The highly anticipated release of Anthem is just around the corner! The experiences we gathered from the previous demos have been summarized for you in 6 brief points.
Anthem is ready to go: While some players can start as early as February 15, most of us must wait for the official release on February 22.
To shorten the waiting time, we have compiled our six key experiences from the demos for you.
1. There is a lot to experience in Freeplay
In Freeplay, you can test your weapons and collect resources needed for crafting. However, there are also many secrets to discover and events to master while you zip around the game world.
World Events are varied: Each time you embark on a new Freeplay expedition, in addition to the open game world, you can expect World Events. These events can appear in various locations and at different times. The length and type of mission are also diverse. In the end, you can grab a chest with loot.
Exploration should be rewarded: In Freeplay, there seem to be small loot chests hidden all over the world, which can be reached through secret underwater passages or found in caves. In the full version, there are supposed to be lore collectibles that contribute to the overall background story of Anthem.
What could be found in the demo can be seen in this video:
2. Javelins feel different
Javelin choice is crucial: The four Javelin types distinguish themselves in various ways. Some of you may opt for the powerful stomp of the Colossus, while others swear by the aerial pirouette of the Interceptor. One thing is certain: Each suit has its own unique touch.
The differences become clear during gameplay: The choice of Javelin drastically influences the play style.
This is how the Javelin plays: With the air-striking Storm, it is advisable to stay close to large rocks and similarly high structures so that you can take cover while hovering. The melee-focused Interceptor can quickly zip from one combat situation to the next. Its wide range of movement options allows the player to retreat from a fight just as quickly as they started it.
The balanced Ranger resembles a soldier, while the Colossus represents the resilient rhinoceros among the Javelins and can take some powerful hits.
3. Not just loot chests drop equipment
Enemies have random drop chances: Often in Freeplay, a hostile Scar unit has left us a gift in the form of new weapons on the ground. These drops were predominantly of common (white), uncommon (green), or rare (blue) rarity levels in the demos.
Since loot in the full game depends on the selected difficulty level, green and blue drops could quickly turn into orange (Masterwork) or perhaps even gold (Legendary) drops.
Challenges reward long-term: In the demo, various actions allowed for the completion of challenges. Players will still be able to complete these challenges in the finished game.
The challenges can be viewed in the Codex and reward crafting blueprints. These allow for the creation of better versions of your weapons. For more information on challenges, check out our Endgame hub for you.
4. Combos are essential
What are combos? In Anthem, a combo consists of the combination of a primer ability and a detonator ability. Priming an enemy means applying a lasting status effect like acid or frost. You then trigger the detonator ability to launch the enemy and multiply the damage.
In our combo guide, you can find out more.
Why are combos important? Properly combining primers and detonators is the key to victory. Combos allow you to take out many enemies in a short time with various abilities and in coordination with other Javelins, or deal massive damage to a large enemy.
5. Health does not regenerate on its own
Health must be collected: In Anthem, the survivability of your Javelin consists of two values: shields and health. The only exception is the Colossus, which is the only Javelin without a rechargeable shield system.
If your armor takes damage, you must collect glowing red orbs to regenerate your health.
Defeated enemies drop health: After each successful kill, you have the chance to receive loot, ammunition packs, or health from your enemies. This design decision aims to challenge players to make tactical decisions within a fight.
You have to consider whether to brave the fray despite critical health to quickly collect a health orb or wait until the situation calms down while searching the surroundings for red pickups.
6. Klauninchen are not our enemies … or are they?
What are Klauninchen? Klauninchen are small rabbit-like creatures found throughout the world of Anthem. Essentially, these unique beings are friendly to us. However, some players do not fully trust these cute critters.
The player can decide whether to kill Klauninchen in the wild or to leave them alone. What the long-term consequences of killing these little bunnies will be is still uncertain. Perhaps one day we will meet the “mother of all Klauninchen?”
