Strategy Informer  

In response to "community and internal feedback" for the public test server, developer BioWare is adjusting their restrictions set upon those with free-to-play accounts with Star Wars: The Old Republic.

The changes include unlocking a second quickslot bar for everyone, and not just 'preferred status' users. Warzones are now 5 instead of 3 a week for F2P and reduced item lock for Cartel Coins.

That last point references the cooldown on buying shop items with Cartel Coins. Also subscribers who stop paying will be given a 'preferred status' and not dropped to F2P.

"We've been observing PTS closely over the last few days. In that time, we have generally been very pleased with how well the build has been performing, as well as overall reaction to the build both on the boards and in-game," posted BioWare's Damion Schubert, Star Wars: The Old Republic's lead designer.

"That being said, based on community and internal feedback here and further deliberation, we will in short order make the following changes to the Free to Play restrictions:

• Free-to-Play players will now get a second quickslot bar.
• Free-to-Play players will now be able to do 5 Warzones per week instead of 3.
• The Cartel Coin item lock (i.e. temporary bind) will be reduced to 3 days for Free-to-Play players, and 2 days for subscribers."

For those who ended their subscription you'll still gain advantages over free-to-play. Systems designer Nathan Emmott outlined what exceptions the 'preferred status' group are awarded:

• The Sprint ability at Level 1
• Access to your Cargo Hold (an 80 item Player Bank)
• Access to Secure Trade (starting at level 10)
• The ability to send Mail, including one (1) attachment
• Increased allowance for chat message frequencies in Public chat channels (such as /general)
• An increased Credits Cap
• Access to the Who List
• Three (3) additional Sale Slots on the Galactic Trade Network (for a total of 5)
• One (1) additional active Crew Skill Slot (for a total of 2)
• Reduced skill point respecialization costs
• Increased Server queue priority

"...it is important conversely that the subscription offers subscribers strong, tangible benefits over the Free-to-Play experience. We value our subscribers greatly, and they are crucial to the success of Star Wars: the Old Republic."

For more information check out the official thread over at Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Related games: Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)