BitCraft Online 1.0 launches as a paid MMORPG instead of free to play

Clockwork Labs released version 1.0 of BitCraft Online on November 13. Although the studio previously stated it intended to make the game free to play upon release, BitCraft Online is now a paid title costing $15.99. A 25% discount is available until November 20, which brings the price to 712 rubles in the Russian Steam store. Clockwork Labs says the entry fee is necessary to combat spam, griefing, real-money trading, and ban evasion. The studio says it is looking into a free trial option for the future.

BitCraft Online · official art via IGDB

The 1.0 update includes a new world that opened at 10am ET on November 13. Players starting in this new world begin with zero progress, though names and previously purchased cosmetics carry over. The existing Early Access 2 world remains available, and players can create separate characters to play in both. Clockwork Labs says names from the old world are reserved for at least three months. The "Reawakened" and "Early Awakened" titles are no longer obtainable once the 1.0 world opens.

Version 1.0 updates settlement development to make homesteading easier for small groups and solo players. It also updates the world map, newcomer onboarding, farming, empires, and trade, with regional markets now linked. Clockwork Labs says updates will now occur roughly once a month instead of every two weeks.

The launch has seen about 2,000 concurrent players, which is half the record set 17 months ago. SteamDB reports the game has about 69% positive reviews.