The next Star Wars: The Old Republic expansion pack - Galactic Starfighter - will be a free-to-play add-on that brings spaceship dogfights to the online MMO game.
The expansion will feature a range of unique starships, customisation options, various battle zones and modes, as well as 12 versus 12 player-versus-player space battles.
Subscribers will be offered early access from December 3rd, while Preferred Status Players (those who buy anything from the in-game store) will gain access on January 14th, 2014. Everyone else will receive the expansion as a free-to-play update available from February 4th, 2014.
Subscribers will receive an exclusive Galactic Starfighter early gunship unlock and custom gunship paint jobs, two pilot suits as well as two in-game titles ('Test Pilot' and 'First Galactic Starfighter'). They also get a 'maximum levelling and progression benefit', while a a Starfighter Pass will be available for purchase in the Cartel Market from January 14th.
Preferred Status players will receive two pilot suits and the 'Test Pilot' title.
“Our goal with Star Wars: The Old Republic has always been to immerse players into their own Star Wars adventure and huge space battles are a vital part of fulfilling that fantasy,” said Jeff Hickman, General Manager of developer BioWare Austin.
“Galactic Starfighter will be a deep experience that will continue to grow over time. We can’t wait for both our current and new players to get their hands on it soon.”
Star Wars: The Old Republic began life as a subscription-only MMO in late 2011, similarly to World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn. It added a free-to-play option in autumn 2012, with players able to purchase in-game extras using real money.

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