XLGames has launched ArcheAge Chronicles, its open-world action MMORPG built in Unreal Engine 5, in early access on PC via Steam as of November 3. The game is priced at $29.99 in North America, with regional pricing applied elsewhere.
According to information Oyun Günlüğü obtained from XLGames, ArcheAge Chronicles is set in Auroria 50 years after the original ArcheAge. It combines fast action combat built around parrying and animation canceling with the open-world freedom, crafting, trade and housing the series is known for. Early access arrives one week after the game’s Steam Next Fest demo, which reached No. 1 on the popular demos chart on its first day and finished 5th on Valve’s most played demos list.
The full world of Auroria opens up
The early access build offers a world roughly 20 times larger than the demo. Players can explore more than 60 new areas, including most of Diamond Shores, Gylden Ruins and Astron Plains. Each region has its own story, quests, bosses and dungeons, while more than 1,000 exploration and collection points are scattered across the map.
Players can glide across Auroria, dive into underwater zones, team up for dungeons and raids or test their skills in PvP. All four classes, Warrior, Ranger, Berserker and Mage, are available in early access. The life-skill systems that defined ArcheAge, including housing, crafting and trade, also arrive with this release.
December update removes gender locks
In the weeks since the demo, XLGames has worked on combat controls and balance, quality-of-life features and performance optimization based on player feedback. The studio will continue releasing updates on a regular schedule throughout early access.
The first major update arrives in December, headlined by the removal of gender locks. This begins with the female Warrior at character creation, with other classes following in later updates on the way to full release. The update also starts adding a third weapon type for each class, beginning with the Gladius for the Warrior.
“Steam Next Fest showed us how many players are ready to return to Auroria, and the feedback they gave us made Chronicles a better game,” said Yongjin Ham, Executive Producer at XLGames. “Early Access is the next step. We’ll keep bringing your feedback into regular updates, and we’re committed to growing this world with our players long after launch.”
Buy-to-play with no pay-to-win
ArcheAge Chronicles follows a buy-to-play model, and no items that give combat or progression advantages will be sold. Players who pre-ordered can now claim the Dawn Pioneer Set, a costume set for the class of their choice, in-game.
