Please note the hours I have put into this game. I've been playing for 3 years now, and I am very particular about MMOs. I also don't like to spend money without justification. The only money I spend in RIFT on a regular basis is when I feel like I want to buy a new mount or some kind of consumable. You don't have to pay anything to enjoy this game or have access to the content.

I have played most of the content solo, but it is much faster and more fun if you have friends to play with you. One of the new features Trion has implemented is sorting new players into starter guilds (defiants or guardians) on each server (shard). This helps new players find other players, so don't stress about being lost.

There are many people in the game, despite other statements in the reviews. Many of the older, larger guilds have died out, but there are lots of smaller, newer ones that are active and growing. Find them and you'll find the happy, thriving player base that makes the game enjoyable.

You don't have to buy the Soul packs to play effective character builds. You don't have to be a patron to get things accomplished -- it just expedites some tasks and adds conveniences. You don't have to have full raid gear. Trion has simplified many facets of the game in the time I have played it, mostly for the betterment and greater enjoyment of the game. If you feel like you DO need to buy the soul packs and expansion goodies, wait until there's a sale. You can get everything you want for a fraction of the price if you don't suffer from instant gratification issues.

Immerse yourself in the story-rich world of Telara. Explore everywhere. Talk to NPCs. Delve into the Achievements to find fun rewards for doing things that aren't in your quest log. I hope to see you in the game!

Please note the hours I have put into this game. I've been playing for 3 years now, and I am very particular about MMOs. I also don't like to spend money without justification. The only money I spend in RIFT on a regular basis is when I feel like I want to buy a new mount or some kind of consumable. You don't have to pay anything to enjoy this game or have access to the content. I have played most of the content solo, but it is much faster and more fun if you have friends to play with you. One of the new features Trion has implemented is sorting new players into starter guilds (defiants or guardians) on each server (shard). This helps new players find other players, so don't stress about being lost. There are many people in the game, despite other statements in the reviews. Many of the older, larger guilds have died out, but there are lots of smaller, newer ones that are active and growing. Find them and you'll find the happy, thriving player base that makes the game enjoyable. You don't have to buy the Soul packs to play effective character builds. You don't have to be a patron to get things accomplished -- it just expedites some tasks and adds conveniences. You don't have to have full raid gear. Trion has simplified many facets of the game in the time I have played it, mostly for the betterment and greater enjoyment of the game. If you feel like you DO need to buy the soul packs and expansion goodies, wait until there's a sale. You can get everything you want for a fraction of the price if you don't suffer from instant gratification issues. Immerse yourself in the story-rich world of Telara. Explore everywhere. Talk to NPCs. Delve into the Achievements to find fun rewards for doing things that aren't in your quest log. I hope to see you in the game!