Subscription-based MMOs are few and far between, though Guild Wars has always been an interesting deviation from the pack. The first game required a purchase of the game upfront, but then everything afterwards (except expansions) was free – no subscription required. The same applied for Guild Wars 2 until today. ArenaNet has announced that the core game has now gone free-to-play in anticipation of the release of its first expansion: Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns.
Players who download the game today will not have to pay for any content unless they would like to engage with the upcoming expansion pack. However, restrictions will be applied to discourage any disruption of the world and its economy. For example, players will have to reach level 10 in order to leave the starter zones, along with various other level restrictions. There will be minor chat and economy restrictions, as well as fewer character and bag slots. Buying the game will strip the restrictions, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the majority of the Guild Wars 2 experience.
The extremely popular MMO title will release its first major expansion on October 23, 2015.