"F2P, yes plz" - The Poor Man’s Guide to MMOs

"They say nothing in life is really free. To be honest, you can find free stuff if you really look. I’m guessing if you’re reading this article, like me, your pockets are moth eaten or light in the cash department. But, that shouldn’t mean you can’t have fun and play some of the best mmorpgs out in the market." - Salvador Madrigal of Str N Gaming

[AedanClarke]

Eh, a decent enough list I guess. The games listed are already rather well-known by this point though and Elder Scrolls Online isn't even out yet so... meh.

[MonkeyNinja]

Has it been confirmed if ESO is f2p or sub-based? It's on the list in article, but haven't heard if it is in fact f2p. If it is, I can officially get hyped about it!

[zeal0us]

Zenimax nor Bethesda has yet to confirm the model type for ESO

[zeroskie]

They haven't said anything, but I don't think sub based MMOs can survive in this day and age.

[NioRide]

That's actually backwards, A game that lets you buy everything instead of working towards it, or buy perks to boost your character *which all F2P mmos have* isn't going to hold a core base for long, This is why WoW has held out for so long, you actually felt like you achieved something by getting end game gear or rare drops.

Unlike current f2p games were you just drop $10-20 bucks and you have some of the best gear in the game, faster mounts, and exp boosts.

A f2p system never works, because the devs always put in all the best gear for cash. This kills pvp, and makes pve pointless since most of the stories are really bland and boring.

[zeroskie]

@NioRide,

Maybe you're right. I don't play MMOs, but I just get the feeling that the trend is moving towards F2Ps. Not saying that they're a better experience for the gamer, just that they're more profitable for the publisher, probably.

[slavezero1]

free to play i think you just purchase the game is the deal

[aliengmr]

From what I have been reading, the prediction is subscription based.

My guess is either subs or the Guild Wars 2 model.

EDIT: Though, now that I think about it the fact that its coming to consoles, might changes things.

[wishingW3L]

with F2P games you can just buy a PS4 (even without PS+) and you'll have lost of games to play day one for free. ;)

It's true that those that pay have advantages but at the end if you're skillful enough you'll be able to deal with it. Just think about it as a challenge.

[despair]

I played a few F2P MMOs and I have never paid a cent, its doable in some but my bigger problem is that I don't like teaming up with others and that's a killer for most MMOs. Looking forward to some more for the PS4 and hopefully I won't have to pay to get trophies :)

[urwifeminder]

I have been enjoying star conflict and war thunder great to jump in and out of bf heroes was good for a while I decided I have too many other games unfinished to keep up with warframe and planetside they are ok games though.

[jamz4]

Jeez, that is a horrible font! Anyway, playing tera right now and quite enjoying it, great selection of games there.

[NioRide]

Played most of the F2P games, none of them really hold my time, they just feel empty and dead...

Except for one for some reason, PSO2, but that is largely because I've played all the other PSO games.

[MeatAbstract]

I thought ESO was going to start with a subscription and eventually become an F2P? Although I dunno of there is any official word on that.

The best on the list of probably Rift, that is, if you want a straight WoW clone. It went F2P on the 12th but the model is pretty solid. If you want that WoW feeling again and MMO that offers a good raiding experience (the latest are unforgiving) then give it a whirl.

[aliengmr]

No, they will at least try to keep whatever system they decide to use. What TOR did was not part of the plan.

[Anthotis]

Champions Online is a good free superhero mmo.

[slavezero1]

i think free to play is more viable these days cause alot of people are soo busy that having to pay for something you are not able to play for long seems like a waste of money. With free to play you go as you have time and if you have some neat stuff on the item mall you can potentially make more money that if you just have pay to play. And if your more proactive to get money from your customers like in dcuo where they bring dlc out every few months and add collections makes for a good cash flow... just my opinion

[myrddincrow]

As someone who doesn't have the time to play mmos anymore I really enjoy a good f2p mmo. As I am not paying for a monthly subscription I don't feel obligated to play constantly. And since I can't play consistently I feel like I'm wasting money with pay to play mmos. ~ MyrddinCROW