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| Mike Salbato |
Also inside: How to lock in a spot in the beta and get your very own cuddly armored spider mount.
02.07.13 - 12:57 AM
We've got a couple of Neverwinter news items tonight, plus new videos and screen shots of Cryptic Studios and Perfect World's upcoming free-to-play MMORPG.
Most exciting is this weekend's open beta access for Neverwinter – the first of three such weekends – that runs from February 8th -10th. The beta will allow all you potential players to reach up to level 30, during which time you'll be able to take on quests to recruit a companion, and learn to ride mounts (at levels 16 and 20, respectively). Three classes will be available, covering a variety of play styles: The Trickster Rogue, Devoted Cleric, and Guardian Fighter. Several realms in the world of Faerun will be available for questing and dungeon diving, such as the Protector's Enclave, Blacklake District, Tower District, Blackdagger Ruins, and Neverdeath graveyard.
Finally, beta access will also let you access Foundry content – adventures created by other players using Neverwinter's built-in creation tool (named, yes, The Foundry), which we got a look at back at E3 2011.
Cryptic Studios and Perfect World have released a new cinematic trailer in honor of the upcoming beta:
There's two ways to get into the beta: Interested parties can sign up on the game's official site for a chance to win beta access. If you're really set on playing the game while it's in beta, that's where the Founder's Packs come in. By purchasing one of three tiers of Founder's Packs, you'll secure access in the beta and get a wealth of in-game items, VIP access and more... for a cost. While the Neverwinter Starter Kit is a mere $19.99, the more elite Guardian of Neverwinter and Hero of the North tiers are $59.99 and $199.99, respectively (keep in mind this will be a free-to-play title). Full details are available at the Founder's Pack page on the Neverwinter site. And yes, we have another sales pitch... er, video talking about the high-end Hero of the North pack:
Finally, be sure to check out our updated gallery for 20 new screens of the game. Neverwinter launches in full later this year.
