TL;DR
- Free access to ESO’s base game from April 11-18, 2017 across all major platforms
- Receive 500 Crowns to spend in-game with all progress carrying over to full purchase
- Strategic character creation and Crown spending significantly enhance your trial experience
- Focus on main storylines and group content to maximize limited playtime effectively
- Previous Free Play participants retain all characters and items from earlier events
Ready to embark on an epic journey through the sprawling lands of Tamriel? The Elder Scrolls Online Free Play Week offers the perfect opportunity to experience this massive MMORPG without commitment. This limited-time event provides complete access to the base game, allowing you to explore every corner of the original Tamriel Unlimited edition.
Mark your calendars: The global Free Play Week commences on April 11, 2017 at 10:00 AM EDT and concludes precisely one week later on April 18, 2017 at the same time. The event spans PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Steam (PC/Mac) platforms simultaneously, ensuring all players can join the adventure together.
Platform-specific requirements: Xbox One players must maintain an active Xbox Live Gold subscription to participate. PlayStation®4 and PC/Mac users face no additional subscription barriers beyond their standard platform accounts.
Download availability begins immediately at event start time. If the Free Play version isn’t immediately visible in your platform’s store, refresh periodically as regional rollout times may vary slightly. The complete client typically requires 85-95GB of storage space, so plan your download time accordingly.
Your Free Play access encompasses the entire The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited base game. This includes all original faction territories, main story quests, and the extensive PvP campaigns in Cyrodiil. However, DLC game packs like Orsinium, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood remain excluded from this trial period.
New adventurers receive a generous welcome package: 500 Crowns deposited directly into your account upon creation. These premium currency units open access to the Crown Store’s diverse inventory, including cosmetic items, convenience features, and experience boosters that can accelerate your progression.
Progress preservation represents one of the most valuable aspects of Free Play. Every character you develop, item purchased with Crowns, and achievement unlocked during the event remains permanently accessible if you transition to the full game. This eliminates the frustration of starting over after your trial concludes.
Veteran participants from previous Free Play events will discover all their earlier characters, Crown Store acquisitions, and account progress intact and ready to continue. This continuity ensures your investment of time and effort maintains long-term value.
Character creation demands strategic consideration since your choices establish permanent foundations. Research class synergies and racial passives beforehand—some combinations dramatically enhance specific playstyles. For comprehensive guidance on optimizing your character build, consult our detailed Class Guide for professional insights.
Your 500 Crown allocation presents crucial spending decisions. Prioritize permanent account upgrades over temporary consumables. Mount training, additional character slots, and cosmetic motifs typically offer superior long-term value compared to single-use items.
Common newcomer mistakes include spreading skill points too thinly across multiple lines and neglecting crafting research timers. Focus on 2-3 core skill lines initially, and begin researching trait immediately—these processes continue even when you’re offline.
Combat effectiveness hinges on understanding the game’s active combat system. Practice blocking, interrupting, and dodging mechanics early, as these fundamentals become increasingly crucial in later content and group activities.
With only seven days available, efficient time management becomes paramount. Concentrate on main faction storylines and zone quests rather than exhaustive exploration. These provide the most substantial experience gains and narrative development for your limited play window.
Essential zones for new players include your starting territory (Glenumbra, Stonefalls, or Auridon) followed by the second zone in your alliance progression. These areas offer the most coherent storytelling and appropriate difficulty scaling for trial participants.
Group content significantly enhances both experience gains and enjoyment. Normal dungeons become available at level 10 and provide substantial rewards. For weapon optimization strategies applicable across various gaming contexts, explore our Weapons Unlock resource for advanced techniques.
Daily endeavors for maximum efficiency: Complete at least one dungeon daily, participate in Cyrodiil PvP for skill point opportunities, and always log out in a rested area (cities or inns) to accumulate bonus experience for your next session.
If this trial convinces you to continue your Tamriel adventures, our comprehensive Complete Guide offers transition strategies from free access to full game ownership, ensuring seamless progression continuity.
Action Checklist
- Download game client immediately after event start (85-95GB required)
- Create strategic character focusing on 2-3 core skill lines initially
- Claim 500 Crowns and prioritize permanent account upgrades
- Complete main faction storyline in starting zone for optimal XP
- Participate in daily dungeon runs and Cyrodiil PvP for bonus rewards
- Begin crafting research immediately as timers continue offline
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