Elder Scrolls Online Beta Weekend Lets You Become Imperial

Update: The beta weekend has launched with some big changes to the game.

Original article: The Elder Scrolls Online beta will return one final time this upcoming Friday. The weekend event will let you try out some bonus content from the full version of the game.

"This is our final large-scale beta event before Early Access. Join us from Friday, March 14th at 12:00PM EDT until Sunday, March 16th at 11:59PM EDT," ZeniMax says in the email invites now being sent out.

ZeniMax lifted the non-disclosure agreement on the beta last month. This means that players can now share videos, screenshots and information on the test.

If you haven't tested the game before, you'll need to create an account and then download the full client. ZeniMax lets you preload the files before the weekend, which is a great thing because the game's huge. If you've played in prior beta tests, the process for getting ready is a bit easier.

"All you need to do is run your launcher and let it patch! Remember to log in with your UserID, not your email address. You can chose to play on the NA or EU Megaserver, and you can play the game in the language of your choice. Your previous characters will await you on whichever server you pick."

If recent beta weekends were any indication, you've got a very strong chance of getting into the beta. ZeniMax previously promised to invite everyone who signed up to at least one event. Even if you didn't sign up, you can get a key through the various giveaways sure to be announced soon.

During the beta weekend, you can try out the digital extras included in the Explorer Pack. The Explorer Pack, provided with any pre-order of ESO, allows you to create a character from any race regardless of what alliance you choose. The pack also includes a scuttler vanity pet and a few treasure maps.

ZeniMax is also using the final beta as an opportunity to show off the Imperial Edition's digital extras. The Imperial Edition, the game's Collector's Edition equivalent, allows players to create an Imperial character in any alliance. They'll also get a white horse and the ability to make their current equipment look like Imperial soldier garb. The other bonuses in the Imperial Edition include a mudcrab vanity pet and two Rings of Mara, which boost the experience gains for you and a friend.

Like the last beta weekend, this upcoming event will provide a bonus monkey pet to anyone who participates. The pet will be unlocked for your account when the game officially launches in April.