Neverwinter (New D&D MMO)

[Nefaro]

^Indeed.
I can't really find anything that isn't cosmetic that you really need real money for. Everything else is obtainable without paying a dime.
And even keys can be traded between players and auctioned.

Well.. perhaps I'm reading too much out of their cash shop.

I thought you also had to pay for things like mount training for limited periods of time, starting at around level 20.  Or is that just primarily cosmetic?  Since the mount info lists varying amounts of damage you can take before being de-horsed, I'm guessing you can use them in combat??  I'm not really sure how much stuff unlocks at later levels that may be required purchases in order to stay competitive or allow you to continue being able to solo content.   The whole late game Rune success thing, mentioned in the previous link, is an example of this or what some would call "pay-to-win".

When FtP cash shops get too scattered and filled with too many necessary micro-transactions, I begin thinking that a flat monthly fee for having full use of all features is the better option.   That's the point I was trying to convey.  I like this game but some of these cash shop "pay-to-win" options are pretty rough.

[Tamas]

I cannot know, I am not far enough into the game yet.

However, I think they have made a splendid job with what I have seen so far, so I am not too concerned if they actually get paid for it.
And at this early stage I am having trouble trying to worry about "pay to win" since I have decided to keep this as a PVE experience. Can't see where the PVP appeal is, personally.

[Tpek]

So far I find a lot of those runes/enhancements all the day without paying for them at all.

Also, most stuff that is semi-premium is bought with the Astral Diamonds currency, which is obtainable without paying real money.

[eyebiter]

They are starting to tweak the economy.  Now it's three daily missions to get astrals where it was one at launch.

To remove the lock boxes from inventory, sell them to a vendor.  You are no longer allowed to throw them away from inventory.

[Tpek]

A new massive update was just released, Module 2: Shadowmantle.
It introduces a brand new class, the Hunter Ranger (uses a bow and 2 melee weapons).

[skeptical.platypus]

Thanks for the headsup. This is probably enough for me to dive back in for a while.