Bohemia Interactive is preparing a free-to-play version of their military shooter Arma 2. Arma 2: Free will be released for the PC this month.

Arma 2: Free lets you engage in multiplayer battles with up to 50+ players and hundreds of A.I. units. Free supports several modes, both competitive and cooperative. It also provides dedicated server support for Linux and Windows users. The package is completed with a mission editor, which lets you build your own single-player and multiplayer adventures.

Arma 2 was billed as an "authentic battlefield simulation" and the free-to-play version aspires to be the same. It features bullet ballistics, material penetration, and other physics elements. The game also offers a deep selection of weapons and vehicles based on real-world military equipment.

"No micro-transactions, no hidden costs, just the same epic terrain and huge variety of equipment!" said Bohemia Interactive in the press release, just to reiterate the whole "free" thing.

Arma 2: Free seems to be a demo of sorts for Arma 2. They're hoping the features on display in Free will encourage you to buy the full version. The full version also includes a campaign, high-def graphics, and support for user-made addons and mods.