WildStar debut last June on PC with a subscription based model to moderate praise and it continued to evolve over time. Now it seems that a year later, the subscription model will be done away with and WildStar will be turned into a more free-to-play title.
Free-To-Play will allow everyone who plays WildStar to reach level 50, acquire all amps and abilities, participate in dungeons, raids, PvP, shiphands and adventures. The optional monthly membership will provide convenience bonuses and enhancements to players xp, crafting, currency, item drops and reputation. Subscribers will also get an additional additional character, costume, bank, supply, and décor items. So there will still be some benefits for those who will continue to subscribe.
Mike Donatelli, Product Director at Carbine Studios had this to say about the transition to free-to-play:
“At the beginning of 2015, we outlined key points of focus for WildStar to help make this great game even better, focusing heavily on player feedback and bringing meaningful changes, we continue to deliver on those points and feel strongly that removing the subscription cost will give everyone who loves MMOs, or just wants to have an incredible gaming experience, a chance to try WildStar.”
Carbine Studios is also going to reward those who continue to subscribe through the transition period and those who may have subscribed at one point. They have a whole set of loyalty rewards lined up for fans. They have also outlined some future plans that will go into effect around the same time as the free-to-play transition.
- Streamlining player and item stats to be much more intuitive while adding high-level options to give players more flexibility.
- Making the Amp system easier to use by unlocking all Amp slots.
- Reviewing dungeons and open world content so that the experience is challenging, but not brutal.
- Changing the tutorial and early game experience to provide a better and quicker introduction.
Check out the announcement trailer for WildStar going free-to-play.
WildStar is set to go free-to-play later this Fall on PC. For more information and to sign-up for the free-to-play beta check out the official WildStar website.
