Free to play games have exploded over the past few years, and while they still remain dominant in mainly Asian markets, numerous attempts to penetrate the West have been made. The alternate business models of these products give players an opportunity to experience content before investing. They also provide little risk, making them attractive to not only the thrifty, but those who have been jaded by other games. With literally dozens of choices and more being added monthly, how do you decide what to choose and what steps do you take to assure you aren’t wasting valuable gaming time? After investing time and money in more than twenty of these games, I'm here to provide a few tips you can use in selecting what will best suit your needs and minimize frustration. While a few of these tips may seem like common sense, keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different and your mileage may vary.

The first and most important step in selecting a F2P is the same as if you were purchasing anything from a refrigerator to an Xbox 360 game. Do your homework like a responsible consumer. Find a website you trust (like Ten Ton Hammer, of course) and see what they've written on the game. Even if you are hesitant about the gaming media in general, a preview or review will at least provide basic information on the game’s classes, mechanics, and gameplay. At the very least some screenshots or video will be available, which is a lot more than what you started with. The most valuable resource you can find is someone who has played the games. Check forums, talk to your friends, and see what they have to say. Remember to take impressions with a grain of salt as everyone is different.

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Start off on the right foot and look at the largest publishers with the best selection. Just like you wouldn't go grocery shopping at a Dollar Store, don't look for games that were churned out in two weeks from someone’s garage. Companies like Nexon, Frogster, and IGG for example have put out so many games that they are naturally going to be better at it. Of course there will be exceptions to every rule, and hard-working developers all over the world are putting out quality games, so don't discount independents completely. If you look hard enough there are plenty of interesting projects, but if a safe bet is what you're looking for then go with the pros.

All the research in the world can't prepare you for the actual gaming experience. Every one of us has made that purchase which to this day still angers us (I'm looking at YOU Horizons), but it's important to put aside those experiences and set expectations to what the F2P world will provide. These aren't the shiny AAA titles that you pick up in Best Buy with a $50 million budget and an all-star development team. Don't expect epic cutscenes or BioWare-esque story telling, because that just isn't how these games are built. What you are looking for is on a very basic level and will be obvious within a week. Is it fun to play or not? Also expect progression and content to be heavily item-based as everything is built on the Real Money Trading system.

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Finally, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not putting up a little cash when they try a game. Yes, I know what some of you are thinking. It's free to play! But that doesn't mean you get the maximum experience does it? Even in a single-player PC demo; if I could purchase increments of the game, I totally would and that is essentially what you are doing. Stick $20 in your PayPal account or buy a gaming card from Target and spend a little to see if it's worthwhile. At least one of the larger companies mentioned earlier will even let you spend your cash across multiple games.

As you can see, there are a number of pitfalls to stumble into while searching for a free to play game. You may have to try a dozen before finding one to your liking, but look at it this way. How many AAA titles are available and what will those run you? Sure you may get a two week trial that motivates you to rush through as much content as possible. After that you have to pony up that credit card. On top of that, what if you really didn’t have time to play during that two week trial? Free to play games are always the same price and, more importantly, are on your timetable. Relax and enjoy a journey through an expanding genre and if you need a little more help, take a look at Ralsu's Top Ten List.