NTE is still free to download and free to play, using a standard free-to-play model with optional purchases. That means you can access the main story, exploration, routine PvE content, and most patch activities without spending. Purchases mainly speed up character acquisition, resource gain, and cosmetic collection.
For current players, the important point is not old launch totals like 418 pulls, but rather this:
- There is no hard paywall blocking core progression
- The gap between F2P and spenders is mostly about roster speed, lineup flexibility, and build pace rather than access to the game itself
So the short answer is yes: NTE remains playable as a real F2P game, though chasing every limited release will naturally require more time or money.