F2PMeter: Is Wakfu truly Free-to-play?

November 19, 2014 15:06 ( Articles ) 0

 

In this new episode of our F2PMeter we're going to test Wakfu, the 2D turn based MMORPG from Ankama, which has recently changed its business model from subscription based with a free starting area (but with almost all the activities in the high level areas restricted to the paying users) to a more classic and open free-to-play formula.

 

The game offers 15 different races/classes, turn based tactical combat which resemble old classics such as Final Fantasy Tactics, gorgeous 2D graphics and an amazing art direction. Very interesting, but... is it truly free-to-play?

Remember that games start with a 100% of free-to-play-ness, which will vary depending on the answers to our questions.

Let's start!

 

 

No. Even before the business model change, it was already free for anyone to register and begin to play the game.

 

 

Yes (optional) – -15%. There is no subscription required to play the game, but you can buy 2 types of "booster packs", respectively 7 or 30 days long that basically are optional subscriptions and give to the players XP/Currency/drop boosts, early access to new content, exp boost for secondary characters and other perks.

 

 

No. The new content added with updates has been previously released for free for subscribers and with the current business model is released for free with early access for users who have the booster packs active.

 

 

Yes – -5%. There is a cash shop where you can buy convenience stuff, cosmetic items, decorations and more.

 

 

No. In the shop you can find mainly cosmetic stuff such as costumes, pets, sidekicks, mounts, house decorations and time savers that let the paying users level faster and earn more currency. However, none of this seems to give an actual in-game advantage over other players.

 

 

No. There aren't customization options available to puchase.

 

 

Yes. All the 15 classes/races in game are available for free.

 

 

No. Wwith the new free-to-play model everyone can access to the auction house.

 

 

No. Everyone has the same storage slots, that can be expanded through gameplay with in-game items

 

 

Yes. Apparently for now there aren't locations restricted to paying characters.

 

 

No (but...) – -5%. The only element restricted to non-paying users seems to be the possibility to vote during the nation governor's election, which is allowed to players with an active booster pack.

 

 

Yes – +10%. In our opinion is absolutely possible to fully enjoy the game for free without spending a dime. You may progress slower compared to the paying users and won't be able to vote during elections but, beside this, there aren't other restrictions in play.

 

 

Wakfu scores 85% of free-to-play-ness in our F2PMeter.

 

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