It is important to note that the official Eternal Crusade line is that the upcoming free-to-play option is not a full conversion to free-to-play, and that’s largely accurate. Free players will still be limited in what they can access. But it does mean that you will be able to play the game for free, while those who already have bought the game and are playing not for free get some fun stuff. For example, you get a bunch of in-store credit for the game, all four factional DLC packs, unique Venerable items, and something else as-yet-undisclosed to offer another little bonus.
Free players, of course, will have access to all of these things for purchase separately (aside from Venerable items) and can jump in to fill out the game’s queues, so they win as well. This also coincides with another patch to the game trimming up balance issues and outstanding bugs, so whether or not you’re already a player or just look to jump in when the game goes free, you can know you’re playing the most polished version of the game possible.
