What Happens When ESO Plus Runs Out? A Comprehensive Guide for Elder Scrolls Online Players
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So, your ESO Plus membership is nearing its end. Panic not, adventurer! The world of Tamriel isn’t about to vanish, but understanding what changes when your subscription lapses is crucial to planning your continued adventures in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). In short, when your ESO Plus membership expires, you’ll primarily lose access to DLC game packs that you haven’t purchased with Crowns. However, the items, achievements, gold, and experience you earned while playing them are yours to keep! This guide delves into the specifics, ensuring you’re well-prepared for life before, during, and after ESO Plus.
The Immediate Consequences: Access Denied (Temporarily)
The most immediate effect of your ESO Plus membership expiring is the loss of access to the DLC zones and content that were previously unlocked through the subscription. This includes zones like Orsinium, the Thieves Guild, the Dark Brotherhood, Morrowind (zone and story), Summerset, Elsweyr, and more.
Think of it like this: while your ESO Plus was active, you had a special key that opened all these doors. When the key is gone, those doors are locked again. You’ll no longer be able to enter these zones, accept quests within them, or access their specific delves and world bosses.
It’s important to note that this only applies to content accessed through ESO Plus. If you previously purchased a DLC game pack outright with Crowns or as part of a Chapter, you retain access to it regardless of your ESO Plus status.
What You Keep: The Spoils of War (and Crafting!)
While access to DLC zones is restricted, fear not! You keep absolutely everything you earned during your time within them. This includes:
- Items: Armor, weapons, consumables, motifs – all the loot you acquired stays in your inventory or bank.
- Achievements: Hard-earned achievements remain unlocked, a testament to your skills and dedication.
- Gold: Your accumulated wealth stays safe and sound.
- Experience: All experience points earned, including skill lines and character levels, are permanent.
- Skill Points: Any skill points you gained, including those found in the DLC zones, are kept.
- Crafting Materials: Any crafting materials in your inventory or bank are yours to keep. This does NOT include materials stored in the Craft Bag.
The exception to this is anything inside the Craft Bag, which is a core benefit of ESO Plus. More on that in the FAQs!
Planning Ahead: Maximizing Your ESO Plus Time
The key to mitigating the impact of an expired ESO Plus membership is planning. Consider these strategies:
- Focus on DLC zones: Prioritize completing quests, exploring delves, and collecting skyshards in DLC zones before your subscription ends.
- Stock up on resources: Gather essential crafting materials from DLC zones while you have access.
- Complete storylines: Finish any ongoing questlines in DLC zones to avoid being interrupted mid-narrative.
- Consider purchasing DLC: If you particularly enjoy a specific DLC zone, consider purchasing it outright with Crowns to retain permanent access. Look for sales on the Crown Store to get the best deals.
Navigating the World Without ESO Plus
Even without ESO Plus, The Elder Scrolls Online offers a vast and engaging experience. The base game provides countless hours of content, including:
- Main Storyline: The core narrative of Tamriel awaits.
- Alliance Zones: Explore the zones associated with your chosen alliance.
- Dungeons and Trials: Group up with other players to tackle challenging dungeons and trials.
- Player vs. Player (PVP): Engage in large-scale battles in Cyrodiil or smaller-scale skirmishes in the Imperial City.
- Crafting: Master various crafting professions and create powerful gear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ESO Plus Expiration
1. How do I know when my ESO Plus membership runs out?
The easiest way to check your ESO Plus expiration date depends on your platform. On PlayStation, log into the PlayStation website and click on “Subscriptions Management.” The dates for your membership will be found there. On Xbox, check your subscriptions in your Xbox account settings. On PC/Mac, log into your Elder Scrolls Online account on the official website.
2. What happens to items in my Craft Bag when ESO Plus expires?
This is a big one! The Craft Bag, an ESO Plus exclusive benefit, provides unlimited storage for crafting materials. When your ESO Plus membership expires, you will NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE ITEMS IN YOUR CRAFT BAG. The materials aren’t deleted, they’re just inaccessible until you renew your ESO Plus membership. Plan accordingly and transfer essential materials to your bank or inventory before your subscription ends.
3. Can I still play ESO without ESO Plus?
Absolutely! ESO Plus is not required to play The Elder Scrolls Online. You can purchase the base game (or a Chapter that includes the base game) and play indefinitely without a subscription. You only need PlayStation Plus if you are playing on PlayStation.
4. Is ESO worth it without ESO Plus?
Yes, absolutely! While ESO Plus offers significant convenience and access to DLC content, the base game provides hundreds of hours of gameplay. It’s perfectly viable to enjoy ESO without a subscription, focusing on the base game content and purchasing DLCs that particularly interest you.
5. When I cancel my ESO Plus membership, is the membership active until it runs out?
Yes. Canceling your ESO Plus membership simply prevents auto-renewal. Your membership will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle, allowing you to enjoy the benefits until the very end.
6. What if I go back to a DLC zone I don’t own after my ESO Plus expires?
If you try to enter a DLC zone you don’t own and no longer have ESO Plus, you will be prevented from entering. You’ll likely receive a message prompting you to either purchase the DLC or renew your ESO Plus membership.
7. Can I still use skills or skill lines I leveled up in DLC zones after my ESO Plus expires?
Yes! You keep all your skills and skill lines, even those leveled up in DLC zones. However, if those skills require being in a zone or completing a quest you no longer have access to, you can’t use them until you regain access.
8. Will I lose my house if it’s located in a DLC zone and my ESO Plus expires?
No. You will not lose your house if it’s located in a DLC zone and your ESO Plus expires. You simply won’t be able to enter the house until you regain access to the zone by purchasing the DLC or renewing your ESO Plus membership.
9. Does ESO Plus give you the latest Chapter?
No, typically the latest Chapter (like Necrom) is NOT included with ESO Plus. Chapters must be purchased separately. However, once the next Chapter releases, the previous Chapter is usually added to the ESO Plus benefits.
10. Can I buy ESO Plus for a friend?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly buy ESO Plus for a friend as a gift.
11. What version of ESO should I buy if I’m starting in 2024?
Look for the bundles that include the base game and all currently available Chapters. This offers the best value and gives you access to the most content right from the start.
12. How often does ESO Plus have a free trial?
Free trials of ESO Plus typically occur around three times a year and last for about a week. Keep an eye on official announcements from ZeniMax Online Studios.
13. What content is included in the base game of ESO?
The base game includes a substantial amount of content: the main story, alliance zones, many dungeons, and the core crafting system. It provides a solid foundation for your adventures in Tamriel.
14. Can I become a Vampire or Werewolf without ESO Plus or buying the DLC?
Yes! You can become a Vampire or Werewolf by being bitten by another player who has the skill or by finding specific NPCs that spread the diseases at night. You do not need to buy the DLC or have ESO Plus for this.
15. Is there any research done in the field of using games for education, like ESO?
Yes! Many organizations study the educational aspects of gaming. One organization to consider is the Games Learning Society. Their website, GamesLearningSociety.org, is a great resource for learning about the intersection of games and education.
Conclusion: The Adventure Continues
The expiration of your ESO Plus membership doesn’t have to be a setback. With careful planning and an understanding of what you keep and what you lose, you can continue to enjoy The Elder Scrolls Online to its fullest. Whether you choose to renew your subscription, purchase individual DLCs, or focus on the vast base game content, the world of Tamriel awaits your exploration! Happy adventuring!