Neverwinter announces Beta Weekends and Founder’s Packs

Exciting news for fans waiting to get their hands on the Cryptic developed MMO, Neverwinter. First and foremost is the announcement of the beta weekend schedules. These won't be open beta however, so you still need to register and apply in order to be able to participate if chosen.

The three Closed Beta dates are set for February 8-10, March 8-10 and March 22-24. The Beta weekends will offer thousands of players in both North America and Europe 60-hour beta access to experience what Neverwinter has to offer prior to its launch.

Neverwinter will also have three tiers of Founder's packs which will grant users a head start on their adventures thanks to some sweet in-game goodies. The three tiers are Neverwinter Starter Kit, Hero of the North, and Guardian of Neverwinter.

Neverwinter Starter Kit:

The Neverwinter Starter Kit costs $19.99 USD (valued at $49.00) and supplies adventurers with virtual consumable goods to aid them in their quest for glory:

• ‘Adventurer’s Helper Pack’ containing six different types of in-game items
• ‘Small Bag of Holding’ for twelve extra inventory slots
• ‘Amulet of Protection’ item

Guardian of Neverwinter Pack:

The Guardian of Neverwinter Pack costs $59.99 USD (valued at $149.00). In addition to guaranteed entry to all three Beta Weekends, the pack also includes VIP beta perks, and a variety of in-game items exclusive to Founder’s Pack purchasers, including:

• Three-day head start access to Neverwinter Open Beta
• Unique ‘Gold Moonstone Mask Regalia’ head piece
• Unique ‘Armored Horse’ mount
• Unique ‘Direwolf Companion’
• In-game and forum ‘Founder’ title

Hero of the North Founder’s Pack:

For the ultimate Neverwinter experience, the Hero of the North Founder’s Pack costs $199.99 USD (valued at $549.00). It guarantees entry to all three Beta Weekends, includes VIP access to Moonstone Mask Tavern, early access to The Foundry (Neverwinter’s user-generated content creation tool), fifteen additional in-game items, plus features the following exclusive items that are only available through the Founders’ Pack program:

• Five-day head start access to Neverwinter Open Beta
• Beta Weekend Friend Invite code
• Exclusive access to ‘Menzoberranzan Renegade’, a drow playable race like the legendary ranger Drizzt Do’Urden, complete with unique racial abilities and tattoo
• Unique ‘Armored Spider’ mount
• Unique ‘Panther Companion’
• In-game and forum ‘Founder’ title
• VIP Game Access to skip-the-line and get priority log-in access

Make sure to head on over to the Founder Pack page to check them out for yourself and see whether any of these seem right for you.