DC Universe Online (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch) will finally be completely free to play. This means you won’t have to pay for the upcoming story episodes either. Is this a good reason to dive into the superhero MMORPG?
What did the developers announce? Although there have always been limited-time events for new episodes of the superhero MMO allowing players to try the new story for free, it was actually supposed to be purchased.
This changed with the last episode 40: World of Flashpoint, which was released completely free of charge. The team behind DC Universe Online (DCUO) has now stated that they want to maintain this type of release for future content updates. All upcoming episodes will therefore be free. Additionally, all previous episodes will be available for free with the summer update.
In the developers’ post, it says:
The experiments have shown us many good reasons to bring more players directly into the new content without barriers. So we will keep it that way.
What about the subscription? Subscribers have previously received new episodes as part of their subscription. To maintain the value of a subscription, there will be more rewards in the future. The team encourages subscribers to send them ideas about what they would like to see in the future.
The current state of the superhero MMO
How is DC Universe Online doing today? The MMO regularly receives updates and new story content. This also includes the survival mode, which started in March. In this mode, players face wave after wave of enemies to earn rewards. This mode will be expanded in the future with new seasons where you compete against different foes and earn new rewards.
Episode 40: World of Flashpoint tells the current story in which the superhero Flash has caused chaos through time travel, and players now experience alternate realities. More episodes will follow.
Player numbers on Steam have shown an upward trend for some time. In the last 30 days, 1328 players played the MMO simultaneously (via Steamcharts). It’s worth noting that DCUO can also be played via its own launcher and on PS4/PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, as well as on Nintendo Switch. The actual player numbers are likely much higher.
As for the ratings on Steam, these have been at 80% over the past 30 days, and the overall rating stands at 79% (as of May 4th at 11 AM via Steam). The MMO is therefore quite well-received by players.
We summarize some current reviews for you:
- PokerforceG says (via Steam): “Cool game. I wish the fights were a bit faster, but it’s generally really good.”
- Vengeance can only recommend DCUO (via Steam): “Just play it! It’s not pay-to-win, but you do need to invest a lot of time. It really offers years of entertainment.”
- beamerballer4575 agrees (via Steam): In my opinion, it’s one of the best games I’ve ever played. It offers non-stop action, and it feels like the missions never end. I’m not saying it’s perfect, but if you like DC games, I can only recommend it.”
- Cursed Thrall Puncher finds DCUO not so great (via Steam): “Although it receives regular updates, it has outdated character models and a UI that may deter many MMO players.”
Who is DCUO worth it for? Those who love the DC superheroes like Batman, Flash, Wonder Woman, and Superman will enjoy fighting side by side with these icons against supervillains in DC Universe Online. Or you can take on the role of a villain yourself and face the heroes.
DCUO is designed like a comic book. Episodes are regularly released that tell new stories. This way, you improve your self-created superhero or supervillain over time and learn new powers.
If you want to experience an MMO in a non-fantasy universe and play as a superhero, DCUO is likely right for you. Especially now that the episodes are being offered for free.
However, the MMO has been around for over 10 years, and you can clearly see that in the graphics. It could also be a bit more user-friendly and comfortable to control. If you can overlook that, you get a very extensive online role-playing game with a scenario that offers something a little different.
DC Universe Online is listed among the 7 MMOs and MMORPGs without the classic fantasy setting on MeinMMO.
