The upcoming free-to-play MMORPG ‘Neverwinter’ is being developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Perfect World Entertainment (PW). The game is set in the popular Forgotten Realms setting of the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Players will get plenty of opportunity to run around in the massive fantasy world as they experience the fast-paced action-focused combat and (eventually) user-created content by way of the game’s Foundry system. You can check out our list of top MMORPGs to look out for in 2013 right here as Neverwinter topped our list.
The open beta weekends have finally been set for the game and are coming on February 8-10, March 8-10, and March 22-24 North American and European players. For more details on beta registration, check out the site right here. Neverwinter is shaping up to not only be one of the best free MMORPGs on the market, but one of the best period. Executive Producer and Chief Operations Officer Craig Zinkievich had the following to say:
“Neverwinter offers players a dynamic experience with its engaging action gameplay and unique content such as daily lore quests, looting and party-oriented dungeon delves. After several months of alpha testing, we are thrilled to expand our pool of testers with the upcoming Neverwinter Beta Weekends.”
Additionally, PW unveiled details on the different types of founder packaged available to players. These various different packages offer players the ability to upgrade their game before it even comes out. They offer bonuses in the way of accessing a head-start to the game, special in-game rewards and of course the exhalted label of “founder.” They come in three different flavors:
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
If you’re interested in dropping some cash in the game to earn the litany of possible founder privledges, head on over to this section of their website for more details. Let us know if the game and its founder’s program sounds interesting to you and keep an eye out on The Koalition for future coverage of the game!
