Camelot Unchained vs. Crowfall – Many similarities, even more differences

With Camelot Unchained and Crowfall, two MMORPGs focused on PvP are currently in development. Yet both games differ from each other.

Both online games take different approaches, yet they are similar in other aspects. First, let’s look at the similarities: They are both focused on PvP, will take crafting seriously, and give players a lot of responsibility. Both games are crowdfunded. Industry veterans Marc Jacobs (DAOC) and J. Todd Coleman (Shadowbane) are behind the projects, looking to realize their vision of an MMORPG on their own.

However, it will be the differences that lead to a player who is excited about Camelot Unchained being less likely to enjoy Crowfall – and vice versa. But what exactly are the differences?

Persistent World versus Campaigns

Differences become apparent even during character creation. Camelot Unchained focuses on 30 different classes – with each of the three realms having “one variant” of 10 archetypes. There are, for instance, three archer classes in the game, each a slightly different variant of the archetype. In Crowfall, players – similar to “League of Legends” – play a kind of spirit that hovers over things and then slips into a “vessel.”

Other differences are even deeper. Camelot Unchained offers a vast, open game world where three factions fight for dominance. You will always act in this world, where the balance of power changes through your actions. Massive realm-versus-realm battles take center stage.

Crowfall, on the other hand, does not offer a truly persistent world. Each player has a so-called Eternal Kingdom that they can expand. Campaigns regularly occur in the surrounding worlds. You then travel to one of these worlds, take on a form, and engage in PvP battles for resources and rewards until the so-called Hunger destroys this world. Then it’s back to your Eternal Kingdom, which you further develop with achievements from the campaign. Afterwards, the next campaign awaits you. Each campaign is supposed to last between one and six months.

Owner Character versus Body Snatching

In Camelot Unchained, you create a character and develop it as known from other MMORPGs. Camelot Unchained offers a unique twist on skills: players are supposed to build their skills themselves using a kind of modular system.

In Crowfall, on the other hand, this works differently, as you can jump into different bodies – called vessels – and thereby take on the attributes of that body. You must carefully decide which body you want to jump into, as this can change the game for you. Skill development occurs similarly to EVE Online.

Another point of distinction between both MMOs is the combat system. Camelot Unchained uses a classic tab-targeting system, allowing you to aim at different body parts. In Crowfall, however, an action-packed and active combat system is used, reminiscent of TERA.

As you can see, both games differ significantly from each other despite their focus on PvP. Which approach do you prefer?

More articles about Crowfall:

• Crowfall: Get new bodies – the Vessel system
• Crowfall: Developers launch new crowdfunding, even though they don’t need the money

More articles about Camelot Unchained:

• Camelot Unchained looks better than ever
• Camelot Unchained: New trailer and a rejection of free-to-play