Here we are with another instalment of our F2Pmeter series, this time having a closer look at the free-to-play-ness of Firefall, a pretty popular MMO shooter in which players are able to explore a vast open world with vehicles and gliders and use different warframes/ classes they will level up independently as they engage in fast-paced battles. The game’s environments are designed in a way as to provide exploration and combat with a vertical dimension.
Feel free to check out our exclusive review in order to find out more about this game.
Can it be played for absolutely free? Let’s find out!
Just a quick reminder 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.
No. Everyone has the chance to create an account and play without being charged, although there are various starter packs on offer for purchase, which contain useful items (depending on the specific pack) for beginners, including premium currency, VIP membership, access to all battleframes, vehicles, the downloadable soundtrack and concept art booklet.
Yes (optional) – -15%. Players may purchase VIP membership in order to obtain an exclusive glider, extra manufacturing and marketplace slots as well as boosters allowing for a higher XP/ currency/ reputation gain.
No. Up to now, each update has been made available for free to all players and there currently is no reason for supposing that this might change in the future.
Yes – -5%. There are premium items available with the game’s premium currency. Offers range from boosters, to cosmetics, vehicles, battleframes, token (kind of a treasure chest containing random items) and much more.
No. Premium purchases allow players to unlock advanced battleframes straightaway with a single click. Due to the fact that all of them are also unlockable simply by playing, this is can rather considered a time-saver than a direct advantage.
No. Firefall doesn’t offer any additional options for purchase which would allow for further customising the UI.
Yes. The game doesn’t feature races while battleframes have a similar function as classes in other MMOs. Player can freely access each of the basic battleframes and advanced versions can either be unlocked by regular gameplay or paying the premium currency.
No (but...) – -5%. Firefall’s marketplace is freely accessible by all players. However, slots are limited and additional ones have to be unlocked via a VIP membership.
Yes. – -10%. Additional inventory slots have to be purchased with premium currency.
Yes. According to what we were able to find out by playing and reading, Firefall doesn’t restrict anyone’s access to specific zones.
No. As it seems, the entirety of the content is available for free to each and everybody.
Yes – +10%. Although granting paying users the opportunity to unlock advanced battleframes right away with premium currency, Firefall left us with the impression of still being enjoyable without paying anything, it just takes a bit more time and effort. The items offered by the shop are primarily for time-saving and cosmetic purposes, thus not grant any unfair advantage.
Our F2Pmeter test of Firefall results in a 75% of free-to-play-ness.
I am liking the F2Pmeter series. Well thought.
I would suggest that it could be taken in consideration if you would be able to obtain premium currency in exchange with in-game currency.
That is important in some cases.
For example in Firefall, additional inventory slots have to be purchased with premium currency, but since you can get that from marketplace with credits a -10% overall seems a little to high.
Anyway, I have been enjoying Firefall. Been playing on and off for a while now. Not something to addictive, but fun enough to go back to it from time to time. (also my pc is not good, i can only play at about 25-30 fps, if i would have a better pc i would have probably played more).
Good game with a very nice F2P model. 80-85% free-to-play-ness in my opinion.