Starcraft II going free-to-play, Blizzard announces

During BlizzCon 2017, Blizzard tells fans they'll soon be able to play the real-time strategy game for free.

Jason Parker Senior Editor / Reviews - Software

Jason Parker has been at CNET for nearly 15 years. He is the senior editor in charge of iOS software and has become an expert reviewer of the software that runs on each new Apple device. He now spends most of his time covering Apple iOS releases and third-party apps.

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Jason Parker

Nov. 3, 2017 11:59 a.m. PT

Starcraft II, Blizzard's legendary real-time-strategy game, will soon be available for free, the company announced at BlizzCon 2017 Friday.

Starting Nov. 14, fans will be able to play through the whole Wings of Liberty campaign at no charge. People who already purchased Wings of Liberty will get a free copy of Heart of the Swarm, the game's second expansion.

Though Starcraft II has been around for seven years now, it remains one of Blizzard's most popular and successful titles. It's easy for beginners to learn the ropes, but incredibly challenging once you start taking on other players online. Newcomers might want to check out this game now that it's free, and the new campaigns mean veterans have a great reason to return.

The BlizzCon convention for all things Blizzard runs through Saturday in Anaheim, California.