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RIFT is now free-to-play...entirely this time

by: Russell -
More On: RIFT
Last month we reported that Trion Worlds' MMORPG RIFT went free-to-play, with players paying a base subscription receiving patron rewards and in-game items.  Trion Worlds has recently announced...again...that RIFT is free-to-play, only this time it seems like it's entirely FTP.  No trials, no tricks, and no traps as they say.  Along with this comes update 2.3: Empyreal Assault.  This update features a new zone called Dendromne, a 10-player raid, open-world raid bosses, performance improvements, and more.
PRESS RELEASE
 
THE AGE OF FREE-TO-PLAY HAS DAWNED ON RIFT® 
 
Update 2.3: Empyreal Assault Brings New Content for Everyone
 
Redwood Shores, CA (June 12, 2013) RIFT®, the award-winning MMORPG from Trion Worlds, is now entirely free-to-play with no trials, no tricks, and no traps. Players around the world can Build their Perfect Class, engage titanic bosses in Massive Dynamic Battles, achieve greatness through epic dungeons and raids, and so much more – all without a subscription. The new era of truly free-to-play gaming has dawned on Telara!
 
“The aim is to keep free and paid players on the same level — this is not pay-to-win,” said Bill Fisher, Creative Director of RIFT. “Players will see key differences between RIFT and other MMOs that have adopted free-to-play: we don’t restrict content, and we don’t offer pay-to-win items.”
 
There are no restrictions on levels or content for registered free players; the entire world is open to explore and conquer. The expanded in-game RIFT Store offers thousands of items and services – from faction changes to mounts, pets, boosts, and much more – but the best gear must be earned in-game. For those looking for the ultimate RIFT experience, a subscription is available that offers a suite of awesome “Patron” benefits.
 
Update 2.3: Empyreal Assault is a huge update featuring a massive new zone (Dendrome), 10-player raid, Chronicle, open-world raid bosses, game performance improvements, and more! Play your way in RIFT as the Ascended face the Architect swarms consuming the Dendrome, and celebrate new freedoms with Atrophinius and his merry Satyrs in the whimsical town of Hailol. 
 
To learn more about RIFT Free-to-Play, visit: http://www.riftgame.com/en/promo/freetoplay.php
 
About RIFT
Adventure in the world of Telara as either a noble Guardian or technomagical Defiant and enter a dynamic fantasy where 8 primal forces battle for control in an ever-changing landscape. Build your own class using the Ascended Soul system, embark on epic conflicts that bring you into the story, battle others in exhilarating Player vs. Player combat, achieve new heights of power by tackling epic raids, and so much more. See www.RIFTgame.com for more information.
 
About Trion Worlds
Trion Worlds is the leading publisher and developer of premium games for the connected era.  Powered by a breakthrough development and publishing platform, Trion is revolutionizing the way games are developed, played and sold. Trion’s world-class team delivers high-quality, dynamic and massively social games operated as live services across the biggest game genres and devices; including the critically acclaimed blockbuster, Rift® and the highly-anticipated ArcheAge, End of Nations®, and Defiance™. Trion is headquartered in Redwood City, Calif., with offices in San Diego, Calif., Austin, Texas, and at Trion Worlds Europe in London, UK.