Gearbox Software rolled out the Battleborn Free Trial, which is a free-to-play version of the online multiplayer modes of the first-person shooter.
This might be the final push for Battleborn, a promising title that has failed to live up to expectations due to the unfortunate timing of being released alongside the massively popular Overwatch.
'Battleborn' Goes Free-To-Play
Battleborn, which combines elements of the first-person shooter and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genres, is now a free-to-play title through its Free Trial version.
Gearbox made the announcement through the official Battleborn website, where it was said that players can now download the Battleborn Free Trial through the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam stores. A search for Battleborn to bring up the game's page will offer the option to download the Free Trial version.
Gearbox head Randy Pitchford describes the model as retail with DLC and a free trial, though the difference between that and free-to-play is almost negligible.
The Battleborn Free Trial comes with no time limits and level caps, with access to all multiplayer modes and maps. There will be six free heroes that players can choose from, rotating every week between the game's 30 characters. Accumulated hero levels will be permanent, so players can pick up from where they left off once a hero returns to the free rotation.
To make the experience better for new players, Gearbox has created a special matchmaking queue that will avoid placing them against experienced Battleborn players. Once players reach Command Rank 20, the Novice Queue will disappear, and they will be able to join regular match queues. Returning players, meanwhile, can shake off the rust through the new Training Modes, including the Incursion Tutorial to improve competitive multiplayer skills and The Dojo to try out all 30 Battleborn heroes.
Free-to-play games often offer options to unlock more content, and Battleborn Free Trial is no exception. Through the Marketplace, players can spend in-game credits or purchase Platinum currency to unlock heroes, customizations, Story Mode Operations, and many more.
What Happens For Players Who Already Purchased 'Battleborn'?
For players who previously purchased Battleborn, Gearbox will provide various bonuses to offset the fact that it is now a free-to-play title.
In addition to being granted "Founder" status, players who have previously purchased Battleborn will be offered Legendary Gear, 1,000 Platinum, 50,000 credits, loot packs, and many more, including the Founder's Crown flair item.
Meanwhile, players who start with the Free Trial and then choose to purchase the complete version of Battleborn for $30 will unlock all characters, Story Mode missions, and permanent access to private matches, in addition to having their progress carried over. Content that was purchased while in Free Trial will be reimbursed upon upgrading to the full version through credits.
'Battleborn' vs 'Overwatch'
While Battleborn has certain differences compared to Overwatch, its many similarities with Blizzard's multiplayer shooter caused it to fall to the wayside. As Overwatch exploded in popularity, Battleborn was quickly forgotten.
Going free-to-play may be Gearbox's last-ditch effort to salvage Battleborn, or perhaps it is already a concession of defeat. Overwatch, on the other hand, continues to gain momentum after reaching 30 million registered players in April and celebrating its amazing first year with an Anniversary event.
