS5.
- Can you play ESO on PC if you buy on Xbox? While a single ESO account is used across platforms, you need a copy of the game for each platform you wish to play on, and characters and progress are not shared.
- Can I play ESO on PS4 if I have it on PC? Similar to the previous question, having ESO on PC does not allow you to play it on PS4 without purchasing a separate copy for PS4, and progress is not shared between platforms.
- Is Elder Scrolls Online free permanently? You can get Elder Scrolls Online for free on the Epic Games Store and keep it forever, but this might be a limited-time offer.
- Is ESO worth it without ESO plus? The value of playing ESO without ESO+ depends on your interests; if you’re into crafting, ESO+ is beneficial, but for general gameplay, the base game is enjoyable without it.
- What is the difference between ESO and ESO plus? ESO Plus gives members exclusive in-game bonuses, crowns, and access to all DLC game packs, enhancing the gaming experience.
- Can you play ESO without ESO plus? Yes, you can play ESO without ESO Plus; the base game is accessible without a subscription, but you might miss out on additional content and benefits.
- When did ESO get rid of subscription? Bethesda removed the subscription requirement for ESO with the release of “Tamriel Unlimited” on March 17, 2015, for PC/Mac and June 9, 2015, for PS4/Xbox One.
- What version of ESO should I buy in 2023? As of 2023, new players can choose between the Standard Edition, which includes the base game and the Morrowind chapter, or the Necrom edition, which includes all currently available chapters.
- Can you transfer from console to PC on ESO? No, it is not possible to transfer characters, gear, gold, crowns, or items between different accounts, servers, or platforms; progress is platform-specific.