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| What would Elrond do? |
Note: This article refers to information available prior to the launch of LOTRO F2P. Please see Choosing an Account Type for information based on the current state of the game.
Last week we looked at LOTRO's upcoming conversion to Free-to-Play (Fall, 2010) from the I'm-new-to-LOTRO point of view. This week we contemplate what these changes mean for subscribers, both active and former. Two key questions come to mind. "What happens to my account at Free-to-Play launch?" and the skull-cracker, "VIP or Premium?"
Before Launch, It's Loyalty That Counts
Before we answer those questions, let's talk briefly about Turbine's way of thanking the players who continued to subscribe after the LOTRO Free-to-Play (F2P) announcement. If you are an active subscriber, or have a lifetime account, you may be eligible for a one-time grant of Turbine Points (TP) to spend after Free-to-Play launches. Founders get an extra dollop of loyalty TP. For details, see the Loyalty Rewards page.Launch Day Cometh
The important thing to know is that, when F2P launches, your account WILL be converted to one of the new account types. All memory of your former status will be forgotten (queue blinding flash of light) once the Loyalty Rewards are doled out. Welcome to the new order of Middle-earth. You will have a VIP, Premium or Free account and your access to content and features will be tied to it.Here's a handy table that sums up account type conversion, and some key differences between them.
| Before F2P launch | After F2P launch | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Type | Account Type | Monthly Sub | Free TP per Month |
| Lifetime Subscriber | VIP | Free | 500 |
| Current Subscriber | VIP | Paid | 500 |
| Former Subscriber | Premium | None | None |
| Bought game, never subscribed | Premium | None | None |
| Free Trial | Free | None | None |
| No account | Free | None | None |
VIP or Premium: The Short Answer
To start, if you've ever spent money on LOTRO before - bought the game or subscribed - you can't downgrade below Premium. So for the purpose of this discussion, let's set Free accounts aside. If you want to know more about Free accounts, see our How Free is Free-to-Play? article.Next, Lifetimers are golden. If you have a Lifetime subscription, you can keep playing the game as you have been as a VIP, without a monthly fee. And for you jealous non-lifers: lifetime accounts are not being offered now, but Producer Kate Paiz hinted the lifetime option might return in the future.
If you are enjoying the game now as a current subscriber, we recommend keeping your subscription until launch and at least one month beyond. Your account will be converted to VIP at launch and you'll have access to the same content and features you have now. This will let you reap the Loyalty Rewards (if eligible) and check the prices for content, items and features in the LOTRO Store before deciding whether downgrading to a Premium account makes more sense for you.
That leaves former subscribers and folks who bought the game, but never subscribed. For these folks, it's decision time!
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