Anthem is currently going through a tough phase, where players are dissatisfied with the loot and are also seeking engagement in the endgame. Would PvP help to bridge this phase?
The problem is: Currently, players in Anthem are unhappy with the loot. They are asking for higher drop rates of Masterworks and Legendary items to refine their endgame builds.
Additionally, players want more variety in the endgame of Anthem. Many are trying to conquer the easiest dungeon “Mine of Tyranny” to effectively farm the best loot.
The issue with the loot is frustrating some players to the point that they have called for a boycott in Anthem. They want to encourage others to consciously avoid the game for a while to send a message to the developers.
Could PvP help now?
Every service game goes through this phase shortly after release, where fundamental balancing still needs to be worked on. Often, the honeymoon phase for the players is over during this time, where everything is still new and exciting.
Errors become apparent and initial enthusiasm quickly turns into disappointment and anger. Similarly, the first hardcore players burn through the available content and look for tasks in the game.
Anthem is currently in this phase.
What speaks for PvP in Anthem?
If you take a look at two games that Anthem is often compared to, PvP has often helped during difficult phases. The games are Destiny and The Division.
These two games also had a rocky start and faced a lot of criticism regarding things like loot balancing or content drought. In a loot shooter, special attention is focused on the loot. How good the hunt for loot feels often determines the longevity of such games.
Diversity through PvP: The PvP modes of Destiny 2 and The Division 2 particularly offer players a change when poor phases prevail in the game. Competing against another player provides excitement and is always unpredictable.
PvP offers a reason to log in, even when nothing else is happening in the game. It’s enough to pass the time and to test your new gear.
What speaks against PvP in Anthem?
Anthem was born from the idea of fulfilling the superhero fantasy. It is precisely for this reason that flying is central to the gameplay. Players should feel like a powerful Iron Man who simply destroys his opponents.
Another game that strikes a similar chord would be Warframe. This game theoretically has a PvP mode. However, it is hardly utilized. Most prefer the cooperative gameplay and grind through the PvE content together.
Warframe is also a master at fulfilling the power fantasy. Every weapon, every skill, and every special effect is simply bombastic.
PvP does not fit the DNA of Anthem: The problem with PvP in Anthem or Warframe is that it disturbs the power fantasy that is a crucial part of the gameplay experience.
If the javelins of Anthem are supposed to feel superhero-powerful, their skills and attributes must be exaggerated. This is difficult to reconcile in a mix of PvE and PvP. Quickly, Anthem could find itself in a balancing hell.
In PvE, the suits should feel powerful but shouldn’t have unfair advantages in PvP. Many players agree that the Storm Javelin is the strongest in Anthem. It can hover longer in the air than other combat suits, which could give it an advantage in PvP.
Even if PvP could provide a lot of variety, it would simply be difficult to implement in Anthem.
What do you think? Would a PvP mode benefit Anthem now, where the players are craving more content and loot adjustments? Before the launch, players were rather happy that there was no PvP in Anthem. However, that might have changed after the launch. Let us know in the comments.
