If I buy the CE in store would I still be able to play the imperial class with the early access ? because I wont be able to pick the hard copy up til 4-4 im aware I get a code on my receipt but will that give me access to the imperial before I get the hard copy of eso? If any of that makes sense

I bought the Imperial Edition digital download so I'm not 100% sure about hard physical copies. But from my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, I think you'll only have early access but won't be able to do anything "Imperial" until 4/4.

This was on their FAQ

What comes with the Physical Imperial Edition?

This limited edition provides the full game, and unlimited access to it for 30 days, along with this exclusive collection: 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 Steelbook? 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 by the player's side. Rings of Mara: Complete the Ritual of Mara with a friend and receive an experience bonus when they play together. If players pre-order the Physical Imperial Edition for PC/Mac at a participating retailer, they'll also receive five days of early access to the game and the Explorer's Pack.

Do I still get an Explorer’s Pack and early access if I pre-order a Physical Edition?

Yes. If players pre-order a physical edition of The Elder Scrolls Online through a participating retailer, they'll still receive their Explorer's Pack and early access. Players can contact their preferred retailer for details.

That's what im afraid of because we wont have the hard copy cd key to imput to access the imperial , hopefully some light will be shedded on this

Could ve like this, could also be you get he full box 5days early, or a code on the mail.
It will be revealed further on im sure, ifnot tjen on release day ^^

I posted above.

EDIT* Just noticed it doesnt mention the ability to play the race. hmmm.

I'd be surprised if they didn't let you, but then again I can see some logic in if a game code is in the box itself, bt could be solved with a digital code sent.

I contacted support and asked and they said yes the imp would be available for EA. Contact them if you like and ask.

Was not a question and the faq only say about early access not the imp digi content, to be picky on it.

Sounds good, is that with the physical copies too?

Ye its the only logical conclusion too

Good luck with contacting local retailer about this. Went down to the local Best Buy and they said yes they can order it. When I asked if I would get the access code on the receipt or emailed to me they had no clue what I was talking about. We placed the order to see if it printed on the receipt and there was no code. They made a few phones calls to find out when I would get my code and could not give me any kind of answer. I cancelled my order and will be buying the digital version if I do it at all.

I am not going to commit to a $100 purchase and not be 100% sure I will get the promised access.

Heh, thats bad.

You will get the early access as promised in the explorer pack, however the imp digi have not been promised as a esrly access but it is only logical it will, why dont u contact the support like the guy above did. Might clear things up.
If you preorder digi imp then u will gey the code on the mail

The collectors edition made me lose all interest in this game, I won't support a company so greedy. I'll play this when it goes FTP, and never buy anything from the shops.

Guess we will never see you again, ty for you opinion, so now that you admit you will not play there is no reason for you to be here. Again ty for your commentary, it was very informative and will go into the other stack of self righteous pay to play haters....

O and your post had nothing to do with the OP's questions...

Yep, as long as you have the key on your account you should be good when EA comes.

My physical CE order with GAME.co.uk stated I would receive my code via email.

Also both GAME and Amazon in the UK in the past have delivered my online games 2-3 days earlier than the release date simple because theirs no reason not to, the servers have a live date and it wont matter if I have the boxed version of the game a week before or a month before because I can't play it till the live date anyway.

As it stands I wouldn't worry too much, I'm sure everyone will receive a code/physical copy of the game before 4/4/14 not preventing them from experiencing any content from the start at all.

It wasn't so much the code I was worried about , im sure I can play eso early but would I be able to play the imperial early til I can put in the accurate code for him if that makes sense

Well that's the "key" point: it's not clear whether physical edition buyers will have their keys during headstart. It's hard to believe the early access code is enough (considering that it doesn't mention the Imperial Edition when you apply it).

There's another thread on this topic (http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1488048-imperials-early-access/) where the only official info was: " At this time, we do not have further information on whether the Explorer’s Pack/Imperial Edition bonuses will be available in the early access event. Please keep an eye on Elderscrollsonline.com for an update on this issue early next week."

I have the ce digital that i purchased from beth, i then contacted support and ASKED if imp was going to be available for EA and the reply was yes, if you have a CE edition it will be available. Contact them i think would be the best.