Want to travel to more beautiful locations within The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) universe? Purchasing downloadable content (DLC) will give you exclusive access to these contents and enrich your ESO experience. ESO offers plenty of DLCs, which are also called expansions. The game’s developers have added so many of them over the years that it can be hard to keep track. We’ve ranked them down to the best ESO DLCs so you can decide which ones are worth getting.
Best ESO DLCs Worth Getting: Ranked
We’ve included and ranked all the DLCs currently being offered in The Elder Scrolls Online, the last item being the best based on features, value for money, and gamer feedback. Take note that the developers, ZeniMax Online Studios, are always updating and adding more content so you may find new ones after a few months or years. It’s also worth noting that the official Elder Scrolls website refers to them as game packs or chapters. Without giving any spoilers, here is what you can expect from each ESO DLC.
21. Wrathstone
Type: Dungeon
Pricing: 1,500 Crowns
The Wrathstone expansion lets you access two exclusive dungeons, Frostvault and Depths of Malatar, that are best experienced with a group of adventurers. Here, you can find ruins that are not quite what they seemed at first. As the name suggests, you can acquire powerful Wrathstones by completing these dungeons. But what can these ruins give your character?
Get the Wrathstone expansion now
20. Stonethorn
Type: Dungeon
Pricing: 1,500 Crowns
The Stonethorn game pack includes two dungeons as well. It is set in Skyrim, one of the major regions in Tamriel and is also the backdrop of the latest installment in The Elder Scrolls series. There is an unsettling secret involving Castle Thorn and Stone Garden. You must uncover them and fight the monsters that you will come across along the way. You need to confront and over the castle and the garden, but there are unique rewards to look forward to once you complete them.
Get the Stonethorn expansion now
19. Harrowstorm
Type: Dungeon
Pricing: 1,500 Crowns
In this location, you will be hurled into an island that is cursed with storms. You will find yourself in an unholy burial ground where you have to face fierce witches and dangerous necromancers. It features a story that is unique from the other quest lines in the game. This ESO DLC also gives you access to two exclusive dungeons: Icereach and Unhallowed Grave. It also features a collector’s edition which gives you a new pet and experience scrolls for additional Crowns.
Get the Harrowstorm expansion now
18. Wolfhunter
Type: Dungeon
Pricing: 1,500 Crowns
As the name suggests, a vicious pack of wolves awaits you when you venture into the Wolffunter expansion. Your character will play as the hunter. If you are playing with a group, you will all be hunting and facing these wolves. Their leader, Vykosa, is keeping her minions in a citadel. Can you and/or your friends invade their Keep and defeat them? It features a new story ultimately involving the Deadric Prince, Hircine. You also get access to two dungeons—March of Sacrifices and Moon Hunters Keep—that can give you unique rewards.
Get the Wolfhunter expansion now
17. Scalebreaker
Type: Dungeon
Pricing 1,500 Crowns
Dragons! In the dungeons! If you want to face these scaly creatures, this ESO DLC gives you access to two dragon-dominated dungeons. Face them in Moongrave Fane and the Lair of Maarselok. It is intended for four-player parties where you will be challenged by strong bosses. It also has a rich story around these battles.
Get the Scalebreaker expansion now
16. Shadows of the Hist
Type: Dungeon
Pricing: 1,500 Crowns
This game pack gives you access to two Argonian themed dungeons: the Cradle of Shadows and The Ruins of Mazzatun. It features exciting group challenges and you can play in two modes. Aside from the normal gameplay, you can play on the veteran version. Just make sure that you and your group are ready up for the challenge because you will ultimately be facing a vicious boss spider!
Get the Shadows of the Hist expansion now
15. Dragon Bones
Type: Dungeon
Pricing: 1,500 Crowns
Be prepared to deal with Tamriel’s cultists if you decide to enter the dungeons of the Dragon Bones. In this ESO DLC, a plague will be unleashed in addition to the intense combat you will be facing. The Necromancers have an evil plan and that is to bring a Bone Dragon back from extinction. You need to put an end to this insanity by entering dungeons, Fang Lair and Scalecaller Peak, and battling their guards and the boss trying to bring the dragon to life.
Get the Dragon Bones expansion now
14. Horns of the Reach
Type: Dungeon
Pricing: 1,500 Crowns
Deep within the dungeons of Bloodfoot Forge and Falkreath Hold, the Dreadhorn clan are scheming to wreak havoc in the land. Foiling their plans will be tough, but you will be rewarded with new unique gear to equip your character if you’re proven worthy. You might also get some monster masks for added aesthetics. Other loots include boss collectibles and new achievements to level up.
Get the Horns of the Reach expansion now
13. Dragonhold
Type: Dungeon
Pricing: 2,000 Crowns
This expansion will give you access to the exclusive dungeons in Southern Elsweyr where you have to defend the region from monstrous dragons. Your task is to restore the ancient order of the Dragonguard and ultimately face the Dragon boss. This is the final saga of the dragons. It features amazing graphics as the dragons breathe fire to destroy Southern Elsweyr. Even cooler, you will get a new dragon-horse mount for your ride and crown experience scrolls.
Get the Dragonhold expansion now
12. Imperial City
Type: Zone + Dungeon
Pricing: 2,500 Crowns
Are you up for the race to the top of the White-Gold Tower? Though this ESO DLC is more focused on Player-vs-Player (PVP) combat, there are still a lot of content to explore on your own. Your ultimate pursuit is to find and recover the stolen Elder Scroll. There are Daedric overlords to deal with along the way, so make sure that your character is well-equipped with high-level weapons and armor. As if that is not enough, the Worm Cult is also there to make your character’s life more difficult. You also get access to the Imperial City Prison if you want more action.
Get the Imperial City expansion now
11. Murkmire
Type: Zone + Arena
Pricing: 2,000 Crowns
Murkmire is a zone just on the heels of the Black Marsh. Once you purchase the DLC, you would have to travel to it or use the Wayshrine once it’s activated. It’s along the south of Black Marsh, and you have to uncover some hidden secrets of the Argonians by going deep into the swamps. If you like the lizard-like Argonians, this will be a fun ESO DLC to get. The zone itself has a rich story, making it a must-buy for gamers who are after more ESO lore.
If you want to play more story-driven games, here is our list of the best video game stories that you can find on Steam.
Get the Murkmire expansion now
10. Thieves Guild
Type: Zone + Guild + Skill Line
Pricing: 2,000 Crowns
This is a great expansion for players who love joining guilds and proving themselves worthy of their affiliation. Once you download and join the Thieves Guild DLC, you will venture into Hew’s Bane and explore the rich town of Abah’s Landing in Hammerfell. You must confront the corrupt merchant lords of the port who are fighting your guild for power. There are also delves to explore if you’re hungry for combat. If you and your friends decide to play as a group, there are group bosses to defeat that will give you amazing loots. Gain a new skill line with new abilities to level up when you buy this expansion as well.
Get the Thieves Guild expansion now
9. Dark Brotherhood
Type: Zone + Guild + Skill Line
Pricing: Around 2,000 Crowns
Want to be an assassin? Join the Dark Brotherhood to earn new equipment and skills fitting of such a profession. This ESO expansion will hone your talents in quietly ending the lives of your enemies. It is in the Gold Coast in Western Cyradiil, promising a rich world for players to explore. The story around the Brotherhood is intriguing, promising you an addicting combination of action and lore! Enjoy one battle after another and level up as quickly as you want. It’s safe to say that this is one killer DLC. Since joining the Dark Brotherhood is pretty much like joining a guild, you will also gain a new skill line to develop.
Get the Dark Brotherhood expansion now
8. Orsinium
Type: Zone + Arena
Pricing: 3,000 Crowns
One of the most popular and well-loved ESO DLCs around, Orsinium is home to the orcs of Tamriel. You must help the king rebuild their ravaged city. If you succeed, you can watch its walls and towers rise once again! It is located in the area of Wrothgar, a land filled with ice and harsh winds. Enjoy exploring its snowy landscape and climbing up its white peaks. Can you reunite the divided tribes of the Orcs? This expansion has one of the richest stories among the DLCs, and you will also receive a new armor and a set of weapons in the process. Gain exclusive access to a solo arena and brace yourself for the action ahead.
Get the Orsinium expansion now
7. Morrowind
Type: Zone
Pricing: Free on the New Standard Edition; 3,500 Crowns for those who have the older version.
Home of the dark elves, the Morrowind DLC is one of the largest expansions in ESO. It is now free in The Elder Scrolls Online standard edition if you have purchased the game recently. If your game starts in Morrowind based on your character choices, it will automatically unlock the Vvardenfell area. You must help Lord Vivec and his city to stop the red moon from crashing down. However, you would still have to purchase it as an expansion if you have the older version of Elder Scrolls.
Get the Morrowind expansion now
6. Elsweyr
Type: Chapter + Zone
Pricing: Free on the New Standard Edition; 3,500 Crowns for those who have the older version.
Elsweyr is now free for those who have newly purchased the Standard Edition of the game. In this chapter, you will help the Khajiit as they face the monstrous dragons invading their homeland. You must save them from the devastation they are facing against these huge, scaly creatures and help them win the war. If you fancy yourself to be a dragonslayer, this is a great ESO DLC for you to get!
5. Guilds and Glory Megapack
Type: Game Pack
Pricing: 4,000 Crowns
This is a game pack that has the first four expansions of The Elder Scrolls Online. We’ve included it as one of the top five DLCs to get because of its value for money. The expansions included in this megapack include Imperial City, Orsinium, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood.
Get the Guilds and Glory Megapack now
4. Markarth Collector’s Bundle
Type: Zone
Pricing: 4,000 Crowns
This collector’s bundle DLC is one of the newest additions in ESO. Markarth is located deep within Skyrim that has an epic story to go with it. You have to find allies in order to defeat the Gray Host, a group that is seeking to wreak havoc in the region. However, things are not as simple as it seems. You must decide where your true loyalties lie because the motivations of your leader are questionable. In the collector’s bundle, you get a fancy new horse mount as well as an exotic new pet. Plenty of experience scrolls will also help you level up!
Get the Markarth Collector’s Bundle now
3. Greymoor
Type: Chapter + Zone
Pricing: $39 on the ESO Store and Steam
Also located in icy lands and mountains, Greymoor is one of the most popular DLCs in The Elder Scrolls Online. Can you save all of Tamriel from a Vampire Lord? He is out to enslave the entire region, and there are secrets to uncover. You must also beware of betrayals along the way. This ESO DLC is set in Skyrim, and you will experience everything this DLC has to offer through an epic story. You will also face new monsters who are under the command of the Vampire Lord. Retrieve artifacts to piece puzzles together. You will also gain access to Harrowstorms events.
Get the Greymoor expansion now
2. Clockwork City
Type: Zone
Pricing: 2,000 Crowns
If you’ve done some of the quests involving Clockwork City, it’s likely that you’ve already had partial access to it. This zone is truly a wonder to behold as you may have seen, and there are so many more exciting quests that you will do if you get this ESO DLC. You will fight the villain Sotha Sil and stop his plans of ruling all of Tamriel. It’s one of the vilest Deadric Threats, and Sotha Sil is also one of the most dangerous Deadric Prince in the region. You will also gain access to a 12-player trial so you can try exploring this wonderful but terrifying city with your friends. Moreover, you will receive so many new items like armor sets.
Get the Clockwork City expansion now
1. Summerset
Type: Chapter + Zone
Pricing: 3,500 Crowns
The most idyllic and most beautiful of all the ESO DLCs, Summerset is home to the high elves. It features stunning landscapes and an enchanting soundtrack. This chapter is filled with fantastic quests and you gain the skill line of jewelry crafting. Unlike the other expansions, you will have to deal with three Deadric Princes in ESO Summerset. The zone that was once closed to other races are now opened by royal decree. Aside from the nasty villains, you will have to confront racists all over the place and battle dark forces in this mystic location.
Get the Summerset expansion now
What Is The Elder Scrolls Online?
ESO is the only Massive Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game (MMORPG) in The Elder Scrolls franchise. It is set in Tamriel, which is why it is also referred to as ESO: Tamriel Unlimited or Tamriel Online. It features an extensive rich world and lore that you will often find yourself getting lost reading for hours. What’s great about it is that there are unlimited possibilities when it comes to customizing your characters and exploring the realm.
If you want to learn more about the Elder Scrolls features, its history, and how to start your adventure in Tamriel, here is our guide on The Elder Scrolls Online character creation.
What Does DLC Mean?
As mentioned above, DLC means downloadable content or additional content. Some gamers refer to them as add-ons. They are basically expansions to the world, and purchasing or downloading them will give you access to these locations that other players can’t. Getting an ESO DLC lets you explore more of the already-rich world, do even more exciting quests, and loot higher-level weapons. They also allow you to join exclusive events that give higher rewards. These DLCs are often purchased with ESO Crowns which will be explained later.
There are different types of DLCs. Some of them are mere locations and others are more of a dungeon type where you can fight higher-level enemies to gain more experience points. Others are battlegrounds (not to be confused with dungeons), and others still are more enjoyable when played with a group. DLCs on ESO also let you develop skills that you otherwise can’t grow in the standard edition. These include jewelry crafting and acquiring a new skill line. Each add-on has its unique features and, sometimes, monsters or creatures that you won’t find in the basic version. Elsweyr, for example, gives you dangerous dragons to fight. These DLCs are exciting but often come with a price. This guide will help you decide if they are worth the extra cost.
Is DLC the Same as an Add-on?
Though we’ve mentioned that DLCs are also called add-ons, this term is also often used for other additional items within the game. To avoid confusion, an add-on can be anything from custom outfits or costumes, non-combat pets, horses (for traveling), and quests to furniture, houses, and upgrades.
Are There Any Free Add-ons on The Elder Scrolls Online?
In terms of add-ons being expansions or DLCs, yes. Some DLCs are free to download, but they are often only free to those who have newly purchased the game. You will see all of the ESO DLCs on our list from the time they were released.
How and Where to Download ESO DLC?
An ESO DLC must be purchased and downloaded from the ESO Crown Store. Downloading the game content would depend on where you purchased your original game. If you are running your game from Steam, then your download will be coming from Steam. However, the purchase of the ESO DLC must be done at the ESO store.
As you can see from the list above, purchasing the expansions require Crowns, except for Greymoor which you can purchase directly with your credit card. To own Crowns, you must buy them from the ESO Crown Store. You must log in to the Crown Store with your ESO account and have your payment information ready if it’s not yet already saved. Another way to own the expansions is to sign up for ESO Plus. It’s a monthly subscription that gives you access to all the DLCs plus more perks and add-ons.
Here is where you can get all The Elder Scrolls Online DLCs. Click on the expansion you want, and you will be able to purchase them with Crowns by clicking on Buy Now.
What Makes a Good DLC?
If you notice from our list, the top five to ten expansions all have one thing in common: the presence of a good story as well as the richness of the world itself. While some of the DLCs are great for those who are seeking action, adventure seekers are better off getting the DLCs that offer an extension of The Elder Scrolls’ iconic rich lore. Loots and rewards also count, but those are only good for leveling up. Having a rich story and getting more opportunities for more adventures are what will enhance your gaming experience to the fullest. They may be a little more expensive than the dungeon-type expansions, but it’s an investment worth making as a serious gamer if you truly want a great adventure.
Other factors to consider are the characters that you will be meeting along the way in the expanded world. One villain may be interesting to one player but not so much for another. Do you have any favorite Daedric prince? It is worth getting the ESO DLC that features the villains that interest you the most. The same goes for other supporting characters in the game.
The Elder Scrolls Online is truly a wonderful game for those who love adventures and rich lore. Getting an ESO DLC is a great way to enjoy its magical world even more! Hopefully, this guide has helped you choose which expansion/s to get. Go and embark on more adventures in Tamriel!
