DL it and got to character creation and I have to pay for my character if I want to play, hmm doesnt seem like play for free to me!

I played for free , the character creation is limited to certian types you can play for free , to open up others you pay ..

Thats exactly it. There are 8 classes (2 of each Archetype), and 4 races that are free. If you want to try other classes or races those can be unlocked individually (classes are single, races come in bundle packs) by paying for them. 

Theres plenty for a free player to choose from, and its all clearly marked which ones are free and unlocked and which ones you need to pay to get. So just try something else.

Don't bother with the F2P model, it's honestly not worth the time given the limitations.

The game is good and has alot to do, especially if you have people to play with - but don't fall into the "It's free! xD" trap.

F2P here for me is a way to get a taste of the game. I started a few characters on different servers to see what was going on, and how the game felt. I plan to sub soon. EQ2 F2P is indeed free, but with some significant restrictions to class, race, bag/bank space, spell levels and such. All of those are unlockable with SC as others have said.  You CAN have quite a bit of fun though just being a freebie.

Originally posted by Tortanic

Don't bother with the F2P model, it's honestly not worth the time given the limitations.

 

Anyone who tells you that the gear/spell limitations restrict you from being effective in any content from 1-85 is either ignorant or a liar.  As for the other stuff, bronze does kind of suck but silver does not.  The platinum cap is easily worked around, and you get more bag/bank space as a silver account in EQ2 than you need.  Bags can over 40 items, and are fairly cheap.

agree

Ive personally leveled a silver acct character (inquisitor)  from levels 1 thru 90

my account did not own DOV or Age of Discovery

treasured gear works great for leveling up -- no need for any unlockers

40 slot bags are cheaply bought from other players

Bronze gets 2 bags -- thats 80 inventory slots if you use the big bags

Silver    gets 4 bags-- thats 160 inventory slots  ""  ""

I loved getting groups with "tanks" in full 40-60 treasured gear and 13-15khp at 80.

The gear and spell quality restrictions limit character abilities by 30-50%, yes, you can solo to cap naked with one hand down your pants - but if you group in such a sate you're entirely worthless.

I find it slightly limiting and the one time silver fee is worth it. However, in these type of games if you are a true casual player then really you should only be in competition with yourself because it should be realized a casual will never have as much as a hardcore player. I think the free is sufficient and use to have a subscription but I just don't see paying for it when I can get the majority of it for free. Now if I was a hardcore player in this game, maybe it would matter. I am on a pvp server and I have always been able to pvp well even when I am the underdog.

For free games play what you can free and if it doesn't do enough for you then purchase more or just realize what it is and that is free entertainment. Try to welcome the limitations as a challenge and you may not get bored as easily.

Originally posted by illspawn

I find it slightly limiting and the one time silver fee is worth it. However, in these type of games if you are a true casual player then really you should only be in competition with yourself because it should be realized a casual will never have as much as a hardcore player. I think the free is sufficient and use to have a subscription but I just don't see paying for it when I can get the majority of it for free. Now if I was a hardcore player in this game, maybe it would matter. I am on a pvp server and I have always been able to pvp well even when I am the underdog.

For free games play what you can free and if it doesn't do enough for you then purchase more or just realize what it is and that is free entertainment. Try to welcome the limitations as a challenge and you may not get bored as easily.

^ This. Very well said.