Introduction
Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the lore-rich fantasy world of Tamriel. Since its launch in 2014, ESO has attracted a large and dedicated player base, eager to immerse themselves in the game’s expansive world, engaging storylines, and dynamic gameplay. One of the most frequently asked questions by players old and new is whether ESO is free to play. In this article, we’ll explore the details, pros and cons, and potential future of ESO’s free play offer.
Details of ESO’s Free Play Offer
ESO offers a free play option, which allows players to try out the game without having to make a purchase upfront. Here are the details of the offer:
– Duration and Restrictions: The free play period lasts for seven days and is available to new players only. If you’ve already played ESO, you won’t be able to take advantage of this offer. Additionally, the seven-day period only begins once you’ve created your account and downloaded the game.
– What’s Included: With the free play option, you’ll have access to the base game, which includes the original content that launched with ESO, such as the main questline and four of the game’s original zones, which include the Aldmeri Dominion, Daggerfall Covenant, and Ebonheart Pact. Note that the “Morrowind,” “Summerset,” “Elsweyr” and “Greymoor” expansions are not included in the free version of the game. Additionally, if you decide to upgrade to the full version of the game after the free trial ends, you’ll be able to keep your progress and continue where you left off.
– How to Access the Free Play Offer: To access the free play offer, simply head to the ESO website and sign up for an account. Once you’ve created your account, you’ll be prompted to download the game client. From there, you’ll need to follow the on-screen instructions to create your character and start playing.
Pros and Cons of ESO’s Free Play Option
As with any offer, there are pros and cons to ESO’s free play option. Here are a few to consider:
– Pros: The free play offer is an excellent way to get a taste of the game before committing to purchasing it. It’s an opportunity to explore the world, engage in quests, and level up without spending any money. Additionally, if you do eventually decide to buy the full version of the game, you’ll be able to keep your progress and continue where you left off.
– Cons: The free version of the game has limited content, which means that you won’t have access to the full range of quests, dungeons, and zones that the game offers. Additionally, the seven-day trial period is relatively short, so you’ll need to make the most of your time if you want to experience as much of the game as possible. Finally, if you get invested in the game during the free play period and then can’t continue playing once the seven days are up, it can be frustrating and disappointing.
In general, whether the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa will depend on your personal preferences and how much time you have to devote to the game. However, it’s worth noting that ESO does have a lot of content, and experiencing it all requires a significant time investment.
Maximizing the Free Play Experience
If you’ve decided to try out ESO during the free play period, you’ll want to make the most of your time. Here are some tips and tricks for maximizing your experience:
– Focus on the Main Quest: The main questline is the backbone of the game’s story and will take you through many of the game’s zones and quests. Focusing on the main questline is an excellent way to experience a lot of content in a short amount of time.
– Participate in Public Dungeons: Public Dungeons are group-oriented dungeons that are accessible to all players. They’re a great way to level up quickly and to experience group content even if you’re playing solo.
– Join the Thieves Guild or Dark Brotherhood: Both of these factions offer unique questlines, and since they’re relatively self-contained, you can complete them even if you don’t have access to the full game.
– Take Your Time: ESO is a big game, and there’s no rush to complete everything in seven days. Take your time and enjoy the experience.
Looking to the Future: Free Play and the Future of ESO
ESO has plans to expand its free play options in the future. Next-gen console owners will be able to try out ESO for free thanks to an upcoming free trial that’s exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This offer will be available to both new and current players and will include access to the base game as well as all of the expansions released up to this point. Additionally, there’s speculation that ESO might eventually transition to a fully free-to-play model, although there’s no official word on that yet.
Conclusion
ESO’s free play option is an excellent way to try out the game before committing to purchasing it. While there are some limitations, there’s still a lot of content to experience in the seven-day trial period. Ultimately, whether or not the free play offer is worth it will depend on your personal preferences and how much time you have to devote to the game. However, it’s certainly worth giving it a try to see if ESO is the game for you.
If you do decide to try out ESO during the free play period, be sure to take advantage of the tips and tricks we’ve outlined to maximize your experience.
