Free character transfers will be available in Rift when Update 1.3 launches early this summer! According to today's announcement from Trion Worlds, "players will have the ability to move to select servers in their territory once each week, taking all items, achievements, and titles with them. Additionally, guild leaders will be able to move their guild’s level and experience."

Yes, that sentence does say "select servers." In order to maintain population balances, Trion will only be allowing players to move to specific shards. The shards available for transfer may change over time.

Here's another interesting bit of news: you'll be able to freely move between different shard rulesets. If you want to move from a PvP shard to a PvE server, you'll have that option.

For more details, check out the FAQ after the jump. Do you plan on finding a new server to call home when Update 1.3 launches?

Free Character Transfer FAQ

What are Free Character Transfers?

• Free Character Transfers will allow you to move your characters to select shards through an easy to use, in-game feature.

How often can I transfer my character?

• We’re allowing one free transfer to a select shard every 7 days, please note this is subject to change while we continue to develop and test the new service.

What do you mean “select shards”?

• We want the shard you select to provide the best experience possible. It is important that there remains a balance between Guardian and Defiant players and to that available shards do not become too over populated or unbalanced. For this reason you will only be able to move to specific shards we’ve selected to accept new transfers, please note the shards available for transfer may change over time.

Can I move from a PvP shard to a PvE shard or vice-versa?

• Of course! The rule set of your current shard will not prevent you from moving to a shard of a different type. So PvP, RP, PvE, or RPPvP to your heart’s content - Just remember, you’re subject to the rules of your new home! (For example, non-consensual PvP on PvP shards and stricter naming policies on RP shards.)

What about my stuff?

• We’ll have specific details later, but have no fear! You’ll be able to take your items, currencies, achievements, titles, pets, collections, and heck, maybe even the kitchen sink!

Can I transfer from a North American Shard to a European Shard?

• Not right now, currently transfers will be restricted to select shards in your territory.

I’m a guild leader, can I transfer my guild?

• Absolutely, we know you and your members work hard to level your guild and make it your own. We’ll announce more details about this feature closer to its release, stay tuned!

Will these transfers always be free for everyone?

• For the forseeable future – yes! They could even become a permanent addition to the RIFT experience. This is very much an experiment we want to try and we feel this feature will add a unique way to play RIFT unlike other MMO’s. We’ll see how it goes and keep an eye out for any issues that arise.

So, when will 1.3 be released?

1.3 is the next major installment for RIFT and will arrive early this summer. Keep an eye on www.riftgame.com and here on the forums for more details as we get closer to its release!