Disney Dreamlight Valley is no longer going free-to-play when it leaves early access

Gameloft has announced that Disney Dreamlight Valley will leave early access on December 5, 2023, but that it will no longer be going free-to-play when it does.

“As we look ahead to the official launch, with the learnings we’ve gained from Early Access, we’ve made the decision to remain a paid game for the foreseeable future,” the studio said.

Released last September for Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC and Mac, the game was previously due to transition to a free-to-play model when it left early access.

“This choice ensures that Disney Dreamlight Valley will be able to continue delivering on a premium game experience for all players,” Gameloft said today. “It’s important to us that we maintain our promise to keep delivering free content updates that add new characters, realms, clothing, furniture, and more surprises to your Valley.

“Purchases requiring moonstones will remain optional, fair, and match the level of quality players have come to expect. Players will still be able to collect free Moonstones via Dream Snaps and Chests, or optionally choose to purchase them.”

When it leaves early access, several editions of Dreamlight Valley will be available, which are detailed in the image below. They will range in price from $39.99 for the core game to $69.99 for the Gold Edition, which will include the game’s first, newly announced expansion pass.

Titled A Rift in Time, the expansion pass will also be available separately for $29.99. It will be revealed during a developer live steam on November 1 at 1pm ET (6pm CET).

“During the stream, we will dive into the Expansion Pass, showing off this all-new adventure across Eternity Isle where you’ll meet new friends, discover new biomes, and immerse yourself in new gameplay features,” Gameloft said.

All unique cosmetic items included in the upcoming Gold Edition will be given free of charge to any player who purchases and claims a Founder’s Pack in-game on or before December 4. All Founders will also receive 2,500 Moonstones.