Age of Conan Free-to-Play Launches

Funcom’s Age of Conan took the today to prepare for the launch of its Free-to-Play version of the game.  The free version, Age of Conan: Unchained, gives new players (or players that don’t feel like paying a subscription) an opportunity to explore a large chunk of Hyboria.

Free-to-play players will have access to four out of the twelve playable classes.  In terms of exploration, free players will get to play everything in Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, and will get to explore the Gateway to Khitai from Age of Conan: Rise of the God Slayer.  Free users can also expect to play through non-premium type dungeons and have access to two raids.  However, a non-subscription cannot participate in seiges.

Compared to premium subscribers, the F2P’ers will only get 50% of the personal bank space, two character slots (compared to 8 for premium), full access to Guild Renown.  In addition, the free version of the game comes with Basic mount training, no alternative advancement, offline leveling or veteran points.

Free players will be able to interact with premium subscribers, but will only have access to private message chat channels; a precaution against in-game spammers.  The hybrid model won’t impact paid subscribers, and if free players are interested in getting a full subscription, the billing system can take care of it quickly.

Check out the FAQ here.