Is ESO Plus Worth It?

In The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), players have the freedom to choose whether or not to subscribe to the optional ESO+ subscription service. Unlike other MMOs that require a monthly subscription fee, ESO offers a one-time purchase of the game itself in order to play it. However, ESO+ provides additional benefits and unlocks for those who opt for the subscription. In this article, we will delve into the features and advantages of ESO+ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

How Much is ESO Plus Membership?

First and foremost, let’s address the financial aspect. ESO Plus membership offers several pricing packages (See Above), with the base fee set at $14.99 for the monthly subscription. Opting for longer durations, such as three, six, or twelve months, yields reduced monthly costs and increased yield of Crowns to use in the Crown Store. It is important to note that subscriptions automatically renew, meaning you will need to cancel if you wish to discontinue the membership before the renewal date.

What Do You Get With ESO Plus?

The ESO Plus membership comes with many built-in perks. This includes

• Full access to all DLC game packs
• Unlimited storage for crafting materials
• 1650 Crowns per month
• Double bank space for all characters
• 10% increase to Gold and Experience gained
• 10% bonus to Crafting Inspiration and Trait Research rates
• Exclusive ability to dye costumes
• Double Capacity for Transmute Crystals
• Exclusive Crown Store deals

Free DLC Access

ESO Plus introduces players to a wealth of additional content through its DLC offerings. Accessible zones include Wrothgar, Hew’s Bane, Gold Coast, Vvardenfell, Clockwork City, Summerset, Artaeum, Murkmire, Northern and Southern Elsweyr, Western Skyrim, and The Reach. Furthermore, the membership opens the doors to 22 unique dungeons, three arenas, and seven trials, providing a vast array of diverse challenges and experiences.

It’s very important to note that the newest Expansion that is live in ESO (currently Necrom) will not be included with the purchase of an ESO Plus membership and must be purchased separately or if you’re patient, once the next expansion drops, then the last one is granted to you.

The Crafting Bag

One of the standout benefits of ESO Plus is the inclusion of the crafting bag. Crafting in ESO encompasses various disciplines, necessitating the acquisition and storage of numerous ingredients and materials. The crafting bag offers infinite storage capacity, providing an invaluable convenience for players engrossed in this aspect of the game. Without this feature, managing crafting materials becomes considerably more difficult, time-consuming, and at high-level end game crafting nearly impossible.

Free Crowns

ESO+ grants subscribers 1,650 Crowns per month, valued at $12.99. These Crowns can be used to purchase cosmetics, DLC (excluding expansions), and loot crates. While not essential, they allow for customization options and can be saved up for more practical upgrades such as on-the-go merchants or account upgrades/enhancements or to purchase mounts or housing. We recommend checking out our article on The Best Way to Spend Crowns in ESO for guidance.

Gold, XP, and Crafting Bonuses

ESO+ subscribers enjoy a 10% increase in gold acquisition, XP gain, and faster crafting research. Although leveling and wealth accumulation are already quite manageable, these bonuses expedite character progression and wealth accumulation, particularly for new players just getting started.

Costume Dying

While costumes in ESO can be worn without an ESO+ subscription, the ability to change their colors is exclusive to subscribers. With ESO+, players can personalize their costumes by dyeing them at stations, using colors earned through achievements adding a unique flair to already fun-to-use Costumes.

Do You Need ESO Plus to Play ESO?

No, it is not essential to have an ESO+ subscription to enjoy the game. Players can fully experience ESO without the crafting bag, cosmetics, XP boosts, and DLC content. The base game offers substantial content, and crafting is optional, as players can gather resources as needed and discard the rest.

If you are new to the game and still exploring, it may not be necessary to immediately subscribe to ESO+. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the gameplay and determine your level of enjoyment. However, if you find yourself invested in the game and its features, the $11 monthly subscription fee becomes a worthwhile investment. ESO+ provides significant savings on DLC purchases and offers a wide range of additional rewards and benefits.

For dedicated crafters, the crafting bag is an indispensable tool, making ESO+ highly recommended. Check out our article on ESO Crafting Bag Explained for more details as to why this item alone is worth the ESO+ subscription. If you are already deeply engaged in the game and know that you enjoy it, subscribing to ESO+ will undoubtedly enhance your experience.

Downsides To ESO Plus

While ESO Plus boasts numerous advantages, it is essential to acknowledge potential drawbacks. Automatic renewal can catch players unaware if they forget to cancel their subscription when necessary. Moreover, once the membership expires, new items cannot be added to the Crafting Bag which can be a huge nuisance once you are used to the infinite capacity you had previously.

Another aspect that occasionally frustrates players is the randomized selection of DLC dungeons during matchmaking. Those seeking quick and straightforward runs might find themselves unexpectedly tackling more challenging DLC dungeons, disrupting their intended gameplay experience.

The Final Word

Ultimately, ESO+ is an optional subscription service that brings a multitude of advantages to The Elder Scrolls Online. While not essential, it offers a range of benefits, including DLC access, the crafting bag, free Crowns, XP and inventory bonuses, and costume customization. Whether or not to subscribe ultimately depends on your preferences and level of engagement with the game.

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