From there the client will complete the Starcraft II installation.ĭon't be surprised if you have a little difficulty getting connected at first, or if the software produces a few strange error messages - both of which happened to me along the way. The first time you sign into, you'll need to create a BattleTag - basically your online alias. You will be asked for email verification, though strictly speaking it's not mandatory. You can sign up for via your Facebook account or a more traditional email/password setup. But now it seems that requirement has been lifted, as clicking that button immediately downloads the software.) (Curiously, when I did that a little earlier today, I was directed to a page where I had to create an account prior to downloading the installer. If not, you can sign up for one after downloading the installer, which you do by clicking Play Free Now on the Starcraft II home page. Starcraft II is available for both Windows and Mac, but before you can get it, you'll need a Blizzard account. Meanwhile, you can play co-op mode, with free co-op commanders up to level 5 - and that includes Terran commander combo Mira Han and Matt Horner, who are debuting today as part of the free-to-play launch.įinally, if you already own Wings of Liberty, you can get a free digital copy of the expansion pack Heart of the Swarm - though have only until Dec. You can access the Ranked Multiplayer ladder by completing 10 'First Wins of the Day' in Unranked Multiplayer or Versus AI modes. You also get access to all multiplayer units in the Unranked Multiplayer and Custom game modes. The free-to-play option includes the complete Wings of Liberty single-player story campaign (which, incidentally, earned a 9.5 rating from GameSpot when it debuted in 2010). Ready to get started? Here are a few things you should know, followed by instructions on registering for and downloading the game. You'll need a (free) account to play Starcraft II for free.Īs promised a couple weeks back, Blizzard's classic, beloved real-time strategy game Starcraft II is now free to play.

How to install starcraft 2