WildStar Adds Rewards System and Major Updates for Free-to-Play Shift

Following the announcement in May that WildStar will be making the switich to a free-to-play model this autumn, Carbine Studios has outlined how the game is going to evolve in future.

“WildStar going free-to-play is so much more than a new business model,” Mike Donatelli, product director at Carbine, commented in a press release. “We’re also introducing a massive game update full of new features and quality of life improvements. It’s going to be a fun environment for new players to join and we’re also going to do right by the players who have been with us since the beginning.”

The developer is doing this through its rewards program which will allow players to earn rewards points by buying or spending NCoin, redeeming C.R.E.D.D. or enrolling in a Signature Plan. The more points you earn, the more reward tiers you unlock. If you've been playing for awhile now, you'll be pleased to know that points are applied retroactively. 

Other changes include a revamped tutorial system on the planet Nexus – including an 'MMO Basics' pre-tutorial for those new to the MMO genre. The Arkship, the game's opening area, is being overhauled to focus on the game's key features, while veteran players can skip early tutorials to dive right into combat. 

WildStar's stat and inventory systems are being update to be more accessible while also offering increased customisation. Current primary stats will be replaced with assault power, support power, health, and armour, while secondary stats are being expanded to offer more choice to players. 

Dungeons are also being tweaked and will now offer improved flow, more forgiving completion times, and a more consistent challenge. Players will be able to level-up almost exclusively using dungeons from now on. 

Alpha Sanctum arena and the Cryo-Plex PvP arena will be introduced to the game as well.