Lineage 2 going fully free to play

NCSoft are to launch Lineage 2 as a “truly free” to play title later this year along with the largest update the game has seen to date called the Goddess of Destruction.
Unlike most free to play titles, NCSoft are to have no restrictions on zones, classes or gear. They are also creating a new shared starting area as well as new and redeisgned zones when the update launches. Due to there being 99 levels in the game, there will also be free booster packs to increase progression for new players.
The game will be supported by the L2 Store where players can purhcase “supplemental” in-game items and item packs as well as bonuses and improvements to accelerate character progression.
“Launching Lineage II as a Truly Free player experience is a reflection of our vision to provide players with the most accessible business model for each of our titles,” said Matt Turetzky, Executive Vice President, NCsoft West. “You’ve seen with the recent release of City of Heroes Freedom and through our successful portfolio of games that we are capable of supporting multiple business models.  Not only does the Lineage II Truly Free concept introduce yet another unique business model to the industry, but it provides players with a very enticing entry point to experience the exciting new content coming with the Goddess of Destruction update.”
There has been no exact release date set for the arrival of the new content, or a date  when the game will go free, but you can find out more here.