Phantasy Star Online 2 will be a transaction-based free-to-play game when it launches on Vita and PC — and on the iOS and Android, two new platforms announced for the title earlier today.

Phantasy Star Online 2 will be a transaction-based free-to-play game when it launches on Vita and PC — and on the iOS and Android, two new platforms announced for the title earlier today.

Sega revealed that the title will be totally free to download and play, with revenue coming from individual item transactions. We suppose that will make the process of grinding for Monogrinders a bit less demanding on our free time, and a bit more demanding on our bank accounts.

The smartphone versions of the title won't be completely identical to the PC and Vita SKUs, instead focusing on "social game elements," as well as simpler controls and character creation processes. The iOS and Android versions will not feature the crossplay seen in the other two platforms, but some level of user data will be shared between all four. Sega is hoping to launch the smartphone versions this winter, with the PC release scheduled for the summer and the Vita version for 2013.