Unlocking the Crown Jewel: Understanding Free Crowns in ESO Plus
At its core, the concept of “free” crowns in ESO Plus is somewhat of a misnomer. You don’t actually get crowns without paying something. Instead, it’s more accurate to describe it as a monthly crown stipend that comes as one of the key benefits of subscribing to ESO Plus, the premium subscription service for The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). As an ESO Plus member, you receive a set amount of crowns each month, which can then be spent in the in-game Crown Store. Think of it like a bonus allowance for dedicated players.
Diving Deeper: The ESO Plus Crown Allowance
The exact number of crowns you receive depends on the length of your ESO Plus subscription.
- Monthly Subscription: 1650 crowns are awarded at the start of each 30-day membership period.
- 90-Day Subscription: 4950 crowns are awarded.
- 180-Day Subscription: 9900 crowns are awarded.
- 365-Day Subscription: 19800 crowns are awarded.
These crowns are immediately available to use as soon as they are granted. They don’t expire, so you can save them up over multiple months to purchase more expensive items.
What Can You Buy with Your Crowns?
The Crown Store is filled with a variety of items ranging from cosmetic upgrades to quality-of-life improvements. Here’s a glimpse of what your “free” crowns can get you:
- Mounts: Stylish steeds to travel Tamriel in style.
- Costumes: Outfit your character in unique attire.
- Pets: Companions that follow you on your adventures.
- XP Scrolls: Boost your experience gain to level up faster.
- Potions: Enhance your character’s abilities.
- Race Change Tokens: Modify your character’s race.
- DLC Game Packs: Expand your game with new zones, storylines, and dungeons.
- Crown Crates: Lottery-style boxes containing a random assortment of items.
The Value Proposition: Are ESO Plus Crowns Worth It?
The value of these “free” crowns is subjective and depends on your play style and spending habits. If you frequently purchase items from the Crown Store, then ESO Plus can be a cost-effective way to obtain crowns, especially considering all the other benefits it offers, such as access to all DLC game packs and the crafting bag. However, if you rarely use the Crown Store, then the crown stipend may not be a significant factor in your decision to subscribe.
Beyond the Crowns: Other ESO Plus Benefits
It’s crucial to remember that the crowns are just one piece of the ESO Plus puzzle. The subscription also grants access to all DLC game packs (excluding the latest Chapter), the invaluable crafting bag (unlimited storage for crafting materials), double bank space, increased experience gain, and other perks. These benefits collectively enhance the overall ESO experience and can be particularly appealing to dedicated players.
Navigating the Crown Store: A Beginner’s Guide
For new players, navigating the Crown Store can be overwhelming. Consider these tips when deciding how to spend your crowns:
- Prioritize essential upgrades: If you’re just starting out, focus on items that will enhance your gameplay experience, such as XP scrolls or potions.
- Consider DLC game packs: If you plan to play for a long time, purchasing DLC game packs with your crowns can unlock significant amounts of new content.
- Don’t rush: Take your time to browse the Crown Store and see what items appeal to you.
- Read reviews: Before making a purchase, read reviews from other players to get an idea of the item’s quality and usefulness.
- Remember cosmetic items are permanent: Once purchased, cosmetic items like costumes and mounts are unlocked for all your characters on that account forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ESO Plus Crowns
1. Can I get ESO crowns without ESO Plus?
Yes, you can purchase crowns directly from the Crown Store using real money. ESO Plus provides a discounted way to acquire crowns alongside other benefits. Also, all new ESO accounts are gifted 500 free crowns for use in the in-game Crown Store.
2. Are ESO Plus crowns tradeable?
No, crowns cannot be directly traded or gifted to other players. However, players can use crowns to purchase items from the Crown Store and gift those items to other players. This is commonly done in exchange for in-game gold.
3. What happens to my crowns if I cancel ESO Plus?
The crowns you’ve already received remain on your account and do not disappear when your ESO Plus subscription expires. You can spend them at any time, even without an active subscription.
4. Can I earn crowns in-game without paying real money?
Not directly. The only way to get crowns without paying real money is through the ESO Plus subscription or by trading in-game gold with other players who are willing to gift you items from the Crown Store in exchange. This falls under the broader concept of games and learning, where players develop economic skills and strategic thinking. For more on that, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
5. How often do I receive my ESO Plus crowns?
If you have a monthly subscription, you receive your crowns at the start of each 30-day membership period. Longer subscriptions grant the full crown allowance upfront.
6. Do ESO Plus crowns expire?
No, ESO Plus crowns do not expire. You can save them indefinitely and spend them whenever you choose.
7. Can I use ESO Plus crowns to buy ESO Plus itself?
No, you cannot use crowns to purchase ESO Plus subscriptions. ESO Plus must be purchased with real money.
8. What’s the best way to spend my ESO Plus crowns as a new player?
Consider purchasing XP scrolls to level up faster or a helpful pet. DLC game packs are also a good investment if you plan to play the game extensively.
9. Are DLC game packs permanently unlocked with ESO Plus?
No, access to DLC game packs is only available while your ESO Plus subscription is active. If you want to permanently unlock a DLC, you need to purchase it separately with crowns or real money.
10. Does ESO Plus include the latest Chapter?
No, ESO Plus typically does not include the latest Chapter (e.g., Necrom). Chapters must be purchased separately with crowns or real money.
11. What is the crafting bag, and why is it important?
The crafting bag is an exclusive ESO Plus feature that provides unlimited storage for all crafting materials. This is incredibly valuable as it frees up inventory space and allows you to collect resources without worrying about encumbrance.
12. What are Crown Gems, and how do I get them?
Crown Gems are a currency earned by receiving duplicate items from Crown Crates. You can also extract gems from unwanted items within the Crown Crate menu. Crown Gems can be used to purchase specific items directly from the Crown Crate store.
13. Is ESO worth playing without ESO Plus?
Yes, ESO offers a substantial amount of content in the base game. While ESO Plus provides significant benefits, it’s not essential to enjoy the game. Many players enjoy ESO for years without ever subscribing.
14. How much does ESO Plus cost?
The cost of ESO Plus varies depending on the subscription length. A monthly subscription is generally more expensive than a longer-term subscription, such as a 12-month plan.
15. Can I gift ESO Plus to another player?
No, you cannot directly gift an ESO Plus subscription to another player. You can, however, purchase items from the Crown Store using your crowns and gift those items to another player.