Star Wars: The Old Republic F2P Details Outlined

BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic is going free-to-play, and while we've gotten rough explanations from EA of how this will work, a new chart on the game's website breaks down the specifics. In short: all of the story-related content is going completely free while everything surrounding it will be limited in some way.

In gameplay terms, F2P users will be limited to three attempts apiece at Flashpoint missions, PvP Warzones, and Space Missions per week, with an optional weekly pass for unlimited play available for purchase. Operations -- the SW:TOR equivalent of raids -- are completely walled off to F2P users, though a weekly pass can be purchased for unfettered access to those as well.

There are also limitations on the size of a F2P users cargo hold and inventory, though upgrades can be purchased for both using the new Cartel Coins, which subscribers receive a regular allowance of. F2P users also face longer quick travel cooldowns, a limited number of field revives upon death, and an inability to equip "most" purple-class items without purchasing a license from the Cartel Market.

As is the case with many other free-to-play games, most of these hindrances can be cleared away if you're willing to spend some real dollars. Also, let's not forget that the game's entirely free content -- each character's main quest -- amounts to 100-plus hours of BioWare-scripted Star Wars game per character. Look at it this way: it's like having a free pass to play an entire series of new KOTOR games. Not a crappy thing at all.