City Of Heroes Going Free To Play

Later this year, City of Heroes will be re-named as City of Heroes Freedom and offer both subscription-based and free-to-play models. Following their merger with free to play specialists, Perfect World, this move seemed pretty obvious.


The game, launched in North America on April 27, 2004 and in Europe (by NCsoft Europe) on February 4, 2005, involve player created characters that can team up with others to complete missions and fight criminals belonging to various gangs and organizations in the fictional Paragon City.

Similar to other subscription-to-free-to-play transitions, City of Heroes will come with membership tiers. Free players get access to eight hero archetypes, 105 power sets, 45 of the game's zones, two character slots, and the ability to reach the level cap (though the numbers are subject to change). If, once upon a time, you owned City of Heroes, you'll be counted as a "Returning Player" and will have access to everything the free players get, as well as everything that you had access to when you originally bought the game. Had half a dozen characters? They'll still be there. VIP members get access to pretty much everything, including special Signature Story Arcs (which otherwise have to be bought separately) and will get a stipend of points for the in-game shop.

Like other games, players can forgo a membership and buy only what they really want through the in-game cash store. Spending certain amounts or subscribing will give players Reward Points, which can be spent on special perks that are otherwise unattainable.

Personally, I love the move. I brought the game years ago and never got around to playing or subscribing, and I don't need an excuse to play a game involving superheroes for free. I brought the special edition, and dusting off the dust that the box has gathered has made me happy. I always enjoyed the game, but I was just so lazy.

According to the studio, the big switch-over comes in "Issue 21" which they hope to get out later this year. Will you be giving the free version a try? Are you guys happy about the move? Angry? Or like me planning on picking up the game? Either way, email me your tags and we'll recreate an Awesome-Robo inspired Justice Leauge superteam.