Tribes: Ascend is a new generation of the online multiplayer shooter, incorporating classic Tribes elements such as fast-paced jetpack enabled combat, skiing, and vehicles, combined with teamwork and strategy. Tribes: Ascend is being designed by Hi-Rez Studios as a AAA free-to-play title.

"Our vision is to deliver a high production, AAA multiplayer shooter that offers a refreshing alternative to today's slow paced military shooters, while also happening to be free to play." said Todd Harris, Hi-Rez Studios Chief Operating Officer.  "This holiday season, shooter players can continue to hide in cover and crawl across the ground while playing one of the familiar military-style shooters... Or they can get off their belly, strap on a jetpack and join us in high flying, high-speed combat in Tribes: Ascend!"

Those wishing to guarantee a spot in the Closed Beta may purchase the Tribes: Ascend VIP Starter Bundle at the game’s official website. The bundle includes automatic admission into all Beta phases, as well as permanent VIP status in the game, a 30-day Booster and 800 Tribes Gold. The VIP Starter Bundle is priced at a 33% discount to list price, as a reward to the game’s early testers.

This initial phase of Closed Beta will include Hi-Rez-managed servers in North America, Europe, and Australia, and will include a subset of content and features planned for the launch release.  Additional information regarding the features included in the initial Closed Beta can be found in the online FAQ.

Hi-Rez Studios confirmed that Tribes: Ascend will be free-to-play from the day it launches.