In the new live stream about Anthem, developer Bioware revealed a plethora of details about loot, equipment, and the customization of your character. Players reacted positively to what was shown.
The latest live stream for Anthem aired last night, on December 13. Bioware employees Darrin McPherson and Ben Irving were present to introduce content from the shared-world shooter.
This time, there were particularly many interesting insights. The loot system, epic gear, and the forge used to customize your Javelin were showcased. The community is excited but also has immediate suggestions for improvements.
You can watch the full live stream here.
Character Customization and Equipment
This was shown in the live stream: First, the forge menu was displayed. This tool is necessary for modifying the Javelin suit that players inhabit.
These parts can be modified on the Javelin:
- Components
- Support Gear
- Weapons
- as well as two points that depend on the Javelins
The Colossus, for example, comes with a heavy rocket launcher and a type of artillery launcher, while the Ranger can use a light rocket launcher and grenades.
Unfortunately, there were no updates regarding the other Javelins. Here you can find all information about the 4 Javelin suits.
Some of these slots can only be unlocked at a certain level, but this apparently happens quite early in the game. Your level also determines which equipment you can already wear.
What are components? Components define your playstyle. They do not change the values of your Javelin but add additional elements. Components offer a wide range of optimization options.
In the stream, the components of a Colossus were shown, which can increase values like explosion and fire damage. Certain types of weapons can also be enhanced with them. Even the flight time of the Javelin can be extended with them.
Loadouts are separate: Right at the start of the stream, it was confirmed that loadouts apply to two categories. Builds and appearance of the Javelins are handled separately. Thus, your gear has no impact on your appearance.
This is how loot works in Anthem
As is typical for online games, equipment has several rarity levels:
- Common
- Uncommon
- Rare
- Epic
- Masterwork
- Legendary
Equipment that is uncommon or higher has random inscriptions. These are the special bonuses that a piece of equipment can have. So there will be differences in values even for weapons with the same name. This also includes masterworks.
Masterworks are an upgraded version of epic equipment and have an extra inscription that can significantly change the equipment piece. In the stream, for example, a rocket launcher called Argo’s Mace was shown, which makes a killed target explode again. This in turn deals damage to other opponents.
Can inscriptions be re-rolled? Currently, this is not possible. There will likely be crafting options.
This is how you find equipment: Loot in Anthem is primarily RNG-based. You will receive random drops in the game world and through missions. It seems possible to obtain certain blueprints for weapons and craft them. But primarily, you should get equipment by completing tasks and defeating enemies. Each part has a power level that affects the gear score.
How does the gear score work? As one already knows from games like Destiny or The Division, the gear score shows how high your overall equipment is. The power level that each piece of equipment has is added together.
And how does it work in a group? That’s why there’s no fighting over your loot in Anthem.
The live stream is well received, fans also have criticism
This is how the community reacts to the stream: Overall, the feedback on the stream is very positive. On Reddit, there are numerous posts expressing very positive views about the information provided. So writes u/Final_Echo: “I am so glad! With such an extensive loot and progression system, the game has every chance of becoming long-lasting!”
Many reactions strike the same tone. Some fans are almost relieved because there has been hardly any information so far. There was concern that the system might turn out to be too simple. However, along with all the excitement, there are also suggestions for improvements and small concerns.
Players wish for a specific feature: So u/RealSeltheus suggests that inscriptions should be able to be re-rolled. However, this should not be tied to the standard currency as in conventional online games, but enabled through crafting materials. You can read the detailed and thoughtful suggestion in his post.
He is not the only one. Several players are asking for such a function. u/Halefire sees the risk that the current system could be demotivating. Meanwhile, Bioware’s Ben Irving has already responded:
I believe that is fair feedback. We may not be able to do anything more before the release, but it is a reasonable thing to consider later. We will definitely monitor player behavior and feedback at launch.
What do you think of the new information?
