Is the Game P2W?

This web page lists many popular PC live service games and attempts to represent their monetization strategy in order to help gamers understand them before getting into the games. This web page does not take into consideration RMT* if it is against the game’s ToS* regardless of its level of enforcement.

Like a lot of things in life, being P2W isn’t black or white. Winning has a wide range of significations. It all depends on what your goals are as a player.
This is why this webpage is analysing 4 different categories of monetization incentives. Scroll to the bottom of the page for definitions and clarifications.

Many games in this list offer a free to play version of their game that have certain features locked behind a paywall of subscription. Any advantages of those subscriptions isn’t taken into consideration in the bellow tables as they are usually considered a fair P2P strategy by communities.

This web page is in constant evolution and may contain errors. Please feel free to send constructive feedback here: [email protected]
You can send modification requests or new game requests filling the form at the bottom of this page.

MMORPG

Isometric ARPG

FPS

MOBA

RTS

Definitions

** Caveats to many of these will be explained in the “Comments” column of each game.
Pay for BiS power = Being able to directly or indirectly pay real money for in-game BiS* items or consumables that increases overall power in PvP/PvE.
Pay to progress = Being able to directly or indirectly pay real money for in-game achievements, leveling or content skip/acceleration.
Pay for convenience = Being able to directly or indirectly pay real money for in-game QoL* improvements regardless of its effect on power or progress.
Pay for cosmetics = Being able to directly or indirectly pay real money for in-game aesthetics of any sort that do not affect any of the above mentionned categories.
Free to play = A usually watered-down version of the game is available for free. Free trial means that some content is locked behind a paywall.

Pay for BiS power = This may reduce a player’s feeling of accomplishment upon acquiring BiS gear for his/her character or reaching endgame milestones such as defeating an enemy.
Pay to progress = This may reduce a player’s feeling of accomplishment upon leveling a character to max level or acquiring certain archievements.
Pay for convenience = This may frustrate a player that has to spend extra time or work doing an activity that could be facilitated behind a paywall.
Pay for cosmetics = This may reduce a player’s feeling of pride in having a good looking character, accessories or creatures.

MMORPG = Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game
ARPG = Action Role-Playing Game
FPS = First Person Shooter
MOBA = Multiplayer Online Battle Arena
RTS = Real Time Strategy

ToS = Terms of Service
BiS = Best in Slot
QoL = Quality of Life
RMT = Real Money Trading

Add/modify a game

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Game *

Pay for BiS power *YesNo

Being able to directly or indirectly pay real money for in-game BiS* items or consumables that increases overall power in PvP/PvE.

Pay to progress *YesNo

Being able to directly or indirectly pay real money for in-game achievements, leveling or content skip/acceleration.

Pay for convenience *YesNo

Being able to directly or indirectly pay real money for in-game QoL* improvements regardless of its effect on power or progress.

Pay for cosmetics *YesNo

Being able to directly or indirectly pay real money for in-game aesthetics of any sort that do not affect any of the above mentionned categories.

Free to play *YesNoFree trial

Subscription *YesNoOptional

(Optional) Email to contact you

Comments

Add caveats to the above mentionned. Explain your reasoning and provide examples if possible.

Submit