Cryptic Studios has announced that its super-hero MMO, Champions Online, will switch over to a free-to-play model on January 25th, 2011. In a surprising move, Cryptic also announced that everything in the base game will be free for players to access – usually, companies lock off higher-level content for paying players. In this model, only the special add-on packs will cost. Not surprisingly, this announcement coincides with the recent launch of Sony Online Entertainment’s competing super-hero MMO, DC Universe Online.

‘It’s a genuine pleasure to be able to announce our release date for Champions Online: Free for All,’ said John Needham, CEO, Cryptic Studios. ‘On January 25, 2011, any gamer or would-be superhero can play within the ever-improving world of Champions Online for no cost.’

You can find out more about Champions Online over at the game’s official website.