Bethesda Announces “Elder Scrolls Online” Imperial Edition

Collectors Edition Includes Bonuses for Digital and Physical Releases

By Paolo Succi on January 29, 2014 at 10:40am

Bethesda announced the bonuses for the digital and physical collector's editions. The physical edition will retail for $100, and the digital for $80 and include perks for "ESO" players.

The physical collector's edition, the "Physical Imperial Edition," includes:

• Molag Bal Statue. A 12” statue featuring Molag Bal, Daedric Prince of domination and enslavement.


• "The Improved Emperor’s Guide to Tamriel." A 224-page illustrated guide annotated by the Imperial scholar, Flaccus Terentius.


• Physical Map of Tamriel. A 21” x 26” printed map detailing Alliance-controlled zones and the ultimate conquest: Cyrodiil.


• Steelbook™ Packaging. A limited edition steel case decorated in the color of the Imperials.


• Exclusive Collection of Digital Content (listed below)

The "Digital Imperial Edition" ($80) will not include the physical items, and will only offer "Elder Scrolls Online" base game with digital content:

• Play as an Imperial: Become an Imperial and play in any Alliance. Gain unique bonuses, crafting styles, gear, and more.


• White Imperial Horse: Summon this Imperial mount and journey through Tamriel with speed.


• Mudcrab Vanity Pet: Explore Tamriel with a mudcrab pet scuttling along by your side.


• Rings of Mara: Complete the Ritual of Mara with a friend and receive an experience bonus when you play together.

Those who pre-order or pre-purchase either the Imperial Edition or the Standard Edition in physical or digital formats will also receive "The Explorer’s Pack" bonus at launch, which includes: Scuttler vanity pet, four bonus treasure maps, and the ability to play as any of the nine races in any Alliance. Further, those pre-ordering on Mac or PC will be granted early access privileges, allowing access five days before the official release.

The digital content has already sparked debate on Reddit over the ethics of locking a race behind a paywall. What are your thoughts? Is this completely unfair or simply a reality of the modern gaming market?