WildStar Free-to-Play Closed Beta Open Now

A closed beta for Carbine Studios' WildStar has been announced by the developer and publisher NCsoft as the MMORPG transitions to a free-to-play model.

Current subscribers will all have access to the closed beta so they can try out the new free-to-play features for themselves, while those who are not subscribers can still sign-up on WildStar's website. 

Some of the new content and features players can expect in WildStar's free-to-play version include: 

• The Alpha Sanctum: A new instance that "brings players into WildStar's world storyline much earlier in the game than ever before."
• Madame Fay's Fortunes: A randomized reward system that can "turn a tiny investment into big, big shinies."
• New character introduction: The character creation system has been updated, and players can choose where they wish to start in WildStar based on their past experience with MMO games.
• Loyalty program: Players who have invested money into the game either through subscription payments, redeeming in-game C.R.E.D.D., or purchasing MTX items will now earn points in WildStar's Loyalty Program. Points can be used to access additional gear, items, pets, mounts, and more.

Daily player login rewards, a revamped sprint function, navpoints, and other in-game tweaks will also be introduced and Carbine says it intends to gather feedback from the beta to incorporate into the full launch of the free-to-play version this autumn. 

You can find out more on WildStar's forums.