Trion’s Sandbox MMO ArcheAge is launching a fresh start on December 10th. With Update 3.0 Revelation, not only are there many new contents coming to the game, but there is also the chance to start completely from scratch.
The story of ArcheAge reads like a lesson on: “Mistakes to avoid when launching an MMO.” From the start, the sandbox project was plagued by various issues. The worst blunders were undoubtedly massive login issues at release, which denied many players a chance in the competitive real estate market, pay-to-win accusations, and the shitstorm with the pink dolphin, which angered Trion’s loyal customers.
Once again, but this time correctly!
Nevertheless, ArcheAge endured, was further developed, and gradually improved. Most recently with Update 2.0, which allowed players to create entire nations. Now Trion is raising the stakes and with Update 3.0 brings the opportunity to start anew. Starting December 10th, there will be a chance to open a new account on a special fresh start server and finally begin the game as it was originally intended back in 2014 without queues, pay-to-win, and hassle.
- The servers will not all start at the same time but will be opened gradually according to a strict schedule. This is to prevent server crashes from happening again. The plan is for the servers to go live on Saturday afternoon between 4 PM and 6 PM.
- The controversial real-money shop now offers fewer and different items. For example, there are no longer unlimited purchasable real-money potions that refill your energy. Instead, you can only create a kind of potion subscription that gifts you a small potion every day for a month. This should eliminate major pay-to-win accusations.
- You cannot carry over any progress from the old servers to the new ones during this fresh start; all players will truly be equal.
- Founders will only receive titles and cosmetic items for the fresh start.
Sandbox, as it should be
Through the aforementioned measures, the “rush phase” should last as long as possible, which is the time when players, like the settlers in the Wild West of the USA back in the day, continue to advance and claim land and resources and fight for them. And all of this without numerous purchasable items that give an advantage.
Another reason for the fresh start: The new races of dwarves and warborn. Those who want to play these will have to start fresh anyway, so why not on the new servers? Additionally, with the new races come new areas and even a zone where numerous housing spots are available and there is a PvP ban. Ideal for those who want to build a cozy existence.
Jürgen says: Better late than never! ArcheAge has not exactly covered itself in glory throughout its history, but if the fresh start goes as the developers envision, ArcheAge could finally run like sandbox fans wanted back then.
Don’t miss out on my extensive article on the topic: ArcheAge – A Celebration for Guilds!
