#19,0Final Fantasy XIV
The gold standard themepark MMORPG — free trial up to level 70.
Free-to-play check · 2026
Is The Elder Scrolls Online free to play?
No — it isn't freePaid game
No — but there's no subscription either. The Elder Scrolls Online is buy-to-play: a one-time purchase, after which the base game and its content are yours with no mandatory sub. Free-play trial weekends happen occasionally.
ESO's model is a one-off purchase rather than free-to-play. An optional ESO Plus subscription adds DLC access and perks, but you don't need it to play. Keep an eye out for the free-play events Bethesda runs a few times a year.
If you want that big, story-rich elder-scrolls-style world without paying up front, a few free MMORPGs get close.
What's free in The Elder Scrolls Online?
What you get without paying — and what costs extra.
Free
- Free-play trial events (a few times a year)
Costs money
- One-time base game purchase
- Optional ESO Plus subscription (DLC access, perks)
- Chapter expansions
- Crown Store cosmetics
Free alternatives to The Elder Scrolls Online
Genuinely free to play — start any of these right now, no subscription.
| Game | Best for | Platforms | Browser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy XIV | Themepark, Story | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | — | 9.0 |
| Guild Wars 2 | No subscription, WvW | PC | — | 8.8 |
| Throne and Liberty | Open World, PvPvE | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | — | 7.8 |
#19,0
#28,8
#37,8How we check this
We base this on The Elder Scrolls Online's official pricing model (as of 2026), separating what's permanently free from trials and paid expansions. We only recommend alternatives that genuinely start free — with no paid placements.
FAQ
Is The Elder Scrolls Online free to play in 2026?
No — but there's no subscription either. The Elder Scrolls Online is buy-to-play: a one-time purchase, after which the base game and its content are yours with no mandatory sub. Free-play trial weekends happen occasionally.
What are the best free alternatives to The Elder Scrolls Online?
Great free-to-play alternatives include Final Fantasy XIV, Guild Wars 2, Throne and Liberty — all free to start with no subscription required.