Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have once again reiterated that all playable post-launch content for Marvel’s Avengers – including new characters, story content, missions, and regions – will be free for all players. However, the game will be supported by an in-game economy that will allow players to either unlock cosmetics or purchase them with real money.
In the interest of transparency, Square Enix has penned a lengthy article explaining how the in-game economy will work, and has reiterated that all content available to purchase with real money will be strictly cosmetic only.
Cosmetics include:
- Outfits: Outfits are aesthetic only – they do not influence gameplay. This was an intentional decision to avoid pay-to-win play scenarios.
- Emotes: Character-specific Emotes bring out the personality of each Super Hero, and let you express yourself to your teammates – AI or otherwise!
- Takedowns: Takedowns are flashy finishers that show off each hero’s signature style on the battlefield!
- Nameplates: Nameplates show off your hero’s stats and are drawn from iconic art in Marvel history.
Some cosmetics, gear, and rare resources will be sold by in-game vendors that’ll be part of Marvel’s Avengers narrative. They’ll be found in multiple locations, allowing players to exchange their Units and common Resources for items. Units are in-game digital currency with no real value.
Then, there is a marketplace that will allow players to purchase cosmetic items via credits that will be sold in packs of 500, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000. A 500 credit pack is $5.00.
Finally, we have premium Hero Challenge Cards that will allow players to earn Resources, Units, Credits, and Cosmetics for completing in-game challenges. Rewards include:
- Rare Resource Bundle: Nanotubes, Nanites, Plasma, Catalyst
- Resource Bundle: Fragments & Upgrade Modules
- Upgrade Module Bundles: Upgrade Modules
- Exotic Resource Bundle: Polychoron & Uru
- Units
- Credits
- Hero Nameplates
- Team Nameplates
- Emotes
- Takedowns
- Outfits
At launch, Hero Challenge Cards for starting heroes will be free for all players. Hero Challenge Cards for post-launch heroes will cost 1,000 credits ($10) each.
For more details on Marvel’s Avengers economy, head over to the game’s website.
