Ashes of Creation F2P Guide – Is It Free to Play
With Ashes of Creation now in Early Access, a lot of new players are asking the same thing. Can you play it for free, or is it a paid MMO? Here’s how the payment system actually works.
Is Ashes of Creation Free to Play
No, Ashes of Creation is not a free-to-play game. It uses a buy-to-play model during Early Access, and it will move to a subscription model at full release. You’ll need to buy a game package first, and then later pay a monthly sub once the game officially launches.
There are no free versions, no starter trials, and no optional passes right now. Everyone in Early Access either bought a Kickstarter, Pre-Order, or Steam Early Access package.
How the Payment System Works
Intrepid Studios designed the economy to avoid pay-to-win. That means no power boosts, loot boxes, or paid advantages. The goal is to keep progression fair and earned in-game.
The only real money transactions come from:
Early Access purchase bundles
Monthly subscription after launch
Cosmetic shop items for mounts, outfits, or housing skins
Every cosmetic must attach to an existing in-game item, and none affect stats or performance.
What You Get for Paying
Buying access gives you a full playable account, ongoing patches, and participation in testing events. You’ll also get to keep your account as development continues toward release.
Each major update adds new content like classes, systems, and regions. Early Access builds still reset progress, but they help shape the final version through feedback and bug reports.
Future of Free Options
Intrepid hasn’t announced any free trial or limited play period. The plan remains subscription-based at launch. The devs have confirmed that if a trial ever happens, it will be time-limited and separate from the main servers to prevent abuse.
Final Blurb
Ashes of Creation is not free-to-play, and it’s not going that route. It’s buy-to-play now, then subscription later, with no pay-to-win shortcuts. If you’re looking for a fair MMO economy with full progression tied to effort, this setup keeps everything earned the old-school way.
FAQ
Is Ashes of Creation free right now
No, you must buy Early Access through Steam or Intrepid’s website.
Will it ever become free
There’s no plan for that, but time-limited trials might happen later.
How much will the subscription cost
Exact pricing isn’t confirmed, but it’s expected to match other MMOs.
Is there any pay-to-win content
No, only cosmetics are sold, and they don’t change stats.
Can you still play without paying monthly
You can play during Early Access without a sub, but after launch you’ll need one to continue.
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