Alright, let’s talk about this whole “Ring of Mara” business in Elder Scrolls Online. I gotta say, it was a bit of a journey for me, so buckle up.
First off, I heard about this thing called the “Pledge of Mara.” Basically, it’s like a key to unlocking this special ring that gives you and your buddy an XP boost. Sounded pretty sweet, right? So, naturally, I wanted in. But here’s the thing, I learned you either have to buy the Imperial Edition of the game, which comes with the “Pledge of Mara” or you can buy the “Pledge of Mara” alone in the game. Well, I bought the Imperial Edition a long time ago, so I figured I was all set.

Next step, I grabbed my buddy, the one I wanted to share this XP goodness with. We headed to a “Shrine of Mara.” These things are scattered around major cities, so they weren’t too hard to find. Now, since I was the one with the “Pledge of Mara” from the Imperial Edition, I had to put it in one of my quick slots. I equipped it and got ready to use it.
We both stood in front of the shrine, and I used the pledge by pressing “Q” as instructed. A little ceremony happened in the game – pretty basic stuff. And just like that, we both got this “Ring of Mara.” We quickly equipped the rings.
Here’s the kicker, though. This XP boost is only active if both of you are wearing the ring AND you’re online at the same time AND you’re grouped together. Yeah, a bit of a bummer. Plus, it takes up a ring slot, which can be annoying if you’ve got a specific build in mind. I mean, sacrificing a set piece for an XP boost? It’s a tough call sometimes.
Another thing I found out the hard way – once you use the “Pledge of Mara,” it’s gone. You can’t get it back. But, you can marry another player if you want to, either by buying another “Pledge of Mara” or the Imperial Edition again. As for the ring, I think it sticks around even if you decide to “remarry” in the game.
So, is the Ring of Mara worth it? Honestly, it depends. If you and a friend are planning to grind a lot together, that 10% XP boost can be pretty nice. But if you’re more of a solo player, or you don’t play with the same person consistently, it might not be worth the hassle. It’s definitely something to think about before you take the plunge!