The survival MMO Atlas is getting a major update that introduces new PvP and PvE modes and brings a test server. Looking at the current state of the online game, the question arises whether the update can save the title.
What does the update bring? Update 1.5 introduced three new game modes along with the associated realms:
- PvP Colonies, aimed at smaller groups
- PvE
- PvP Empires for large player groups
In addition, a test server has been introduced where players can try out new features and changes before they go live on the servers. On the test server, you’ll play the PvP Colonies mode.
The update is associated with a wipe. Players will have to start over. Additionally, the following is being introduced:
- The world of Atlas has been redesigned.
- With “Deep Ocean Trench,” a new area has found its way into the game.
- There is now snow as weather.
- The system for claiming areas has changed. There is now an “invulnerability timer” during which islands cannot be attacked when the owners are offline.
- Players can now trade securely with each other.
- New quests, items, bug fixes, and balance optimizations.
The many changes aim to lead to Atlas 1.5. A game that already feels almost “new”.
Necessary changes in the major update
When is the update coming? The major mega-update is set to be deployed today (April 11) around 7 PM, but the test server is already open. There, the changes can be tried out in advance. The wipe will also take place at 7 PM.
How are players reacting to the changes? A wipe is never welcomed, but in an early access game, it is unavoidable. And in Atlas, players had even longed for a wipe. The innovations of the update sound very interesting to many. Especially the new system for capturing locations is something that fans welcome.
soviman1 writes on Reddit: “The system works quite well compared to the old one, which said: take the island after the owners have gone to sleep.”
Severe criticism of Atlas – Is the MMO still salvageable?
What is the current state of Atlas? According to Steamcharts, player numbers have drastically declined since the launch in December 2018. At that time, around 59,000 players were online. Now, only about 3,800 are left.
The game’s ratings on Steam are at 34 percent, and thus “mostly negative.” Especially the numerous bugs and performance issues are criticized. Cheaters also pose a significant problem, and players feel that the developers only do what they want and ignore feedback.
Many had hoped for a pirate MMO and not ARK 2.0. However, according to some fans, Atlas is increasingly moving in that direction. A major update with a quasi-restart is therefore urgently needed. The question is whether this can really save the MMO.
Modernautomatic writes on Reddit: “The developers are increasingly moving away from ship battles. Then just rename it to ARK 2 because it seems like that’s all the developers think about. I just wanted the game to be good.”
After the update today, it will be seen whether it can lead to a revival and better ratings for Atlas.
