City of Heroes goes free-to-play today with the launch of City of Heroes: Freedom.

While a VIP subscription option is still available to players, the launch of Freedom will allow gamers to play through City of Heroes' content (including Issue 21: Convergence, also now live) all the way to the level cap free-of-charge.

Speaking of content, Issue 21: Convergence introduces a new zone to the game with the 'First Ward,' a training and testing ground for Praetoria's most elite forces and powerful weapons. First Ward will also be home to a new zone-wide event involving the Seed of Hamidon.

Convergence also adds a new Incarnate Trial taking place in the lair of the Devouring Earth, located in the depths below Praetoria. Up to 28 players can participate in the trial, which culminates in what is being promised to be a battle of 'epic proportions' against the Avatar of Hamidon.

The update's various new challenges can be tackled with the use of three new powersets now available as well: Time Manipulation, Beam Rifle, and the long-awaited Street Justice set. Of the three, Time Manipulation is available free to VIP members, while Beam Rifle and Street Justice will have to be purchased separately.

Players' powerset options aren't the only thing expanding with Issue 21, either. Four new costume sets have also been added to the game (Barbarian, Defense, IDF, and Circle of Thorns) with the Defense costume set  available free to all VIP subscribers.

If the new zone and trial aren't enough, monthly Signature Story Arcs (also available free to VIP players) are making their debut with the launch of City of Heroes: Freedom today, as well.

Finally, the launch of City of Heroes: Freedom also marks the debut of the previously detailed Paragon Rewards program, which will replace the long-running Veterans Rewards program.

Find out more about City of Heroes: Freedom at the official City of Heroes website.