Echtra Games has given Torchlight Frontiers (PC) the new name Torchlight 3 and is changing the game mechanics to return to its roots. Thus, the game will no longer be an MMO, and the free-to-play model is off the table.
What was Torchlight Frontiers originally supposed to be? Designer Max Schaefer explained in a new video in 2018 that Torchlight Frontiers would definitely be an MMO.
You were supposed to travel in a persistent online world, team up with other players, and fight monsters together. Furthermore, it was planned that the world would continuously evolve.
A transition from an MMO to an Action RPG
What has been announced now? As Max Schafer announced, Torchlight Frontiers is now called Torchlight 3. The new name is intended to clarify the direction the game is now taking. Back to the roots is the motto.
When we started the development of Torchlight Frontiers, we focused on creating a shared world. During development, you often discover what kind of game you want to develop, and we realized that Torchlight Frontiers should be a true successor to Torchlight I & II. Based on this insight and the numerous feedback from our alpha testers, we decided to bring the game back to its roots and design it after the classic Torchlight games that have become so popular with ARPG fans. We would like to thank our dedicated player community for their support and constructive feedback during the early development phase.
Max Schaefer, CEO of Echtra Games and co-founder of the Torchlight franchise
This is how the new Torchlight 3 is supposed to look
What exactly is changing? There are a whole host of changes, ranging from game mechanics to the payment model.
- The MMO elements are taking a back seat. Most game areas are now set to private by default. You will not meet other players there.
- You can recruit players for your missions in the cities.
- The entire character progression system is being changed. There is no more horizontal development. You will improve your hero similarly to Torchlight 1 and Torchlight 2 linearly.
- Companions like in the predecessors will support you, including an alpaca, an owl, and a dog.
- You will follow the story in the game now based on a classic act structure.
- You will choose between an online and an offline mode during character creation. However, an offline hero cannot play online.
- There is no in-game store anymore where you can buy with real money.
- The game will no longer be released with a free-to-play model, but as a buy-to-play title on Steam.
A somewhat controversial adjustment
How are players reacting to the adjustment? Opinions are somewhat divided. Some were looking forward to an MMO in the Torchlight universe and are now disappointed, while others welcome the adjustment.
- Urza1234 writes on reddit: “If I wanted to play a classic ARPG, I could have chosen Grim Dawn, Wolcen, Last Epoch, Pagan, or one of the other indie options. I have been waiting for Torchlight Frontiers because the model had a certain longevity, but I guess I won’t be playing it now.”
- ?? johnny ?? says on Twitter: “This seems like a big step in the right direction, and I am looking forward to trying the ‘new’ game.”
Torchlight 3: Release Summer 2020 on Steam
When will the release occur? The release of Torchlight Frontiers was originally planned for 2019, which did not materialize.
Torchlight 3 is now supposed to be released on Steam this summer. There is no exact date yet.
However, you can participate in a closed alpha starting January 29.
What do you think of this quite significant change in Torchlight Frontiers, respectively Torchlight 3? Would you have preferred to play the MMO version or are you happy that we now get a more classic hack ‘n slash?
