Rift MMO goes free-to-play on June 12

Trion Worlds just announced that the MMORPG Rift will transition to free-to-play on June 12, 2013. As is the case with many other free MMORPGs such as TERA Rising or Star Wars: The Old Republic, Rift will include an hybrid model that welcomes free players as well as those who wish to become subscribers, or Patrons, as they are called in Rift.

In this page you’ll learn everything you need to know about the upcoming transition, which will happen with the Update 2.3: Empyreal Assault. The update brings a new zone, a chronicle, a new world event and more.

Trion Worlds promises there will be no restrictions for free players, with all the game content accessible – from dungeons and Warfronts to the latest raids – and no level restriction.

Players that purchased Rift, as well as new Patrons will receive some bonus, such as extra currency and mount speed, as well as daily boost set and daily summons. The in-game Rift store will include items such as mounts, gear, boosts, pets and more, but Trion Worlds claims that the game will not become “pay-to-win” and that the best items still have to be conquered in the game.

Watch the new developer diary that accompanied the Rift free-to-play announcement.