Tribes: Ascend Closed Beta Is Just Around The Corner *UPDATE*

I got my hands-on with Tribes: Ascend at this year's Quakecon: 2011 and it is as close to the original that any game could get. Large 16 multiplayer maps, armor and weapon load outs and a disc-launcher that would make any FPS proud. The biggest hook is that this is team based combat and it really shows on these large maps. It's not how many kills you get, but your teamwork in achieving goals together that make this game fun. This reintroduction of the Tribes franchise is a big move for Hi-Rez Studios and in less than a month we will be able to see if it can hold its weight in today's FPS arena.

Tribes: Ascend will be Free-2-play and supported by micro-transaction. Todd Harris is really pushing the VIP Starter Kit that will give players a fighting edge when jumping in the game. The kit will give players VIP access which includes but not limited to 33% cost savings, instant beta access and some additional VIP features. The VIP kit will be available for players that pre-order the game. Todd assures us that this won't be a "buy one get everything pack" but you will be thrown into an elite set of queues.

*UPDATE*

Now that Pre-orders are live players can finally see what they can get in the starter package along with details on VIP access.

What does the Tribes: Ascend VIP Starter package include and how much does it cost?

The Tribes: Ascend VIP Starter Pack (29.99 USD, 24.99 EUR, 19.99 GBP) includes:

  • VIP Status (Value: $20 USD)
  • 800 Tribes Gold (Value: $10 USD)
  • 30-Day Booster (Value: $15 USD)
  • Admission to Beta (Value: Priceless!)

What does VIP Status in Tribes: Ascend mean?

“VIP” is a special account status that will be available to those that purchase it in Tribes: Ascend. Those with VIP status will have priority login, access to exclusive servers, and will earn Tokens and Experience faster inside the game, allowing them to unlock items faster.

Of course you're probably reading this article so you can get into the beta, so here you go. There are currently only three ways to get into the beta at this time:

  • Apply on the Website and pray you get a code to get in
  • Subscribe to Hi-Rez's Facebook and Twitter pages
  • Pre-order the title

Pre-Orders are now available, but you can still use your social networks and hope you get in, it's been a while since our last Tribes game and if you want a competitive edge, you're going to need to do everything you can to get some hands-on if you hope to survive.