The provided source material details a specific, time-limited promotional offering for the video game OUTRIDERS, focusing on a free demo and a major free content update. This information is relevant to UK consumers seeking no-cost trials of digital entertainment products. The sources consist of official platform pages, press releases, and brand websites, which are considered reliable for factual claims about the offer's terms, features, and availability. All details below are extracted exclusively from the provided context documents.
The OUTRIDERS Demo: A No-Cost Trial
A free demo for OUTRIDERS is available, described as an opportunity to "get a taste for the most aggressive RPG-Shooter in the genre." This trial allows users to experience the prologue and opening hours of the full game. Key features of the demo include:
- Full Class Access: All four character classes are available within the demo. These are listed as the Trickster, Pyromancer, Devastator, and Technomancer. Each class offers the first four brutal abilities, allowing players to explore different combat styles, from close-quarters punishment to ranged attacks.
- Co-operative Play: The demo supports single-player gameplay or co-operative play with up to two friends. This allows for a shared experience of the game's initial content.
- Progress Transfer: A critical requirement for the demo is a free Square Enix Members account. This account enables the transfer of progress, including any customised Outrider character created during the demo, to the full game if purchased later. This feature ensures that time invested in the trial is not lost.
- Additional Perk: Square Enix Members also receive a free in-game emote titled ‘Slick and Smooth’ as part of this promotional offer.
- Technical Requirements: The demo requires persistent online access to function. It leverages Smart Delivery, providing access to both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions when available. The demo is available on platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), and Google Stadia.
The demo serves as a comprehensive trial, offering a substantial portion of the game's core gameplay and progression systems without any initial financial outlay.
The NEW HORIZON Update: A Major Free Content Expansion
In November 2021, Square Enix released the NEW HORIZON update for OUTRIDERS, described as a "huge and completely free" expansion for the full game. This update was positioned as the "ultimate version of OUTRIDERS" and was available to all owners of the game at no additional cost. The update introduced several significant new features and improvements:
- New Expeditions: Four new Expeditions were added. Expeditions are endgame activities in OUTRIDERS, and the update also included an overhaul to Tiagos Expedition store and his vendor items.
- Transmog System: An all-new Transmog (transmogrification) system was introduced, allowing players to alter the appearance of their gear without affecting its stats.
- Gameplay Adjustments: Timers were removed from Expeditions, changing the pacing and focus of these endgame challenges. The update also included rebalanced Classes, Skills, and Mods, and added new weapon skins.
- General Improvements: The patch notes mention "many more general improvements and updates to the game," though specific details beyond those listed are not provided in the source material.
The NEW HORIZON update was launched on November 16, 2021, at specific times: 5:00pm GMT, 6:00pm CET, and 9:00am PST. This update was available across all platforms on which the full game was available.
Eligibility and Access for UK Consumers
For UK-based consumers interested in these offers, the following points are relevant based on the provided information:
- Demo Access: The free OUTRIDERS Demo is available to anyone with access to the supported platforms and an internet connection. The primary requirement is the creation of a free Square Enix Members account to enable progress transfer and claim the included emote.
- Update Access: The NEW HORIZON update is free for anyone who already owns the full game OUTRIDERS. It was automatically applied to the game on supported platforms on the launch date. No additional purchase or membership was required for this update beyond owning the base game.
- Platform Availability: Both the demo and the update are available on a wide range of platforms accessible in the UK, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC (via multiple storefronts), and cloud gaming services like Stadia and GeForce NOW.
- Time Sensitivity: The NEW HORIZON update was a specific release on a fixed date. While the update itself remains part of the game for existing owners, the press release and announcement context indicate a specific promotional period around its launch. The demo, however, is presented as an ongoing trial available for download.
Important Considerations and Limitations
It is important to note the specific nature of these offers. They are digital products within the video game category, which differs from traditional consumer goods like beauty samples or pet food trials. The "free" aspect applies to the demo (a trial version) and the content update (an expansion for existing owners), not a physical product shipped via post.
Furthermore, the source material does not provide information on: * The specific end date for the availability of the free demo. * Any geographical restrictions for downloading the demo or accessing the update, though the platforms listed are globally available. * The file size or download requirements for the demo or update. * Future content updates beyond the NEW HORIZON expansion.
The information is based solely on promotional materials and platform pages from November 2021. Consumers should verify current availability and terms on official Square Enix or platform store pages, as promotional details can change over time.
Conclusion
The provided sources outline two distinct free offerings for the video game OUTRIDERS. First, a comprehensive free demo is available, requiring only a free Square Enix Members account and offering full class access, co-operative play, and progress transfer to the full game. Second, a major free content update, NEW HORIZON, was released in November 2021, adding new expeditions, a transmog system, and significant gameplay adjustments for all owners of the full game. For UK consumers, these represent no-cost opportunities to trial a game and enhance an existing purchase, accessible across multiple modern gaming platforms. All details are verifiable through official Square Enix and platform channels.