Skip to main content

WildStar: Reloaded update ushers in the era of free-to-play on September 29

Wildstar
The success of World of Warcraft sent many a company scrambling to create its own subscription-based MMORPG so they could start raking in the cash, but it quickly became apparent that few games could actually sustain this model. While some games, like Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn have managed to make this business model work, most MMOs have had to transition to free-to-play.

One such game is WildStar, a sci-fi MMORPG that launched in June of 2014. While the game was well received, like so many others it just couldn’t keep enough subscribers to sustain that model. We’ve known since May that the game would be transitioning to free-to-play, and now we finally know when exactly that will be.

Recommended Videos

WildStar: Reborn — the update that sees the introduction of free-to-play — officially launches in just a few weeks on September 29. In addition to doing away with subscriptions, the update will also see major changes coming, much like an expansion for a traditional MMO.

The update will see revamped character creation and a new intro experience, likely in an attempt to make the game friendlier to first-time players. Class stats will be reworked as well, and dungeons, world bosses, and tradeskills will all see improvements. WildStar: Reloaded will also see “new quality of life features,” but it’s somewhat unclear what that means.

Like many other free-to-play games, WildStar: Reloaded will feature an in-game store featuring items that can be bought either with real-world money, or the game’s OmniBits currency. On top of that the game will offer a Signature service, which “provides new bonuses and rewards on top of the basic game,” according to the post announcing the update on the WildStar website.

Finally, if you’ve remained a subscriber or just want to get a head start on the game, the WildStar Cosmic Rewards program introduced last month will allow points in the system to be automatically transferred to the Signature service once the transition is complete. The second phase of the beta started yesterday, and players who access the beta realm will be given a special “Freelancer” in-game title.

To help promote the update, developer Carbine will be offering beta keys and giveaways between now and the September 29 launch.

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
How to revive dead companions in Baldur’s Gate 3
Withers offering services to the player in Baldur's Gate 3.

You're given a good bit of leeway during battles in Baldur's Gate 3 before you or a companion actually bites the dust for good. While in battle, if a teammate does take enough damage to drop, they aren't dead then and there. Instead, they will be downed with a chance to roll every turn to get back up. If they roll successfully three times, the battle ends, or you use another character to pick them up, they're good. If they fail that roll three times, however, they will be completely dead. That can be harsh when you've become attached to certain characters and want to further their stories, so you'll be looking for any way you can to bring them back. Thankfully you do have a few options for reviving companions in Baldur's Gate 3, but just like respeccing, they aren't so obvious.
Pay Withers to bring them back

Withers is a friendly undead you can find in a secret room in the Dank Crypt found inside the Overgrown Ruins. After finding and speaking to him in his sarcophagus, he will offer you various services, one of which is bringing back any dead companions. He won't do this out of the kindness of his heart (probably because it isn't beating) and will charge you a heavy fine of 200 gold to do so. Still, that's a small price to pay to bring back a beloved character. Once paid, that character will appear in your camp where they would normally be, so there's no need to go back to their corpse and find them.
Use a scroll of Revivfy or learn it

Read more
Every video game delay that has happened in 2023 so far
The player skates toward the moon in Skate Story.

Few things feel as inevitable in the video game industry as delays. Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, game delays have only become more and more common as developers find previously set timelines unrealistic and adjust their release plans accordingly. More than halfway through 2023, we've already seen some notable AAA games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Skull & Bones, and Pragmata delayed pretty heavily. Because video game release date delays are so common, it can be tough to keep track of every game that has had its launch date shifted in some way.
That's why, just as we did in 2021 and 2022, Digital Trends is rounding up every game delay that's announced throughout 2023. Here are the high-profile ones that have happened so far, listed chronologically by their new intended release dates.
The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR (March 16)

As Until Dawn: Rush of Blood is one of the best games for PlayStation VR, The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR, Supermassive Games' PlayStation VR2 successor, is a highly anticipated launch title for the upcoming VR headset. Unfortunately, it will no longer make PlayStation VR2's February 22 launch and will instead be released on March 16. On Twitter, a message from Supermassive Games says this delay will ensure that players "receive the most polished, terrifying experience possible" at release. The game was released on that date to mixed reviews.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key (March 24)

Read more
Is Remnant 2 cross-platform?
Three characters shoot at a boss in Remnant 2.

Aside from the focus on firearms and integrating some randomly generated environments, the Remnant series sets itself apart from other souls-like games mainly with its focus on co-op. Both titles encourage you to team up with two friends to fight your way through the mutated monsters that await. After so many years of progress in terms of multiplatform games incorporating full cross-platform support, you might assume Remnant 2 will follow suit and let you make a group with anyone regardless of what platform they're on. However, the truth may be a bit more disappointing. Before you make plans with your squad, here's what you need to know about Remnant 2's cross-platform support.
Is Remnant 2 cross-platform?

Unfortunately, Remnant 2 does not have cross-platform play between PS5, Xbox Series X or PC -- and there's no word about it being added in the future.

Read more