Freeeeeee stuff! Come getcha free stuff! Free stuff in Dungeons and Dragons Online, that is, because Standing Stone Games has brought back its bonkers giving-almost-everything-away code. Players who apply the “FREEDDO2024” code to their accounts by February 11th pick up a list of 47 quest packs for the low cost of nothin’. Additionally, Masterminds of Sharn, Menace of the Underdark, Mists of Ravenloft, and Shadowfell Conspiracy are deeply discounted to just 99 points in the cash shop.
Do note that if you took advantage of this promo last spring, you’re probably curious what’s different; it looks like exactly the same stuff to us, and Fables of the Feywild, Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh, Isle of Dread, and Vecna Unleashed are not included. Still, if you bought the four 99-point expansions at full price today, they’d be worth $100 ($40 for Sharn, $60 for the bundle including the other three), so it’s definitely generous for newer players.
The promo comes just as SSG has released its top-of-the-year producer’s letter and roadmap for 2024 – the year when the Dungeons & Dragons franchise turns 50 years old. “I am pleased to announce that starting at DDO’s Anniversary in February we will be rolling out a yearlong celebration in honor of D&D’s 50th Anniversary,” DDO producer Amanda “Tolero” Grow says, explaining that every month this year will offer another perk for players, starting with a “dragon themed archetype.”
The rest of the roadmap focuses on content; players are looking at two quest packs (in Q2 and Q4), a level-inclusive dynamic event with more quests (coming in the fall), upgrades to the VIP system (in the spring), and the Myth Drannor-themed expansion rolling out this summer.
“By popular demand, our next major Expansion in the summer will take place in a fan favorite D&D location: Myth Drannor! It is among the more infamous places in the Forgotten Realms and we’re very excited to bring it to life! The level cap will increase to 34, and I’m looking forward to one of Myth Drannor’s hallmarks: Wild Magic areas. Myth Drannor is a place where opening yourself to chaos can allow you to tap into greater power. It’s that power that has attracted the Red Wizards of Thay. Players will need to explore both the ruins of Myth Drannor, and interfere with the plans of the Red Wizards. It’s the quintessential D&D and dungeon delving environment. Presale for the Expansion will start in June.”
Standing Stone Games won MOP’s award for MMO studio of the year in 2023, owing to its support of both DDO and LOTRO. Might a LOTRO promo be on deck next, SSG?