How long is F2P viable?

[Ruthian]

Hi there, I'm new to the game and I quite like it so far. I'm also very impressed by these forums and the wiki site, keep up the good work!

So far I've been trying the game out in free-to-play mode but I'll probably subscribe to the VIP version sooner or later. I guess my question is: How late is too late? E.g. I already read about STK being important for Coin Lords rep. And what about 32 point builds? Can I upgrade my 28 point character to 32 points when I subscripe to the VIP version? Or will I have to start over again?

[ZeroTakenaka]

Hi there, I'm new to the game and I quite like it so far. I'm also very impressed by these forums and the wiki site, keep up the good work!

So far I've been trying the game out in free-to-play mode but I'll probably subscribe to the VIP version sooner or later. I guess my question is: How late is too late? E.g. I already read about STK being important for Coin Lords rep. And what about 32 point builds? Can I upgrade my 28 point character to 32 points when I subscripe to the VIP version? Or will I have to start over again?

STK is optional.

I would say go Premium simply because it's cheap and stuff.

Best high lvl adv. packs are Vale and GH if you wanna play at lvl 20.

[African-Grey]

And what about 32 point builds? Can I upgrade my 28 point character to 32 points when I subscripe to the VIP version? Or will I have to start over again?
When you unlock 32-point builds, that gives you the ability to create new characters with the extra stat points. The character that unlocked the ability doesn't get upgraded, nor do any other 28-point characters on your account. If you do a greater reincarnation you can upgrade existing (non-drow) characters to 32-point status once you've earned it on your account. This applies to everyone, whether they are subscribers or not.

[Ruthian]

Ah ok, thanks for the quick reply. Seems I got that mixed up. It said somewhere you can buy the 32 point option at DDO store so I assumed that you'd automatically get it with the VIP subscription.

[Jasam01]

VIPs get all adventure packs, and access to monk and warfordged if I recall correctly.
Everything else (32 point, VIP, drow, favoured soul.....) you need to unlock if possable, or buy.

A lot of people recomend premium over VIP these days.

[tihocan]

A lot of people recomend premium over VIP these days.
Premium is more cost-effective if you are planning to play for a while (and if you don't want to buy the store fluff like XP pots).

[Nebless]

Tihread Title: How long is F2P viable?
So far I've been trying the game out in free-to-play mode but I'll probably subscribe to the VIP version sooner or later. I guess my question is: How late is too late?

I started back in April 09 when it was P2p, dropped it after a couple of months and then started back up when the game went F2p (Dec?). I throw that in because I'm only now at Lvl 5 and finishing up the (now) F2p quests. I still have a handful of the quests I haven't done yet because they're abit above me still. Most I've run 2 or 3 times (solo, normal, hard) and a few on elite more for a favor points test.

How long F2p is viable is up to you and your play style. If you treat it as a regular 1 day a week D&D session than you could drag it out like I did. If you try to play it like a typical MMO 4 hours a day, every day than you'll burn through them quick (and maybe burn out on the game).

As far as STK or other adventure packs. Do a search for Playing for Free. There's a good thread that covers, unlocking adventure packs via favor, but more important there is a couple threads that grade the adventure packs and give pluses and minuses on them, XP, how easy to group for them etc....

My first 2 (just because I find them interesting) will be The Sharn Syndicte for something different and 3 Barrel Island cuz I like pirates.

Free, Premium, VIP. If you buy ANYTHING from the store it'll kick you up from free status to Premium which gives you some perks.

Welcome to the game.

[vVAnjilaVv]

Premium, and a little bit of patience and wisdom will take you a lot further than VIP.......IMO.......if u want it all NOW!!! tho...then ViP is the way to go.

[flynnjsw]

This is the best thread to read to answer all of your questions about F2P

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?p=2396345#post2396345

Thank you Robi

[Ruthian]

Okay then, I'll go Premium. Thanks again everybody for the replies. Can you maybe point me to a guide or thread with some advice to get me started on what to buy? Mostly adventure packages I recon? Plus Warforged and additional character slots at some point? I'm currently rolling this build (http://forums.ddo.com/showpost.php?p=2847871&postcount=75) (thanks for that fantastic guide btw, tihocan :)).

Edit: Crossposted with flynnjsw, you guys reading my mind or what? :D

[flynnjsw]

Okay then, I'll go Premium. Thanks again everybody for the replies. Can you maybe point me to a guide or thread with some advice to get me started on what to buy? Mostly adventure packages I recon? Plus Warforged and additional character slots at some point? I'm currently rolling this build (http://forums.ddo.com/showpost.php?p=2847871&postcount=75) (thanks for that fantastic guide btw, tihocan :)).

I already did...you're welcome...:D

Welcome to DDO

[Ruthian]

Thanks! :) Rock on!

[ArichValtrahn]

You arent going to last F2P long as you will need to start acquiring content packs. If you dont mind grinding, you can get them for "free" via TP achieved through favor. Make sure to check out Robi's guide linked above. Buy packs when they go on sale to make your TP go further.

[Ruthian]

Nah, I don't mind spending a few bucks here and there. Robi's guide is excellent, exactly the kind of thing I'd been looking for.