The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) periodically offers players opportunities to experience the game without an initial purchase through scheduled Free to Play events. These events allow access to the base game content for a limited time, providing a no-cost trial for new and returning players. Additionally, the game features various ongoing events and reward campaigns that provide free in-game items, resources, and experiences. This article details the structure of these free offerings, how they function, and the conditions under which players can participate, based on information from official and verified sources.
Understanding Free to Play Events
Free to Play events are scheduled occurrences that allow players to download and play The Elder Scrolls Online for the duration of the event. According to information from ESO-Hub, these events happen a few times a year. When a Free to Play event is active, players can download the game on their chosen platform and access the full Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited base game. This access does not include DLC game pack areas.
A key aspect of these events is the continuity of player progress. Any characters created, Crown Packs or Crown Store items purchased, and progress made during a Free to Play event will carry over if the player later decides to purchase the game. Furthermore, progress from previous Free Play events is retained. If a player participated in earlier Free to Play events, any characters, progress, Crown Packs, and Crown Store items acquired during those times remain available for play.
To initiate play during an event, players are directed to the official website. ESO-Hub notes that sales may also occur during Free to Play events, though specific details about what is discounted are not provided in the source material.
Ongoing Events and Seasonal Rewards
Beyond Free to Play events, ESO maintains a schedule of regular events and reward campaigns. According to a report from PCGamesN, Zenimax, the game's developer, has outlined a series of events for the month of May. A month-long "Golden Pursuits" campaign is active, offering limited-time activities that allow players to earn rewards such as mounts, costumes, consumables, and useful resources. Specific rewards teased for May include a new home and a relic that can control the weather. The Golden Pursuits event runs from Thursday, May 1, to Thursday, May 29.
Additional daily login rewards are available throughout the month. These include a collection of Argonian furnishings for player homes. For players interested in other activities, daily quests for both the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood offer bonus rewards during the first week of May.
PvP activities are also part of the event schedule. Participating in Battlegrounds PvP matches awards an extra 25% Alliance Points for a limited time. Furthermore, a 100% experience point (XP) boost is scheduled for the weekend of May 29 to June 3, during which all activities yield double the normal experience.
Upcoming Game Changes and New Content
In June, ESO is scheduled to shift to a seasonal model for delivering new content, spreading updates across the year instead of through a single large expansion. This change will be accompanied by the introduction of an all-new subclass system.
A new event zone, the Night Market, is set to release on April 29. This zone is described as a limited-time player-versus-environment (PvE) area located in Fargrave. It features new mechanics, difficulty levels, and challenging encounters designed for high-level players, ideally in a group. Players can align with one of three unique factions in the area, competing to make progress. Rewards for participation include a large new house that can be upgraded through progress in the zone.
Other game improvements announced include: * Updates to the Werewolf skill line in June, with new models and balancing. * Updates to the Warden class in September and the Sorcerer class in November, aimed at modernizing combat animations. * The ability to re-spec skills and attributes for free via the user interface. * The addition of account-wide outfit slots. * An increased furnishing limit for player homes, with an even higher limit for ESO Plus members. * Faster mount training to reduce the grind of leveling up a mount.
Premium game packs, including Orsinium, Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, and Imperial City, are being made available to all players. Greymoor is scheduled to become available at the end of the year.
ESO Plus and the Crown Store
While not free, the ESO Plus subscription service is mentioned as a way to unlock additional perks. According to the official website, ESO Plus members gain access to DLC game packs, a craft bag, free monthly crowns, and other benefits. The Crown Store, the game's in-game store, features new items and collectibles updated weekly. Purchases made with Crown currency during Free to Play events carry over to a full game account if the player later purchases the game.
Conclusion
The Elder Scrolls Online provides multiple avenues for players to access content at no cost. Scheduled Free to Play events offer full access to the base game for limited periods, with player progress preserved for future use. A regular schedule of events, such as the Golden Pursuits campaign and daily login rewards, provides ongoing opportunities to earn free in-game items and resources. Upcoming seasonal updates and new content, like the Night Market event zone, are designed to enhance the game experience. Players interested in these opportunities should monitor the official ESO website for announcements regarding event dates and specific participation details.