Submitted by Michael on 2013-01-17 17:00:17
Vanguard Gold Limit Removed as Game Goes Free-to-Play
The 2 plat coin limit imposed on Free players has been removed after Vanguard converted to a free-to-play model with the
January 17
update.
Free players pampered with new privileges
Free players can now carry up to as much plat coin as they want, a privilege that was previously only given to paying Gold members. Along with the
relaxed plat coin limit, free players will also enjoy a long list of improved play privileges:
- All races and classes available at character creation without needing to unlock them
- Can create guilds as well as join them
- Quest limit has been raised to 50
- All bag slots are now unlocked
- Can now join Caravans and Brotherhoods
Broker and mail fee penalties removed
Free players will also be able to save on Vanguard gold with the removal of broker and mail fee penalties, which will roll back the cost of fees to
previous subscriber levels.
Free players are homeless no more
Free players have also been allowed to acquire a housing plot, build a residence and perform all those interior decoration and house party activities
they used to envy their Gold member friends.
Reason behind Free player improvements
The Free player improvements were made so that Vanguard becomes fun for everyone, not just Gold members who have the cash to pay for a subscription.
The development team also believes this is the best way to attract new players, and keep existing ones happy.
“We all believe that once you start playing the game without restrictions, you'll want to keep playing and will find our Membership option to be an
even greater value,”
said Vanguard producer
Harvey “Rahtiz” Burgess in his latest producer letter.
Burgess was quick to stress though that Gold members aren’t getting shafted. Along with the Free player improvements, Gold member perks also got a
tremendous boost.
Gold members also get improved perks
Most notable among the new Gold member perks is the 50% XP boost that will make leveling a breeze. Gold members also enjoy double faction gain rates,
as well as 20% discount on many fees – broker, mail, riftway, item repair and housing upkeep. This leaves them with more plat coin to spend on other
indulgences.
And while Free players have been finally allowed to own a house plot, Gold members can now own up to two.
This is on top of the existing Gold member benefits such as more character slots, no item restrictions, 10% Marketplace discount and 500 Station Cash
to spend per month.
Gold members should also look forward to improved chances of receiving rare loot drops, which is an amazing perk that will have Free players
salivating. Developer SOE said the raised rare loot drop will be implemented in next week’s update.