Bioware has announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic will have a free to play option available this fall.

There will be a limited amount characters available in the free-to-play option, with eight of the game’s character classes being playable up to level 50 with story line fully intact.

The free-to-play option will have certain restrictions.  Some of those restrictions include access to higher level content, and new content as it’s developed and released.  The options can be available for individual purchase, or players can opt to the monthly subscription to have unlimited access to the all the game’s content.

Along with the free-to-play option, there will be a new currency introduced to the game’s economy.  Cartel Coins will be available to purchase in game content including customisable gear and convenience features.  Cartel Coins are available to purchase with real world currency.  Players who have had an an active subscription will receive an allowance of Cartel Coins for each paid month prior to when the free-to-play option is introduced.  So long players continue a monthly subscription payment, they will receive a monthly grant of Cartel Coins.

In preparation of the game going free-to-play, Star Wars: The Old Republic is going on sale to $14.99 including a one-month subscription for the month of August.

Star Wars: The Old Republic was released on December 20, 2011 in North America and Europe, Australia received the game on March 1 of this year.