Right now, one of the biggest things on the horizon for gaming is the impending release of Bethesda’s big MMO, The Elder Scrolls Online, which is currently in a Closed Beta stage. Every week seems to bring some new information for us to spread around our friends and yesterday brought a pretty big one. TESO will have a special release pack called the Imperial Pack, which seems to be the only way so far that you can play as an Imperial.

The pack comes with many extras included with the game besides the ability to play as an Imperial, who are the only type of character able to ally themselves with any of the three factions that make up TESO’s world. The content of the Imperial Pack is:

• Molag Bal Statue. A 30.5 cm 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 53.3 cm x 66 cm 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.
• Rings of Mara: Complete the Ritual of Mara with a friend and receive an experience bonus when you play together.

The recommended retail price for the pack though is £69.99/$79.99 though which is additional to pay on top of a subscription fee TESO will require in an era of free-to-play MMOs. The standard game purchase is set to be about £39.99-£49.99 so it’s up the individual if they believe the extras on offer and the chance to play as an Imperial is worth the extra money spent.