Worried that those who put down the cash to buy the Imperial Edition of The Elder Scrolls Online will have an advantage over those that go for the cheaper editions? Don't be, according to a post on
theelderscrollsonline.com.
According to the post, playing as an Imperial is a primarily an opportunity to set yourself "visually apart" in the game.
"Gameplay benefits within this edition have been designed to avoid bestowing unfair advantages over players who do not purchase this special edition. This is cool content designed for some of our biggest fans who wish to have something different from other collector’s editions in the market. The only other alternative would have been to offer a collector’s edition that offers no in-game items whatsoever. That simply didn’t seem fair to fans who are excited about the game and want some special digital items," the post says.
It's also interesting to note that the Imperial character you'll play in the Imperial Edition isn't part of an Imperial Alliance. Instead you'll be playing as a "rogue Imperial" who has rejected the Imperial's Daedra worship.
"Imperials do not begin the game in a unique starting location or via a separate quest, but they can start in any alliance as befits their status as un-aligned outcasts of their own Province. Being an Imperial includes a racial skill line that offers unique gameplay opportunities, but there is not an overall gameplay advantage," the post said.
And the Imperial horse is in the pack is just a really pretty horse. It's not faster than other horses, according to the post.
All that said and done, if you want to roll Imperial, you'll still have to put down the cash.
The physical version of the Imperial Edition costs $99.99 and includes these extras.
- 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.
- 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.
The digital version of the Imperial Edition costs $79.99 and includes only the digital extras.
Also, pre-ordering the Imperial edition or the $59.99 standard edition, either physically or digitally, offers its own bonuses, including a scuttler vanity pet, four bonus treasure maps and, perhaps most importantly for those who want to play their way, the ability to play any race in any Alliance. Those who pre-order on Mac of PC will also get access to the game five days early.
The Elder Scrolls Online releases to the PC and Mac on April 4, 2014 and to the Xbox One and PS4 in June of 2014.
