Battleborn is free-to-play starting today

Earlier today, Gearbox Software's FPS game Battleborn became free-to-play on every available platform (PC, Xbox One, and PS4), in the Americas at least. The PS4 version of the game will become free-to-play starting on June 13th in Europe and Japan.

Claiming to be a free trial, anybody can download the game and play unlimited multiplayer matches.

Gearbox Software said:
Players can now pick up Battleborn as a free downloadable experience that grants UNLIMITED access to all competitive multiplayer gameplay modes and maps, without any time limits or level caps. To keep things fresh, there is a weekly rotation of six heroes from the roster of 30 total heroes. Progress with each hero and player account progression is also permanent, so when the same character comes back around players can pick them up where they left off. To download the Battleborn Free Trial, head to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Steam store page and search for Battleborn. Each page has a “Try Now” button to download the Free Trial.

This decision was probably made in order to combat the continually declining playerbase. The game itself never quite got the traction that it needed due in part to it being released around same time as other large titles, specifically Overwatch.

Prospective new players don't need to worry about being completed obliterated by pros online at this time, as Gearbox Software are also introducing a queue specifically for new players.

Gearbox Software said:
With the launch of the Free Trial, we’re also introducing a queue specifically for new players. This queue was created just for new and lower rank players to learn the ropes without being matched with more experienced players. Even if you’re a quick learner or an experienced MOBA player, we wanted to give you enough time to find your Battleborn play style and favorite heroes. Once a player masters Battleborn’s mechanics and reaches Command Rank 20, the Novice Queue will disappear and they be able to join other Battleborn players in the regular queues.

In addition, Battleborn recently added several new training modes to help new and old players get accustomed or re-accustomed to the game.

Already bought Battleborn? While you won't be getting a refund, you will be getting several in game perks as a way of thanking you for for your support. According to Gearbox, players who purchased the game are automatically bumped up to "Founder" status. Founders are given the following perks:

Founders Bonus Content said:
1,000 Platinum

50,000 Credits

Exclusive “Founder” player title

Gold skins for Mellka and Deande

5 Core Loot Packs

1 of each Command Faction Pack (5 total)

1 Exclusive “Founder Loot Pack” that includes…

1 guaranteed piece of legendary gear

1 guaranteed piece of legendary boss gear

2 guaranteed pieces of common (or better) gear

Guaranteed exclusive legendary “Shard of Solus” gear item (a 0 activation cost LLC Shard Generator)

4 guaranteed Flair items including exclusive “Founder’s Crown” Flair item