The sandbox MMO ArcheAge is just a few days away from the headstart for founders. Could a special game mechanic make the launch particularly turbulent?
Every crowd has its magic
The opening minutes in an MMO are often remembered by many players. This probably applies to the technicians in the server rooms as well. In a “normal” theme park game, like WildStar, an enormous number of players log in as soon as the clock strikes “release”.
The goal is to be the first to reach level 5, to be the first to leave the starter zone, to stay ahead of the “wave” of players so that the quest zones are as empty as possible, the green mob fields remain lush and green before the masses trample over them and you end up in an MMO traffic jam. The first minutes in an MMO are not only the most memorable but also a bit like when an “all-you-can-eat” buffet is opened up for looting or a free beer stand is launched. Exciting, satisfying, but you need to use your elbows.
In the sandbox MMO ArcheAge, this is no different – those who logged in during the open beta found themselves surrounded by a horde of level 1 characters. In ArcheAge, solo players do not share the mobs – unlike in other games nowadays. When groups were not formed, there was quite a crowd around the mobs during the open beta.
What matters for building a house? Location, location, location
During the head start of ArcheAge on September 12 – when it counts – the situation is even more intensified. Because in a theme park MMO, it ultimately doesn’t matter when you leave the beginner zone. No one will take anything from you. There’s really no reason to push to the front at the buffet and load your plate up to your chin: Because the buffet will never run out. The mobs respawn, quest items reappear.
In ArcheAge, however, the buffet does empty. Although mobs respawn here too and of course you progress through the quests, prime properties for the much-praised sandbox elements of ArcheAge may be taken: “Land” is a finite resource, and the best spots are coveted. Those who arrive late must take what’s left. The official forum is currently discussing this so-called “land grab”.
A user explains the ranking of properties and what to look out for:
- By the coast
- Near special crafting stations
- Mild climate
- Located in a non-PvP zone
- In a PvP zone but at least blessed with one of the other advantages.
Coastal access is optimal because it gives you flexibility and makes it easier to build your trade empire. Crafting stations nearby shorten the distances. In a mild climate, certain plants and animals thrive better. Those who build in a non-PvP zone can sleep more soundly.
ArcheAge, the game with the real estate agent
A “land grab” refers to the phenomenon in ArcheAge or other games where the fastest players secure the prime pieces and occupy the best positions. In ArcheAge, it adds to the fact that players with a head start have already made plans to occupy properties in their vicinity and later sell them to latecomers at outrageous prices. Yes, that’s right: Soon, players won’t be complaining about a too difficult quest mob or an annoying quest, but about real estate prices in a certain neighborhood.
Especially the founders, who go live four days before the others, have the opportunity to establish themselves before Free2Play players start. Particularly intense: guilds that as part of their strategy to achieve world domination have already scouted areas and plan to occupy them.
But even among the founders, there will be scrambling and fighting for the first spots in the first hours. Therefore, ArcheAge could experience one of the most turbulent opening hours in the history of MMOs when the headstart begins on Friday.
For those who are afraid as Free2Play players of coming in four days late: Trion Worlds reserves the right to open new servers if necessary. There, it starts fresh and the four-day lead of the founders is irrelevant.
My MMO says: This is a highly interesting new dynamic that sandbox MMOs bring to the genre. The first hours and days of ArcheAge will surely be an unforgettable experience for many players who have been looking forward to it for a long time. The question is whether and how this competition system among players will affect those who come too late. Such elements are certainly good for the genre. No one needs more MMOs that follow the same design principles.
More about the game can be found on our ArcheAge theme page.
To conclude, here’s a short English YouTube video that deals with housing.
