Choosing the right version of For Honor can significantly impact your progression rate and overall enjoyment of Ubisoft's tactical melee action game. Both the Starter Edition and Standard Edition grant full access to every game mode, map, and seasonal feature, but they handle character unlocks very differently. Understanding these underlying mechanics helps new players make an informed decision based on their available time and budget.
Core Gameplay and Content Parity
Neither edition restricts access to the core gameplay loops, story campaign, or competitive multiplayer modes. Players on both versions can join identical matchmaking pools with no penalty to connection speeds or server stability. You also receive access to all post-launch events and seasonal updates without needing special upgrades.
The primary divergence rests in character accessibility and in-game currency requirements. While both packages grant three Vanguard class heroes from the start, unlocking the remaining base roster demands vastly different investments. Standard Edition players enjoy a streamlined unlocking process that requires minimal grind.
Understanding the Hero Unlock Economy
In the Standard Edition, base heroes only require 500 Steel each to fully recruit and customize. This allows players to quickly experiment with diverse playstyles across all factions after completing just a few daily orders. It offers a low-barrier path to expanding your active roster early in the game.
Conversely, the Starter Edition drastically increases base hero costs to 8,000 Steel per character. Unlocking all base characters on the Starter version can take dozens of hours of active gameplay. However, post-launch DLC heroes retain the exact same 10,000 to 15,000 Steel price tag regardless of which edition you own.
Making the Right Choice for Your Playstyle
If you prefer a casual experience with freedom to swap characters frequently, the Standard Edition offers the best overall value. The low unlock costs prevent burnout and allow you to explore different combat mechanics early on. Paying slightly more upfront saves dozens of hours of repetitive grinding in the long run.
The Starter Edition functions well for budget-conscious players who plan to main a single hero or purchase the all-heroes unlock bundle later. If you do not mind dedicating extended time to earning in-game rewards, the lower initial cost provides an entry point into the action. Evaluating your personal gaming habits will guide you to the ideal edition.
