How to Get the Necromancer Class for Free in Elder Scrolls Online
Unfortunately, the direct answer is simple: you cannot get the Necromancer class completely for free in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) through legitimate means within the game’s current mechanics. The Necromancer is available through purchase in the Crown Store using Crowns, a premium currency. However, don’t despair! There are alternative approaches to consider that could potentially grant you access to the Necromancer without directly spending your own money. Let’s delve deeper into these options and explore everything you need to know about unlocking this intriguing class.
Understanding the Necromancer and its Availability
Before we dive into potential ‘free’ methods, it’s crucial to understand how the Necromancer is normally acquired. As mentioned, it’s a class you purchase from the in-game Crown Store. This means it’s not included with your base game purchase or your ESO Plus membership. ESO Plus gives you access to almost all DLC content except for the most recent Chapter, but the Necromancer class is a separate purchase entirely.
The Necromancer unlocks a unique playstyle revolving around commanding the undead, manipulating life force, and dealing powerful damage through both offensive spells and defensive support. Its abilities are intriguing, versatile, and thematically engaging for players who enjoy a darker, more unconventional approach to combat.
The “Free-ish” Routes: Exploring Your Options
While a truly “free” method doesn’t exist, these are the closest options for playing Necromancer without directly spending your own money:
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Earning Crowns In-Game (Indirectly): Although you cannot directly earn Crowns through gameplay in The Elder Scrolls Online, you can leverage in-game activities to accumulate gold and then trade that gold with other players who are willing to gift you Crown Store items in exchange.
- Crown Gifting: This is where things get interesting. Many players offer Crown gifting services. You give them in-game gold, and they use their Crowns (which they may have acquired through subscriptions or direct purchase) to buy the Necromancer class for your account. The exchange rate of gold to Crowns varies greatly depending on the server, economy, and the specific players involved. You’ll need to find a trustworthy player (guilds and reputable traders are a good start) and agree upon a fair price. Exercise caution as scamming is possible, so always vet potential traders and consider using a trusted middleman if the deal involves a significant amount of gold.
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Contests, Giveaways, and Promotions: Keep an eye on official The Elder Scrolls Online social media channels, streams (Twitch, YouTube), and community forums. Bethesda and partnered content creators occasionally host contests, giveaways, or special promotions where Crowns or specific Crown Store items (including the Necromancer class) are awarded as prizes. Participating in these events can offer a chance to obtain the class without direct cost.
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Beg, Borrow… But Don’t Steal: This is the least recommended approach and relies entirely on the generosity of other players. Asking for handouts is generally frowned upon, and there’s no guarantee anyone will be willing to gift you the class. However, if you’re a genuinely positive and contributing member of a guild or community, someone might be feeling particularly generous. Proceed with extreme caution and respect for others’ boundaries.
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Free Play Events and Trials (Temporary Access): While this won’t grant permanent access to the Necromancer, The Elder Scrolls Online occasionally hosts free play events. Sometimes these events include access to DLC content that would otherwise need to be purchased. While it’s unlikely to grant you the class, you might be able to try the Class during those free play events.
Important Considerations
- Server-Specific Purchases: Remember that any purchases made in the Crown Store are server-specific. If you buy the Necromancer on the North American server, it will not be available on the European server or vice versa.
- Full Game vs. Upgrade: When purchasing, carefully differentiate between the full The Elder Scrolls Online Collection (which includes all previous Chapters and usually the Necromancer) and the Upgrade version (which only provides the latest Chapter). If you don’t already own the base game, the Collection is the better value.
- Ethical Considerations of Gold Selling/Buying: Be aware that buying gold from third-party websites is against the The Elder Scrolls Online terms of service and can result in account suspension or permanent ban. While the Crown Gifting method involves exchanging gold for Crowns, the key difference is that the gold stays within the game and the Crowns are purchased legitimately through the official Crown Store.
The Allure of the Necromancer: Why Buy It?
While this article focuses on the possibility of acquiring the Necromancer without spending money, it’s worth briefly highlighting the class’s appeal. It offers a unique and engaging playstyle that distinguishes it from other classes in The Elder Scrolls Online.
- Unique Mechanics: The Necromancer specializes in commanding the undead, using corpses as resources, and manipulating the boundaries between life and death.
- Versatility: It’s a strong class for all roles: damage dealing (DPS), healing, and tanking.
- Thematic Appeal: The darker, more unconventional aesthetic resonates with many players.
Final Thoughts
While obtaining the Necromancer class for free is a challenge, the “Crown gifting” method combined with dedicated in-game farming is the closest you’ll get to unlocking it without a direct purchase. Remember to prioritize safety, trustworthiness, and ethical gameplay in your pursuit of this captivating class. With a bit of patience and resourcefulness, you might just find yourself raising the dead sooner than you think!
Consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society, accessible at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, for insights into game mechanics, community engagement, and strategies for optimal play. Additionally, remember to play responsibly and enjoy the vibrant world of The Elder Scrolls Online!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about acquiring and playing the Necromancer class in ESO:
1. Is the Necromancer class free with ESO Plus?
No, the Necromancer class is not included with ESO Plus membership. It must be purchased separately from the Crown Store or as part of a full The Elder Scrolls Online Collection.
2. How do I buy the Necromancer class?
You can buy the Necromancer class in the in-game Crown Store. Navigate to the “Upgrades” section, then the “Class” section, and you’ll find the Necromancer available for purchase with Crowns.
3. How much does the Necromancer class cost?
The price of the Necromancer class in Crowns can vary slightly, but it is usually around 1500 Crowns.
4. What comes with the Necromancer class purchase?
Purchasing the Necromancer class unlocks the class itself, allowing you to create and play characters using the Necromancer skill lines.
5. Can I use the Necromancer class in PvP?
Yes, you can use the Necromancer class in Player vs. Player (PvP) content, such as Cyrodiil, Imperial City, and Battlegrounds.
6. Does the Necromancer class have any downsides?
One potential downside is that some of the Necromancer’s abilities are considered crimes in certain zones. Summoning undead companions in populated areas can trigger guards and result in a bounty. However, this can be managed with careful play.
7. What races are best for Necromancers?
The best race for a Necromancer depends on the role you want to play. Bretons and High Elves are good for magicka-based builds, while Orcs and Dark Elves are strong for stamina-based builds. However, any race can be a viable Necromancer.
8. Is the Necromancer class difficult to play?
The Necromancer class can have a higher learning curve than some other classes due to its resource management and reliance on corpses. However, it is rewarding to master and offers a unique playstyle.
9. Can I respec my Necromancer skills?
Yes, you can respec your Necromancer skills at any time by visiting a shrine in a major city or using a Crown Store item.
10. Can I change my class after creating a character?
No, you cannot change your character’s class after creation. Choose carefully!
11. Is it legal to buy crowns from another player?
No, it is not legal to buy Crowns directly from another player for real money. However, Crown gifting is legal: giving in-game gold in exchange for them purchasing a Crown Store item.
12. If I buy the Necrom chapter, do I get the class?
No, purchasing the Necrom Chapter will only grant you access to the zone and story content. You need to buy the class separately, unless you purchased the full Necrom Collection.
13. Where can I find guides and builds for the Necromancer class?
Numerous websites and YouTube channels offer guides and builds for the Necromancer class. Search for “ESO Necromancer build” to find resources tailored to different playstyles.
14. Can I use a gamepad with the Necromancer class?
Yes, you can use a gamepad to play the Necromancer class. The game is fully compatible with gamepads on PC and consoles.
15. What skills are essential for a beginner Necromancer?
Essential skills for a beginner Necromancer include Grave Lord skills (like Skeletal Mage), Bone Tyrant skills (like Bone Armor), and Living Death skills (like Spirit Guardian). Experiment and find what suits your playstyle!