How to cancel The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) subscription in new zealand

Understanding The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) and your subscription

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game where you explore the realm of Tamriel, complete quests, and engage with thousands of other players worldwide. ESO operates on a hybrid model: you can play the base game with a one-time purchase, but the ESO Plus subscription unlocks additional benefits including access to all DLC chapters, a monthly allowance of crowns (premium currency), and the Craft Bag-a storage feature essential for serious crafters.

Subscription management across multiple gaming platforms can create confusion, particularly when cancellation methods differ by platform. At Yafee, we understand that gaming subscriptions need to be straightforward to cancel when your circumstances change. This guide walks you through your cancellation options, your legal rights under New Zealand consumer law, and the practical steps required to stop your recurring charges.

What ESO plus includes and what you pay

ESO Plus membership grants you immediate access to all DLC expansions, 1,650 crowns monthly, unlimited storage through the Craft Bag, and experience-boosting perks. The subscription costs approximately NZD $16-18 per month depending on your region and any active promotions.

You can also purchase chapters separately or acquire cosmetic items through the Crown Store, but these are one-time purchases and will not auto-renew. The distinction between recurring subscriptions and one-time purchases is crucial: only ESO Plus charges you monthly. Individual chapter purchases do not.

Subscription versus one-time purchases explained

ESO Plus is a recurring subscription that renews automatically each billing cycle until you actively cancel. Game chapters (such as Blackwood or High Isle) are one-time purchases you own permanently once acquired. If you have purchased through Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, or the ESO PC/Mac store directly, your cancellation method depends on which platform hosts your subscription-this distinction is essential.

Understanding which platform you used prevents you from attempting to cancel in the wrong location and missing the cancellation window. Yafee has mapped each platform pathway below to ensure you cancel correctly on your first attempt.

Your consumer rights and what they mean for you

In New Zealand, your consumer rights are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. These laws establish your right to cancel recurring subscriptions and receive fair treatment from service providers.

Your legal position regarding cancellation

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have the right to cancel a recurring subscription contract. While the Act does not mandate a specific "cooling-off" period for digital services, the Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits misleading conduct and requires businesses to make cancellation simple and accessible. This means ESO and its platforms must provide you with a straightforward cancellation mechanism. If you cancel before the end of your billing period, you should not be charged for the next cycle. If you are charged despite cancellation, you have grounds to dispute the transaction with your payment provider or lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission (the New Zealand consumer authority).

Yafee recommends you document your cancellation by taking screenshots of the confirmation screen or saving any email confirmation you receive. This evidence protects you if disputes arise later.

Escalation routes if cancellation fails

If ESO or its payment processor refuses to honour your cancellation request, your first step is to contact Bethesda Customer Support in writing, stating the date you cancelled and requesting confirmation of cancellation. If the company does not respond within 20 working days, or refuses your request, you may lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission, which enforces consumer protection law in New Zealand. Additionally, you can request a chargeback through your bank or credit card provider if you were charged after requesting cancellation.

How to cancel ESO plus on different platforms

Your cancellation process depends entirely on which platform hosts your subscription. Yafee has documented each pathway to guide you through the correct steps for your device.

Cancel ESO plus on PC and mac via the official ESO account portal

If you subscribe directly through the ESO website using your Bethesda account, follow these steps to cancel:

1. Visit the official ESO account portal at eso.bethesda.net and log in with your username and password.
   • Ensure you use the correct email address associated with your subscription.
2. Navigate to your account settings and select "Manage Membership" or "Billing."
   • This section displays all active subscriptions tied to your Bethesda account.
3. Locate your active ESO Plus subscription and click "Cancel Subscription" or "Cancel Membership."
   • The button location may vary slightly depending on the account portal layout, but it will be in the subscriptions or billing section.
4. Review the cancellation notice displayed on your screen.
   • This notice will confirm your current billing period end date and when your access ends.
5. Confirm the cancellation by clicking "Yes, cancel my subscription" or the equivalent button.
   • Do not close the browser tab until the system displays a final confirmation message.
6. Screenshot or save the confirmation page as evidence.
   • This serves as proof of cancellation if disputes arise later.
7. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation message from Bethesda within 24 hours.
   • If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, return to your account portal and verify cancellation status.

Cancel ESO plus on steam

If you purchased your ESO Plus subscription through Steam (the PC gaming platform), the cancellation process occurs in Steam, not in the ESO account portal. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Steam client on your computer and log in with your Steam account credentials.
   • Use the same Steam account that hosts your ESO Plus subscription.
2. Click "Steam" in the top-left menu, then select "Account" and "Manage Account."
   • This opens your account management page in your web browser.
3. Select "View Licenses and Products" or "Subscriptions."
   • This section displays all active subscriptions tied to your Steam account.
4. Locate "The Elder Scrolls Online" or "ESO Plus" in the list and click "Cancel Subscription."
   • Steam will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer you a discount to stay subscribed-ignore this prompt and proceed with cancellation.
5. Confirm the cancellation in the pop-up window.
   • Read the confirmation text carefully to confirm the end date of your access.
6. Take a screenshot of the final confirmation page.
   • This evidence protects you if Steam charges you again despite cancellation.
7. Verify in your Steam client that ESO Plus no longer appears under your active subscriptions.
   • Check this within 2-3 days to ensure the cancellation processed correctly.

Cancel ESO plus on PlayStation (PS4 or PS5)

If you subscribe via PlayStation Network (PSN), you cancel through your PlayStation account settings, not through ESO. Follow these steps:

1. On your PlayStation console, go to "Settings" from the home screen.
   • Use a controller connected to the console where you play ESO.
2. Select "Users and Accounts" or "Account Management."
   • Locate the account holding the ESO Plus subscription.
3. Choose "Account" and then "Subscriptions."
   • This displays all active subscriptions on that PlayStation account.
4. Find "The Elder Scrolls Online" or "ESO Plus" in the list and select it.
   • If multiple ESO subscriptions appear, select the one you wish to cancel.
5. Click "Cancel Subscription" or "Turn Off Auto-Renewal."
   • The system will confirm the date when your subscription ends.
6. Confirm the cancellation on the pop-up screen.
   • Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.
7. Take a photograph or screenshot of the confirmation for your records.
   • This serves as proof of cancellation if PlayStation charges you again by error.
8. Check the "Subscriptions" section again within 48 hours to confirm ESO Plus is no longer listed.
   • If it still appears, repeat steps 3-5 or contact PlayStation Support.

Cancel ESO plus on xbox (Xbox one or xbox series x/S)

If you subscribe through Xbox Game Pass or directly via Xbox, cancellation occurs in your Xbox account settings. Follow these steps:

1. On your Xbox console, press the Xbox button to open the guide menu.
   • Use your controller to navigate.
2. Select "Profile & system" and then "Settings."
   • Navigate to your account profile.
3. Choose "Account" and then "Subscriptions."
   • This displays all active subscriptions on your Xbox account.
4. Find "The Elder Scrolls Online" or "ESO Plus" in the subscriptions list.
   • Select it to view subscription details.
5. Click "Manage Subscription" or "Cancel Subscription."
   • The system will display your current billing cycle end date.
6. Confirm the cancellation by selecting "Yes, turn off auto-renewal" or "Cancel subscription."
   • Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.
7. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page using your Xbox's built-in screenshot feature (press the Xbox button and Y).
   • This creates visual proof of your cancellation request.
8. Navigate back to "Subscriptions" within 48 hours to verify ESO Plus is no longer listed as active.
   • If it remains active, repeat the cancellation steps or contact Xbox Support.

What happens after you cancel your ESO plus subscription

Cancelling ESO Plus stops future charges, but your access continues until the end of your current billing period. Understanding what changes after your subscription expires ensures you are not surprised.

Timeline and access after cancellation

Once you confirm cancellation, the system removes the recurring charge from your payment method. Your current subscription period continues until the next billing date. On that date, your subscription expires automatically-you will not be charged, and your access to DLC zones and the Craft Bag will end. Your character data, one-time purchases, and crowns you already own remain permanently stored on your account. You can log in with a free account afterward and play non-DLC content indefinitely.

What you retain and what you lose

You lose access to all DLC expansions and zones (you cannot enter DLC areas without an active subscription). The unlimited Craft Bag reverts to a limited inventory (you may need to manage excess items). Monthly crowns stop arriving each billing cycle. You retain all cosmetic items you purchased, all one-time chapter purchases, all achievements, character levels, and gear. Your account remains active, and you can resubscribe at any time without losing progress.

Returning to ESO later

If you decide to resubscribe after cancellation, your account remains intact and all your characters and progress are waiting for you. You can restart your subscription through the same platform where you originally subscribed (ESO website, Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox). No account recovery steps are necessary-simply log in and select "Reactivate Subscription" or purchase a new subscription.

Refunds and what to expect

ESO Plus operates on a subscription model, so refunds depend on when you cancelled relative to your billing cycle and your payment method's refund policies.

Standard refund policy

If you cancel before the renewal date, you are not charged for the next billing cycle-this is not technically a refund, but rather the prevention of an unwanted charge. However, if you cancel after the charge has already processed for your next billing period, you may request a refund. ESO does not automatically refund charges after cancellation. You must request a refund separately through Bethesda Customer Support or your payment provider (your bank or credit card company).

How to request a refund

Contact Bethesda Customer Support at support.bethesda.net with the following information: your Bethesda account email, the date the charge appeared on your statement, the amount charged, and the date you cancelled. Request a refund in writing and specify whether you want the refund credited to your original payment method or your Bethesda account wallet (crowns). Bethesda typically responds within 5-10 working days. If Bethesda refuses the refund, contact your bank or credit card provider and request a chargeback, referencing your cancellation date as evidence that you did not authorise the subsequent charge. Yafee advises you to keep all screenshots and email correspondence as proof of your cancellation request.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling ESO plus

Cancellation is straightforward when you follow the correct platform-specific steps. However, many players make avoidable mistakes that lead to unexpected charges or delayed cancellations. This section identifies these pitfalls and shows you how to prevent them.

Mistake one: cancelling in the wrong location

A frequent error is attempting to cancel ESO Plus through the in-game menu or the ESO website account portal when you purchased the subscription through Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox. Each platform hosts its own subscription management system, and cancelling in the wrong location achieves nothing-your subscription remains active and you are still charged. Verify where you purchased your subscription by checking your original purchase email or credit card statement. Then navigate to that specific platform's account settings to cancel. Yafee recommends you verify your purchase location before attempting cancellation.

Mistake two: not saving cancellation confirmation

Many players cancel successfully but fail to photograph or screenshot the confirmation page. If a dispute arises weeks later (for example, if ESO charges you again despite cancellation), you have no proof of your cancellation request. Take a screenshot of every confirmation page and save any cancellation email you receive. Store these files in a folder on your computer or phone for at least 6 months after cancellation.

Mistake three: assuming cancellation means immediate access loss

Players often believe that cancelling ESO Plus immediately removes their access to DLC zones and the Craft Bag. In reality, you retain full access until the end of your current billing period. You are not losing anything by cancelling now-you are simply choosing not to pay for the next cycle. Understand this distinction to avoid unnecessary panic about your immediate gaming experience.

Mistake four: not following up on refund requests

If you request a refund from Bethesda Support and receive no response within 10 working days, do not assume the request was ignored. Follow up with a second email referencing your original support ticket number and cancellation date. If Bethesda continues to ignore you after a second follow-up, escalate to your bank or credit card provider and request a chargeback. Yafee advises you to document every communication attempt with dates and ticket numbers.

Mistake five: cancelling during an active promotion or trial

If you purchased a discounted or trial subscription, cancellation terms may differ. A trial subscription might not allow refunds if cancelled mid-trial, for example. Read any promotional terms before confirming cancellation, and contact support if you are unsure whether a refund applies to your specific promotional offer.

Key steps to complete your cancellation successfully

Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step of the cancellation process and leave no loose ends.

When to contact customer support and escalation

Most cancellations process smoothly when you follow the platform-specific steps above. However, situations arise where you may need to contact support directly.

Contact bethesda customer support when

You cannot locate the "Cancel Subscription" button in your account portal. Your subscription remains active 48 hours after you cancelled. You were charged after cancellation. You purchased through a third-party reseller (such as a gift card retailer) and cannot cancel directly. You want clarification on refund eligibility for a promotional subscription. You have questions about your specific billing situation or payment method. Email Bethesda Customer Support at support.bethesda.net with your Bethesda account email, the date you attempted to cancel, and screenshots of your account portal if relevant. Bethesda typically responds within 5-10 working days. If Bethesda does not respond or refuses your cancellation request, escalate to the Commerce Commission (New Zealand's consumer authority) by filing a complaint at www.commissionerofcomplaints.govt.nz or by phone at 0800 943 600.

Dispute a charge through your bank

If ESO or the relevant platform charged you after you cancelled, your bank or credit card provider can reverse the transaction. Contact your financial institution's customer service line and request a chargeback or dispute. Provide the operator with the following: the date of the charge you dispute, the amount, your cancellation screenshot, and any cancellation confirmation email. Your bank will investigate and typically resolve the dispute within 30 days. Yafee recommends you file a chargeback if Bethesda has not refunded you within 14 days of your refund request.

Summary and next steps

Cancelling The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) Plus in New Zealand is straightforward when you identify your subscription platform and follow the correct steps. Whether you subscribe through the ESO website, Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox, the cancellation process takes fewer than 10 minutes. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period, your character data and one-time purchases remain permanently, and you can resubscribe at any time without losing progress.

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986, you have the legal right to cancel recurring subscriptions. If ESO or its platforms refuse to honour your cancellation or charge you despite your request, the Commerce Commission will investigate your complaint and enforce your consumer rights. Document every cancellation attempt with screenshots and email confirmations, and follow up immediately if charges appear unexpectedly.

Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel gaming subscriptions, streaming services, and other recurring charges by providing clear, platform-specific guidance. If you encounter resistance from ESO or its payment processors, or if you have questions about your specific billing situation, contact Bethesda Customer Support with your cancellation proof, and escalate to the Commerce Commission if the company refuses to respond. Your cancellation is your right, and Yafee is here to ensure you understand every step of the process.

Bethesda support contact information

Email: support.bethesda.net (online support portal and ticketing system). Phone: Available through the official ESO website support page for New Zealand customers. Mailing address: Bethesda Softworks customer queries are managed through the online support portal; no direct physical mailing address for ESO subscription cancellations exists in New Zealand. All cancellation requests should be submitted through your platform account (ESO website, Steam, PlayStation Network, or Xbox) or via the Bethesda online support portal.

Yafee remains committed to helping you understand your consumer rights and navigate subscription cancellations with confidence and clarity.