Which ESO edition to buy?
If you want to try ESO and are unsure about its various versions, here is all the information you need in order to get the best value for this fantastic game.
ESO Content Model
Over the years Elder Scrolls Online has grown significantly and now has a lot of additional content. Let’s break down the difference between base game, DLCs, and chapters:
- Base game is what released originally in 2014 and includes the Alliance zones, Craglorn, Cyrodiil PVP zone, and Coldharbour.
- DLCs are smaller expansions that contain either a small zone or a pair of dungeons. As of November 2025, there are 26 DLCs in ESO, of which Imperial City DLC is free.
- Chapters are big expansion packs that came out once a year between years 2017-2024. There are 8 chapters: Morrowind, Summerset, Elsweyr, Greymoor, Blackwood, High Isle, Necrom, and Gold Road. Of these, Morrowind is free. Chapters have a larger zone to explore and include a new system that isn’t available in the base game, for example a new class.
- In 2025, instead of chapters there are seasons – they include more fragmented content chunks instead of one big zone like a chapter.
Purchase Options
As of November 2025, when you are buying ESO as a new player, you are offered several bundles:
- Standard Edition consists of basegame, Morrowind chapter and Warden class;
- 2025 Content Pass – includes only additonal content for the year 2025, not including basegame and chapters.
- 2025 Premium Edition – includes content for the year 2025, all chapters, additional classes and basegame. Note that 22 of the 25 DLCs are not included in this edition.
ESO Plus Subscription
None of the aforementioned bundles include the many DLCs that ESO has. Those can be accessed in two ways: by purchasing separate DLCs or DLC bundles with crowns or by getting the monthly subscription, ESO+ . It not only grants access to all the DLCs released so far, but also gives you all the chapters. Solstice zone (part of Content pass/Seasons of the Worm Cult) is not included in ESO+. On top of that, ESO+ does not grant access to Warden (included with Standard edition), Necromancer and Arcanist classes. Note that you can buy Necromancer and Arcanist in the in-game Crown Store with Crowns from ESO+, each class costs 1500 Crowns.
Alternative Editions and Notes
- Please read the store’s description of the bundle you’re buying carefully, as bundles may differ depending on platform and retailer.
- For PC, ESO is available on Steam, Epic Games Store and through Elder Scrolls Online website. For Xbox, ESO is also included in the Gamepass, but only the base game without any chapters. You can claim the Morrowind chapter for free in the Crown store.
- Although Imperial City DLC is free to claim in the in-game Crown Store, Imperial race is not included in it. To play as an Imperial, you need to purchase the Digital Imperial Edition Upgrade.
- There’s no crossplay or cross save between PC, Xbox and Playstation. If you want to switch platform, you need to purchase the game again and start from scratch. PC version of ESO is regarded as the best one due to higher population counts and quality of life.
Best choice for new players
If you just want to try out ESO, get the Standard Edition – it’s cheap and has hours upon hours of questing and exploration, group dungeons, three 12-man trials, 2-man roguelike endless arena and also all PvP areas.
ESO+ is a great option if you want to have access to the vast amount of DLCs without much spending. Should you cancel ESO+, you will keep all items, collectibles and achievements you got, as well as all items in your Craftbag.
If you want to have access to all content in the game, get the Standard Edition, 2025 Content Pass, and ESO+ subscription.