The announcement of Seasons of the Worm Cult and the 2025 Content Pass has stirred some confusion among ESO Plus subscribers. But rest assured – ESO Plus remains a fantastic value, and the new content promises an exciting year for Elder Scrolls Online players.
What’s New in 2025: Seasons of the Worm Cult
This year marks a fresh direction for ESO, introducing the game’s first-ever seasonal content with Seasons of the Worm Cult. The season kicks off on June 18 for Xbox players and will bring new storylines, a brand-new zone, and plenty of world content to explore.
Content Pass vs. ESO Plus – Clearing Up the Confusion
Since the announcement in April, many players have wondered how the new Content Pass will affect ESO Plus subscribers, especially regarding access to DLC dungeons.
Historically, accessing new dungeons required either an active ESO Plus subscription or buying them individually from the in-game Crown Store. Some feared that the new dungeons might be removed from the ESO Plus subscription and locked behind the Content Pass. However, this is not the case. ESO Plus subscribers will continue to get immediate access to all newly released dungeons, while the Content Pass offers permanent ownership of these dungeons.
What Is the Content Pass?
The Standard Edition of ESO ($19.99 / £14.99 / €19.99) is simply the base game with no extras.
The new Content Pass ($49.99 / £44.99 / €54.99) grants players who already own ESO access to all upcoming Seasons of the Worm Cult content, including four DLC dungeons and several other rewards.
The Premium Edition ($79.99 / £74.99 / €89.99) bundles the base game, Content Pass, this year’s DLC dungeons, and access to all previously released Chapters.
The Content Pass price is about $10 more than last year’s Gold Road Chapter, but it delivers more value by including permanent access to this year’s four DLC dungeons – a feature not seen in previous Chapters. If you don’t subscribe to ESO Plus and buy dungeons separately, you might already be spending this extra amount each year.
Additional Notes
A brand-new Trial will be added free with Update 46 – likely funded by the increased Content Pass price.
The first-ever server-wide event, Writhing Wall, will be free for all players, though it takes place in the Solstice Zone, accessible only with the Content Pass. This could be an oversight or something to watch for closer to launch.
ESO Plus Subscription Benefits
ESO Plus remains ESO’s premium subscription, priced at $14.99 / £8.99 / €12.99 per month. Its benefits are only available during an active subscription period.
ESO Plus subscribers get immediate access to all newly released dungeons without buying them outright.
Unlike the Content Pass, ESO Plus access to dungeons is essentially a rental – if your subscription ends, you lose access.
Subscribers also get access to all previously released dungeons.
This year, ESO Plus gains a new Furnishing Vault, providing an additional storage container for up to 100 stacks of furnishings for your homes.
Two companions, Tanlorin and Zerith-Var, are included with ESO Plus. Non-subscribers must purchase these companions separately.
Importantly, ESO Plus pricing is staying the same for now, making it a strong value for dedicated players who want ongoing access without large upfront costs.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If you want permanent ownership of all this year’s new content and DLC dungeons, the Content Pass is the way to go.
If you prefer to pay monthly for continuous access to all dungeons and subscription perks (like furnishing vaults and companions), ESO Plus remains a great deal.
New players looking for the entire ESO experience bundled together may prefer the Premium Edition for one convenient purchase.
If you’re looking to enhance your gameplay experience even further, having plenty of ESO gold and ESO items can make a big difference. Gold helps with upgrading gear, crafting, buying consumables, or furnishing your home, while rare items can give you an edge in dungeons and trials. Whether you earn them through gameplay or acquire them through safe, reliable sources, having a solid stockpile of cheap ESO gold and items will help you get the most out of all the new content coming this year.
