Disney Dreamlight Valley scraps free-to-play plans ahead of full launch in December

It looks like Gameloft’s Disney Dreamlight Valley won’t be a free-to-play title after all. 

Dreamlight Valley is the Disney meets Animal Crossing game that entered Early Access back in September. Players could get in the game by purchasing a Founder’s Pack. Each pack included some cosmetic items and varying amounts of Moonstones, the game’s premium currency. 

The game is set to officially launch on December 5. Ahead of the full release, Gameloft has made an announcement ending the free-to-play plans. “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 developer wrote.

Paid editions

For now players can secure their access to Dreamlight Valley by purchasing one of the Founder’s Packs. When the game launches on December 5, it will be available in three different editions. 

Standard Edition – $39.99

• Digital copy of the full game
• 8,000 Moonstones

Gold Edition – $69.99

• Digital copy of the full game
• Expansion pass
• 15,000 Moonstones
• Flowery capybara companion
• Flowery summer cottage house style
• Artist’s overalls avatar costume

Cozy Edition – Retail exclusive – $49.99

• Physical copy of the full game
• 14,500 Moonstones
• Cottage house skin
• 5 raccoon companion skins
• Cheshire Cat sweater
• 1 of six posters
• Sticker sheet

The future of Dreamlight Valley

Gameloft also announced Dreamlight Valley’s first paid DLC. A Rift in Time will introduce a new location called Eternity Isle. With that will come more Disney characters to meet and activities to engage in. The expansion will be available for $29.99 on December 5, and it comes with 5,000 Moonstones. 

The shift away from the free-to-play formula is definitely a surprise. The move is bound to have some effect on Dreamlight Valley’s longevity. More info is expected from Dreamloft in its upcoming showcase. That is currently scheduled to stream on Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube at 1:00 p.m. Eastern on November 1.