‘WildStar,’ The Free-To-Play Sci-Fi MMORPG, Is Now Available On Steam

After transitioning from a pay-to-play model to a free-to-play one in September of last year, WildStar opened its doors to many new players. Now, the sci-fi MMORPG from Carbine Studios is about to find even more players with its release on the popular gaming platform, Steam. Players can download the game from Steam now for free to start, or continue their adventures in the Nexus.

WildStar brings a more active combat style to players with aimed telegraphs against a playful sci-fi setting. Players choose between six classes, four paths, and eight races among the two warring factions: the Exiles and the Dominion. In WildStar players can choose between the Warrior, the Spellsinger, the Esper, the Engineer, the Stalker, and the Medic classes. Each class has to tactically aim their abilities with telegraphs pointing out where the abilities will activate in combat.

Races in WildStar range from the relatively normal Human and Cassian to the outlandish “space zombie” Mordesh and the intelligent, yet insane, Chua. Classes are restricted to certain races, too. For instance, a Granok cannot currently be a Stalker and a Draken cannot be a Medic. All classes and races, however, choose between one of four paths in WildStar. Players can choose between Explorer, Solider, Settler, and Scientist paths to unlock new encounters. For example, Explorers chart the map while Soldiers defend Holdout locations. Settlers can summon supply caches while Scientists can catalog any knowledge they acquire on their journeys.

With the release on Steam, new packs are now available for players looking to support WildStar and pick up a few convenience items. Things like character slots, inventory space, and pets are in the packs according to the official website. Three packs are available on Steam with different items and bonuses within. The $15 Adventure Pack includes two character slots, an extra bank slot, a three-pack of Fortune Coins, a 16-slot bag, an Augmented Garr pet, and the Fringer Weapon Set. More expensive packs include other items like Signature time, costumes, Lockbox Keys, and C.R.E.D.D.

“Alongside the launch we’re offering new bundles through the WildStar Steam store page for those looking to get a leg up on their adventures throughout Nexus. And we’re offering very similar bundles through the In-Game Store too for those of you who aren’t playing through Steam. In addition to some boosts and bonuses you’ll get, we’ve bundled in Signature time, some cosmetics, pets, mounts—you name it—all for a deep bundle discount.”

C.R.E.D.D. is WildStar‘s form of game time that can be traded between players. For $20, players can pick up C.R.E.D.D. worth one month of Signature service, the optional subscription to WildStar. Players can then sell the C.R.E.D.D. in-game for gold. Buyers can essentially subscribe to the game with C.R.E.D.D. without using real money, while sellers of C.R.E.D.D. can pick up a little extra gold legitimately.

WildStar is now available on @steam_games! https://t.co/dhsOyDgZV2 pic.twitter.com/4e0NlHFMoo

— WildStar (@WildStar) June 9, 2016

Although a Steam release could mean a great boon of players and revenue for the NCSoft-published title, WildStar and its players have seen a fair amount of turmoil since it first released in 2014. As the Inquisitr reported, NCSoft cancelled plans to release WildStar in the east after “overall performance” suggested the team should focus on the west rather than localizing the entire game for a Chinese release. At the same time the Chinese version was cancelled, WildStar developers noted that the Steam release was still planned, and now Steam players can jump into the Nexus as promised.

According to the Steam community page for WildStar at the time of this writing, over 1,000 players on Steam alone are checking out the MMORPG. Are you one of them or do you plan on trying WildStar later?

[Image via NCSoft]