TERA: Rising going free-to-play on February 5

Action MMO TERA from En Masse Entertainment will be free-to-play starting on February 5. Being relaunched as TERA: Rising, players will be able to play the game subscription-free with an in-game store and Elite options available to players who want more control over their gameplay experience. There are three player status types available in TERA: Rising, and all new players will be able to enjoy Standard status for free with no level cap or content restrictions, while players who purchased the client will gain a permanent Found status with special privileges.

The three player status types in TERA: Rising are:

• Standard – Standard players have full access to all in-game content, without restrictions, for up to two free characters per server. They can purchase consumable, cosmetic, and convenience items from the in-game store on an a la carte basis.
• Founder – Founder status is granted to all current subscribers as of February 5, and provides additional character slots, bank tabs, a special mount, and other benefits. Founders retain these benefits regardless of whether they choose Standard or Elite status. Found status can also be obtained after launch through physical retail packages while supplies last.
• Elite – Elite status can be purchased in 30-day increments that confer numerous benefits including dungeon bonuses and rewards, additional daily quests, daily delivery of items, special mounts, and store discounts. Power players will find the fee more than pays for itself through the free items and discounts granted while they enjoy exclusive in-game perks.

I would consider Elite status to be the monthly subscription of $15 that players normally pay for a pay-to-play MMO. On February 5, TERA: Rising is also getting new in-game content, including the Crucible of Flame multi-level dungeon and a new three-on-three PvP battleground. 

You can follow Senior Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He likes talking sports, video games, movies, and the stupidity of celebrities. Email at LLiebl@GameZone.com