Star Wars: The Old Republic free-to-play this weekend

Gamers wishing to try out BioWare's massively multiplayer online role-playing game Star Wars: The Old Republic without paying are in luck. From March 15-19, the game will be free to play, the company has announced.

Beginning tomorrow at 12:01 a.m. Central, gamers can secure a "Weekend Pass" for The Old Republic and try out the opening adventures of each of the game's eight character classes. Gamers can travel to each class's origin world, as well as their side's capital worlds.

Additionally, those holding a Weekend Pass can try out the game's player-versus-player warzones and work together through Flashpoints: The Esseles and The Black Talon.

The free-to-play version of The Old Republic is not without its restrictions. As stated on the game's website, the Weekend Pass is available only to those who have never had an active game account. Additionally, players can only level their character to 15 and must stay within the above-mentioned zones.

On top of that, players will not be able to use general chat, trade chat, or PVP chat. Further, free players will not be able to exchange mail with other trial characters.

Lastly, free Old Republic players will not be able to use the Galactic Trade Network, earn Legacy XP, or level Crew Skills ranking above 40.

BioWare said it does not plan to delete trial characters following the conclusion of the free weekend, which officially ends on Monday, March 19 at 2 a.m. CT. However, the company said it reserves the right to delete trial characters on "abandoned" accounts.

For more on the capabilities and restrictions for Weekend Pass holders in The Old Republic, check out the game's website.