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This is something Blizzard hasn't done in the past. Recently, World of Warcraft's trials became Free to play as well. Let's hope this will persist into all the Blizzard games!
We’ve replaced the previously available StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty demo with the recently launched StarCraft II: Starter Edition. StarCraft II: Starter Edition allows anyone to play the following content for free (all you need is a Battle.net account and Internet connection):
The first four missions of the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty single-player campaign, including Mar Sara 1-3 and the choice to embark on Tychus’s first mission or Dr. Hansen’s first mission.
The first two Challenges: Tactical Command and Covert Ops.
Access to the terran race in Custom Games and Single-Player vs. AI.
Access to the following custom maps (map selection may rotate over time):
Xel’Naga Caverns
Shattered Temple
Discord IV
High Orbit
Any campaign progress and achievements you earn while playing StarCraft II: Starter Edition are automatically saved to your Battle.net account, and will carry over should you ever upgrade from the Starter Edition to the full version of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty.
If you’re thinking of getting into the game or know a friend who's been interested in joining you in the Koprulu Sector, it's easier than ever to give the ultimate real-time strategy experience a spin. Just head over to the Starter Edition page here, or log in to an existing Battle.net account.
For more information and a full list of restrictions, check out the StarCraft II: Starter Edition FAQ below.
Q. What is the StarCraft II Starter Edition?
A. The StarCraft II Starter Edition is a new, free version of StarCraft II that gives anyone with a Battle.net account and an Internet connection a chance to try a wide array of single-player and multiplayer content in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Unlike our past trial versions of StarCraft II, the Starter Edition does not have any time restrictions and offers a wider range of content to players.
Q. What's included in the StarCraft II Starter Edition?
A. The Starter Edition gives players access to the first three campaign missions on Mar Sara, and then gives the player the ability to choose a fourth mission -- either the first mission offered by Dr. Hanson or the first mission offered by Tychus Findlay in the campaign. Players will also get access to a pair of Challenge Missions, a selection of multiplayer maps, and a custom-game map. The multiplayer and custom game maps available may be cycled from time to time.
In addition, Starter Edition players can earn achievements within the available content; can view profile, ladder, and achievements pages; and can access many functions of the map editor.
Q. How do I get the StarCraft II Starter Edition?
A. Players can simply sign up for a free Battle.net at the StarCraft II Starter Edition page here, or log in to an existing Battle.net account to get started.
Q. What are the restrictions of StarCraft II: Starter Edition?
A. Starter Edition players can only play up to the fourth campaign mission, and most Challenge Missions are unavailable. Starter Edition players are also unable to use versus and co-op matchmaking, most custom maps, chat channels, and the party system. Publishing custom maps to Battle.net is also restricted, and offline play is unavailable to Starter Edition players. For single-player and custom games, Starter Edition players may only choose the Terran race.
Q. Which maps are available?
A. Currently, Starter Edition players have access to Xel'Naga Caverns, Shattered Temple, Discord IV, and High Orbit. StarJeweled will also be made available soon to Starter Edition players. It is possible that different maps will be cycled in and out of the available map list for Starter Edition players from time to time.
Maps which are available to Starter Edition players are denoted by a symbol to the left of the map name in the custom map list. By default these maps are sorted to the top for Starter Edition players on the Create Custom game screen.
Q. How do I create a multiplayer match?
A. Multiplayer matches are available through the custom game interface. Click Multiplayer at the top left, and then create or join a custom game. Available maps will be shown at the top of the list. Starter Edition players are restricted to Terran-only for custom games.
Q. Can I play a match with other players who have the full game? Can I create a match with a friend?
A. Yes. StarCraft II players with a full game license can join a custom game on the Starter Edition maps to play with Starter Edition players. You may play matches with friends by simply creating a custom game on a trial map and using the game invite functionality to invite friends to the game.
Q. Can a player with a full game create a game on a Starter Edition map?
A. Yes. If a player with a full license wants to create a custom game that can be joined by a Starter Edition player, he or she should select one of the maps marked by the special symbol.
Q. Can I watch replays using the Starter Edition?
A. Yes! Starter Edition players can watch any replay.
Q. Can I create and publish maps using the Starter Edition?
A. Many map editor functions are available to Starter Edition players. However, the full version of the game is required to use the Test Map function and to publish maps to Battle.net.
This is absolutely great, in my opinion. Blizzard has recently started revolving around freeplay, probably because their profits were above expectations, because, let's be honest, nobody works for free.
I for one embrace freeplay, due to the fact it offers some well-received features, such as:
-The ability to play before paying, giving you a better idea of the game than a demo;
-Allows those that can't pay for the game to still have access to limited play, satisfying their need for gaming;
-Allows you to receive game data before downloading the full version.
It is likely that Blizzard will continue to release free games in the future, but keep in mind nobody works for free. The starcraft SE was launched, probably as a result of the mapping profit feature. It takes a considerable ammount of money for them to keep the company up & running.
Good, now I hope new members will stop PMing me about 'other ways to play sc2 except buying'... here is a legal way, as I told them to google themselves, cause I don't provide any links.
Q. Can I create and publish maps using the Starter Edition?
A. Many map editor functions are available to Starter Edition players. However, the full version of the game is required to use the Test Map function and to publish maps to Battle.net.
^ If that is true, +1 for Blizzard for one very good decision among the recent bad decisions usually revolving around bnet 2.0. But they can save maps too? And who knows, even start game by dragging map on sc2? No trial period? Wow, nice.
A. Yes. StarCraft II players with a full game license can join a custom game on the Starter Edition maps to play with Starter Edition players. You may play matches with friends by simply creating a custom game on a trial map and using the game invite functionality to invite friends to the game.
Oh, playing online? With others for free?. Nice I guess. I dont get it you can't play other maps but you can join if your friend with full version hosts. I see a lot of freedom there, how come? But there will be no ladder for you. I go with the full versions.
People whine when they are not given enough this in the demo for free.
Imagine if they would release the game for free, oh boy, the ragefest we would have.
I dont mind buying HotS even instead of D3. And this could be just for WoL, there isn't going to be free HotS. This is still like War3 RoC and no War3 TFT demo. The thing is, since free players have a lot of freedom with it, now how about we who paid for it get better bnet with all the features stilll missing like chat commands some want clan system, etc available to just paid obviously.
Since I just got my HDD replaced (due to a faulty old one), I thought I would check the SE out for European players. A European version of the SE can be downloaded at https://eu.battle.net/account/sc2/starter-edition/.
The EXE file will start a downloader, which will gather your files over at least 5-10 hours or more, depending on your internet connection and unused bandwidth at the time of download.
WARNING: Be sure to click the green text below the Play Free Now button that says "More Download Options". If you don't, you will download the de_DE version, which is German. The European English version is en_GB (as most of you could probably predict).
EDIT: It seems that users of the Starter Edition are not only forbidden to publish the map, but also to test it. In other words: You might as well not have an Editor at all...
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