EverQuest, the fantasy game that lured hordes of unsuspecting PC gamers into a lifetime of MMO playership, will be going free-to-play sometime in early March, after thirteen years of endless expansion, epic triumphs, and an untold number of divorces. Like other free MMO models, EQ will offer a very limited slice of the game’s content: free accounts will only be able to choose between Human, Erudite, Barbarian, and Gnome races, and Warrior, Cleric, Wizard, and Rogue classes. Additionally, they’ll only be able to access a single “tier” of spells, and won’t be able to send in-game mail. Players that want to access additional content can pay a one-time fee of $5 for a silver subscription, or $14.99 monthly for full access.
‘EverQuest’ goes free-to-play in March, 13 years after launch
EverQuest, the fantasy game that lured hordes of unsuspecting PC gamers into a lifetime of MMO playership, will be going free-to-play sometime in early March.
EverQuest, the fantasy game that lured hordes of unsuspecting PC gamers into a lifetime of MMO playership, will be going free-to-play sometime in early March.
is executive editor who has obsessed over headlines and internet speeds since 2011. He previously worked as an advocate for the National Park System.
EverQuest launched in 1999 and helped popularize the genre — it was inspired by earlier text-based MUDs (multi-user dungeons), but was one of the first MMOs to utilize 3D graphics. EQ producer Thom Terrazas says that “free-to-play is the best fit for EverQuest” and that the team is “looking forward to supporting the game and our dedicated fans for years to come” — so it looks like the legendary MMO may actually live up to its name.
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