Update: Looks like Paragon's early access period will include the PS4 version, too.
Paragon will make its Early Access debut later this month, Epic Games confirmed on Thursday morning, before making a surprisingly affordable (read: free) debut sometime in the future. But anyone hoping to spend some time with Paragon during spring break will need to pony up a few dollars.
In a lengthy new post on reddit, Epic Games Creative Director Steve Superville outlined the studio’s plans for Paragon’s impending Early Access debut. Sales will begin on March 14, when Epic begins accepting orders for the Paragon Founder’s Pack; a $19.99 digital bundle that includes a Paragon Early Access key, “a great value on in-game content” and the promise that your account progress won’t be wiped at any point after Early Access begins. We’ll apparently have to wait until next week to see what the studio considers a “great value”, though. It’s also important to note that Paragon won’t hit the Epic Games Launcher until March 18, so you’ll be waiting a couple of days to play if you buy a Founder’s Pack on day one.
Those who’ve already signed up for the Paragon beta, a group Epic says is almost one million strong, will be given limited access to the game during Early Access. We don’t have exact details on when, but the creative director says Epic will host several Beta Weekends during Early Access. Superville says Epic will also sell more expensive starter bundles, the $59.99 Challenger Pack and $99.99 Master Pack, featuring additional cosmetic items, unique skins and an extra Founder’s Pack to give to a friend.
Interestingly, Superville says Paragon will be entirely free-to-play when the game leaves Early Access. Specifically, all of the game’s heroes will be available to the community and the cards used to improve your heroes can all be earned by playing Paragon. Rather than charge players for champion access, like Riot does with League of Legends, Epic Games will follow the Dota model and look to cosmetic items, the game’s paid early access period and “other convenience items” to fund ongoing support.
Paragon is being developed for PC and PS4. The game will make its Early Access debut on March 18, on both platforms; however, there is no timeline for an official debut.
Be sure to check back with iDigitalTimes.com and follow Scott on Twitter for more Paragon coverage throughout 2016 and for as long as Epic Games supports Paragon in the months following launch.
