Mastering Crown Gems in The Elder Scrolls Online: A Comprehensive Guide
Crown Gems are a valuable currency in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), allowing you to directly purchase desired items from past and present Crown Crate seasons. Unlike Crowns themselves, which are purchased with real money or acquired through ESO Plus membership, Crown Gems are earned by converting unwanted items you receive from Crown Crates. Let’s delve into the intricacies of using Crown Gems effectively.
How Do You Use Crown Gems in ESO?
To spend your Crown Gems, navigate to the Crown Crate menu within the Crown Store. This menu displays the current Crown Crate season and all the items available for purchase with either Crowns or Gems. Each item has a Crown and Gem price clearly displayed. Simply select the desired item and, provided you have sufficient Crown Gems, you can purchase it directly. This allows you to bypass the randomness of crates and acquire specific items you truly want.
Understanding the Crown Crate Ecosystem
The Crown Crate system is fundamental to understanding how to acquire and utilize Crown Gems. Crown Crates contain a randomized assortment of cosmetic items, consumables, and occasionally, mounts. When you receive a duplicate item from a crate – meaning you already own that collectible, such as a pet, costume, or mount – it is automatically converted into Crown Gems. This conversion happens seamlessly, adding the gems directly to your account balance.
The Crown Store Interface
The Crown Store, accessible in-game by pressing the [, ] key, is your portal to all things Crown-related. Within the Crown Store, the Crown Crates section showcases the current season’s offerings. Each item’s Crown and Gem cost is clearly marked. Your Crown Gem balance is visible at the bottom of the Crown Crate menu, so you can easily see how close you are to acquiring a desired item.
Strategic Gem Spending: Maximizing Value
Knowing how to use Crown Gems is only half the battle; using them strategically is crucial for maximizing their value. Here are some tips:
- Prioritize Rare Items: Focus on acquiring rare or Apex-level items with your Crown Gems. These are often the most sought-after and difficult to obtain through crates alone.
- Consider Event Crates: Special event crates sometimes feature unique items that may not return. Utilizing Crown Gems during these events can be a good way to secure limited-time cosmetics.
- Be Patient: Resist the urge to spend Gems impulsively. Wait for a crate season that truly appeals to you and offers items you genuinely desire.
- Avoid Consumables: While consumables like experience scrolls or potions may be tempting, they’re generally not worth spending Crown Gems on, as they can be obtained through gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crown Gems
Here are some frequently asked questions about Crown Gems in ESO, designed to provide further clarity and assistance:
1. How do I view my Crown Gem balance?
You can check your Crown Gem balance within the Crown Crates menu in the Crown Store, or on the Crown Store’s main page.
2. Can I trade Crown Gems with other players?
No, Crown Gems cannot be traded or gifted to other players. They are bound to your individual account.
3. Can I convert Crowns directly into Crown Gems?
No, you cannot directly convert Crowns into Crown Gems. Crown Gems are exclusively obtained by converting duplicate items from Crown Crates.
4. What happens if I accidentally purchase an item with Crown Gems?
Unfortunately, purchases made with Crown Gems are generally non-refundable. Always double-check your selection before confirming a purchase.
5. Do Crown Gems expire?
No, Crown Gems do not expire. You can save them indefinitely until a crate season with desired items appears.
6. Are all Crown Crate items available for purchase with Crown Gems?
While most items are purchasable with Crown Gems, some extremely rare or limited-time items might be exclusive to Crown Crates themselves. Check the item details within the Crown Crate menu to be sure.
7. Can I earn Crown Gems through gameplay?
No, Crown Gems are not earned through gameplay. The only way to obtain them is by converting duplicate items from Crown Crates.
8. What is the most efficient way to get Crown Gems?
The most efficient (though not necessarily cheapest) way to get Crown Gems is to purchase multiple Crown Crates until you receive duplicate items, which will then be converted into gems.
9. How do I sell items for Crown Gems?
You don’t directly “sell” items for Crown Gems. Duplicate collectible items from Crown Crates are automatically converted into Gems.
10. Can I get Crown Gems from Daily Rewards?
No, Daily Rewards do not typically include Crown Gems.
11. Can I use Crown Gems to purchase ESO Plus?
No, Crown Gems cannot be used to purchase ESO Plus. ESO Plus requires a separate subscription.
12. Can I use Crown Gems to buy houses or storage chests?
Some furnishings for houses can be purchased with Crown Gems. However, entire houses and storage chests usually require Crowns directly.
13. How much are crown crates in eso?
A single Crown Crate can be purchased for 400 crowns. You can also opt for crate bundles: 4 crates for 1500 crowns, or 15 crates for 5000 crowns.
14. What are Crown Crates?
Crown Crates are loot boxes in ESO that contain a randomized assortment of cosmetic items, consumables, and occasionally, mounts. When you receive a duplicate item from a crate – meaning you already own that collectible, such as a pet, costume, or mount – it is automatically converted into Crown Gems.
15. Is buying crowns and crates ethical?
The ethics of buying crowns and crates are subjective and depend on individual perspectives. Some players view it as supporting the game’s development, while others consider it a form of gambling. Understanding the nature of randomized loot boxes and their potential impact is crucial before making any purchases. The Games Learning Society is a good place to look for evidence-based research on the effects of game mechanics.
Conclusion: Mastering the Gem Economy
Crown Gems provide a valuable path to acquiring specific items you desire in The Elder Scrolls Online. By understanding how to obtain them, how to spend them strategically, and by being aware of the Crown Crate ecosystem, you can effectively navigate the Crown Store and build your ideal collection of cosmetic items. Remember to prioritize rare items, be patient, and always double-check your purchases!
As you continue your adventure in Tamriel, keep exploring and enjoying all that ESO has to offer! And remember that the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for finding information and research on the impacts of games and game mechanics on society.