Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Yes. Failbetter Games describes Fallen London as a free-to-play text-based browser game, so you can start without buying the game. Paid options add story content and other benefits, but the available official information does not establish the full current Fate catalogue, its prices, or exactly what every Fate purchase unlocks.

Can you play Fallen London for free?

Failbetter Games calls Fallen London “a free-to-play text-based browser game” and describes it as an open-world RPG centered on written narrative. The game’s official page also reproduces a press description of it as an open-world RPG that “subsists mostly on the written word to spin bizarre tales.” See the official game page.

That establishes that you can begin without buying the game; it does not, by itself, specify every limit on free play or the current free action cadence.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What do Fate purchases unlock?

Fate is associated with premium in-game content, including stories, but the official information available here does not detail the current Fate shop catalogue or give a reliable list of what each purchase unlocks. A Fate purchase should not be assumed to include a subscription or the subscription’s benefits. Check the description shown for the specific item in the live game before spending.

The best-documented paid option is Exceptional Friendship, a recurring subscription rather than a one-off Fate purchase. Failbetter Communications Director Hannah Flynn described it in an October 5, 2023 announcement as “a subscription that comes with a raft of perks, best of all being a new, substantial story every month.” Read Failbetter’s announcement.

What Exceptional Friendship included in Failbetter’s 2023 announcement

The following are the benefits Failbetter listed on October 5, 2023. They are historical terms, not confirmation of what a subscription includes today.

  • A new Exceptional Story each month.
  • A Memory of a Tale for each story played, and access to the House of Chimes with monthly perks.
  • Three additional outfit slots.
  • An opportunity deck expanded to ten cards rather than six.
  • A second candle, allowing up to 40 actions at once.

Failbetter also said in that announcement that more than a hundred Exceptional Stories had been released since the stories began in 2015. That is the publisher’s 2023 figure, not a current catalogue count.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What Enhanced Exceptional Friendship added in 2023

Failbetter described Enhanced Exceptional Friendship as an add-on to Exceptional Friendship. Its listed benefits included one past Exceptional Story new to the player each month from a rotating selection, or two resets, the associated Memories of a Tale, three seven-action refreshes per month, and additional House of Chimes perks. The announcement said the rotating back-catalogue story worked out to about a 40% discount compared with buying that story through the Fate page.

Rank #3
Sale
Blue Orange Next Station London - Fun Flip and Write Train Route-Building Set in London, Kids Teens Adults Family Couples Solo Play Game Nights, 1-4 Players, Ages 8+
  • STRATEGY TABLETOP BOARD GAME: Next Station London is a route building paper-and-pencil game by renowned author Matthew Dunstan. This game takes you to the undergrounds of the city of London (England, UK) to draw metro routes across the city and underneath the Thames
  • FAMILY OR ADULT STRATEGY GAME: This 1 to 4 player flip-and-write game can be enjoyed by parents playing with their children as well as adults. It also includes a 1 player rule. Best recommended for ages 8 & Up.
  • HOW TO PLAY: Next Station London is a flip and draw game using connections, line drawing and route building mechanics. In this game the city of London has commissioned you to redesign its underground network. You will need to optimize connections, serve as many sights as possible and exploit the tunnels that pass under the Thames while being careful to respect the specifications set by the city.
  • Each turn, reveal the next Station card, then draw a new section on your own sheet. Once the first line is completed, pass the color pencil to the player on your left and all player start working on their second metro line. Build 4 lines before counting points.
  • Next Station London is easy to play for families enjoying other Blue Orange classic award winning board games like Photosynthesis, Planet, Kingdomino and other city building games like Cloud City, Neoville.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What did the subscriptions cost?

Failbetter’s October 5, 2023 announcement listed Exceptional Friendship at $9 per month and Enhanced Exceptional Friendship at an additional $7.50 per month, for $16.50 total. These are prices published in 2023, not verified current prices. Check the live game’s subscription screen for current pricing and terms before subscribing.

Best Value
Fallen Land: A Post-Apocalyptic Board Game Descendants Expansion
  • 12 New Factions.
  • New Town Events Deck.
  • New Town Technology.
  • Large box for storing all cards.
Rank #4
Asmodee Ticket to Ride London Board Game - Train Route-Building Strategy Game, Fun Family Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 8+, 2-4 Players, 10-15 Minute Playtime
  • 1970s LONDON ADVENTURE: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of 1970s London with Ticket to Ride: London, a quick and engaging board game.
  • CLAIM BUS LINES: Race around the city to claim the most important bus lines, strategically connecting Districts as you go.
  • COMPLETE DESTINATION TICKETS: Compete to complete your Destination Tickets and become the master of London's transportation network.
  • QUICK AND COMPACT: Enjoy fast-paced gameplay that's easy to learn in just three minutes, making it perfect for both new players and veterans.
  • EXTREMELY PORTABLE: Take the excitement of Ticket to Ride: London with you wherever you go, thanks to its compact format and portability.

How to choose between a Fate story and a subscription

  • You want one particular story: inspect that story’s current Fate-page listing and purchase description. Current prices and catalogue details are not established by the cited publisher information.
  • You want a new story each month: Exceptional Friendship was the subscription Failbetter described as including a monthly Exceptional Story; verify that benefit and the current terms in-game.
  • You value gameplay or convenience perks: compare the live subscription benefits with what you want from the game, rather than assuming a one-off Fate purchase includes them.
  • You are considering Enhanced: check whether the current rotating past-story selection and add-on terms suit you. The details and prices above describe the 2023 announcement only.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.