BioWare is currently still working on new content for Anthem, such as the Cataclysm. This is still being scrutinized by players on the test server. The developers are reportedly listening closely to what the freelancers want. A new update has introduced improvements on the PTS that have been praised by players.
What is currently happening in Anthem? The developers of Anthem are currently focusing on the Cataclysm, which was presented in the last livestream about the game. It is an eight-week event, with the first two weeks serving as preparation.
The test servers are open to all PC players of Anthem who own the game or are subscribers of Origin Access Premier. Unfortunately, there is no test server for consoles.
What is new about the Cataclysm? When the Cataclysm event was presented, the developers already stated that the visual effects were not yet completed and that they were still working hard on them. Nevertheless, some players were disappointed. They compared the Cataclysm, which should represent a world-changing event, to a feeble tropical storm.
Here, BioWare has made improvements and actually made the Cataclysm stormier. Waves are crashing, visibility is worse, and a wall of fog lies over the map where the event takes place. Additionally, dangerous lightning strikes occur around the players, which are not only visible in the air but also leave their marks on the ground.
Even on the map in Freeplay, something has changed with the Cataclysm, as anomalies appear that announce and accompany the event.
Recently, the fight against the boss Vara was updated on the test server along with further changes and improvements to gameplay, effects, and cinematics.
What is new about the items? Players can earn the currency Crystal during the event, which can be used to purchase the so-called War Chests. These contain new items that are introduced with the Cataclysm.
The amount of crystals that players receive depends on the difficulty and the score achieved. According to YouTuber KhrazeGaming, BioWare adjusted the amount of crystals that players can receive with the last PTS update.
All the items are “best in slot” and will be five points higher than the equipment currently in the game. In one video, some interesting equipment pieces can be seen that have exciting effects.
Such as the legendary grenade Arctic Tomb for the Ranger, an upgrade of the Frost Grenade. This freezes enemies and causes them to explode on combo, freezing additional enemies in the vicinity. The Colossus receives a melee attack that leaves a burning area on the ground.
What else is being tested? The latest tests on the PTS also include the Inversions. These are various modifiers that are used in the Cataclysm event and affect the scoring. With the Broken Magazine modifier, the weapons have no additional ammo, but the drop for ammo is increased. With On the Edge, the four Javelins deal more damage with low armor.
More information about the Inversions and the days they are tested, is available on the EA forum.
What do the players say? In the Anthem subreddit, the mood is still somewhat reserved, but the changes are well received. The visual changes and the new items seem to please the players.
The fact that BioWare is still working on the effects and content and working closely with the community positively resonates with the players.
