The Elder Scrolls Online, the long-running fantasy MMORPG from ZeniMax and Bethesda, is free to play right now across all platforms in celebration of QuakeCon 2025. The event started earlier this week and runs until August 12, giving new and returning players a full seven-day sprint to explore Tamriel without spending a single septim.
This free-to-play period includes the full base game experience. That means access to four classic ESO classes—Sorcerer, Nightblade, Templar, and Dragonknight—alongside 24 adventure zones, the fast-paced 4v4v4 Battlegrounds mode, and the massive Alliance War that’s kept PvP fans addicted since 2014. And yes, your progress during the event carries over if you decide to buy the game later. It’s a solid way to try out one of the best-supported fantasy MMOs without committing to a full purchase.
New players who jump in during the event also get a bonus: 500 free Crowns, which can be spent in the Crown Store for cosmetics, XP boosts, and other in-game perks. It’s a small touch, but it sweetens the deal and helps players get their feet wet with ESO’s in-game economy.
The offer is available on PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox—cross-platform, no strings. Even better, The Elder Scrolls Online: Premium Edition 2025 is currently discounted if you do decide to stick around past August 12. It includes the base game, multiple chapter expansions, and bonus items for a fairly generous price, depending on your platform of choice.
ESO has steadily evolved from its rocky launch to become one of the genre’s most consistent performers, thanks to regular updates, strong worldbuilding, and a loyal roleplaying community. With its hybrid combat system, rich lore, and low barrier to entry this week, it’s one of the few MMORPGs that balances accessibility with depth. Events like this make it easy to see why the game is still going strong a decade in.
Whether you’re a diehard Elder Scrolls fan or just MMO-curious, this is a great excuse to lose a weekend—or an entire week—in a world full of Daedric drama and dragon-sized sidequests. No subscription needed. Just install and play.
