In this F2Pmeter series episode, we want to put Path of Exile’s free-to-play-ness to a test. Remember that our testing candidates begin with a 100% of free-to-play-ness, and depending on how our questions have to be answered, this percentage will change.

So, here we go!

Set in a dark and gritty fantasy world, Path of Exile (PoE) is an online action RPG that offers 7 playable character classes players are able to choose from in order to explore the dark and brutal continent of Wraeclast. Designed around a strong barter-based online item economy, the MMO delivers ladder races, competitive PvP and in-depth character customisation.

No. Since officially launching in late 2013, Path of Exile has never been anything else than a free-to-play title, which allows players to create an account and download the client to start playing without being forced to pay anything at all.

 

 

No. Designed from the very beginning as free-to-play, the game doesn’t feature an (optional) subscription feature. Grinding Gear Games has therefore incorporated microtransactions and also offers purchasable supporter packs in order to fund the development and ongoing expansion of their creation.

 

 

No. Both expansions released since launch have been made available for absolutely free and developers promise to continue to never charge for content.

 

 

Yes – -5%. Players are able to purchase supporter packs of various kinds as well as Basic Point packs via the PoE shop. There’s a wide selection of cosmetics available with Points, including pets, alternate armour, weapon and skill effects as well as animations. Microtransactions points can also be spend on additional character slots (accounts already come with 24 free character slots) and stash tabs (bank). Supporter packs contain amongst others unique armour sets, forum titles, decorative objects, the digital soundtrack and points to spend on cosmetics.

 

 

No. The items available with points or included in supporter packs don’t grant any gameplay advantage, but only allow players to distinguish themselves in the game.

 

 

No. At least as of now, there aren’t any extra UI customisation options available for money, although some PoE players seemingly ask for further options, such as alternative customisable keybindings.

 

 

Yes. Every players has full access to the game’s races and classes without any restrictions or exception.

 

 

No. In the stricter sense of the term, PoE, doesn’t feature an Auction House. However, there are "tool search" websites players can browse to contact sellers and compare their prizes. In any case, the game doesn’t restrict them in any way in this regard and those willing to sell items are free to offer as much as they like and can.

 

 

Yes – -10%. The character’s inventory as well as their shared stash is limited, forcing players to prioritise which loot items to pick up and sometimes to vendor items in order to regain space. While they are able to purchase extra tabs for their shared stash (which functions as bank) to obtain additional storage slots, the store doesn’t sell any inventory expansions.

 

 

Yes. In Path of Exile, players aren’t faced with any restrictions when roaming the entire continent of Wreaclast from its shore to the forest farther inland and the city of Sarn.

 

 

No. The whole MMO including the entirety of its end-game content can be enjoyed without any restrictions and for absolutely free. Due to PoE’s unique itemised system, end-game areas are items called Maps which grant limited access to new random world areas that contain great challenges and greater rewards. Maps can be found in high-level areas and also be traded among players and modified with mods which change their risks and rewards.

 

 

Yes – +10%. It’s obviously absolutely possible to enjoy Path of Exile’s entire content without being restricted in any way when not paying anything. Grinding Gear seemingly keeps the promise to provide everybody with a complete and fulfilling gaming experience without spending a single cent, since the shop’s totally optional purchases of in-game perks and aesthetic upgrades are designed in a way to not convey any gameplay benefit but only help purchasers create a unique look for their character and its fighting style.

Our F2Pmeter test of Path of Exile results in a great 95% of free-to-play-ness.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 30th, 2014 at 6:51 pm and is filed under Articles, MMO News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Puedes dejar una respuesta, o un trackback desde tu sitio web.