The MMORPG TERA has introduced a PvP mode. In the new arena, you take on the role of familiar NPCs. The mode combines the action combat system of the game with the principles of MOBAs.
Update October 31: The MOBA mode went live with the latest update.
What kind of mode is this? In the TERA Battle Arena (TBA), you fight as an existing character in the game against other players. You also take over their skills and gear. This has several advantages:
- You do not need a fully equipped character, but can jump right in.
- All players start at the same level and it relies more on personal skill.
- Veterans, on the other hand, have variety because they can take on different and new roles.
The new mode thus resembles a MOBA directly within the MMORPG. You fight in teams in special arenas and have a fixed role. However, the idea is not new, as Final Fantasy XIV also has such a mode with Rival Wings.
However, TERA places value on maintaining the iconic action combat system. This is also shown in the trailer for the mode:
The new mode is intended to be expanded over time
How exactly does the new mode work? In the Battle Arena, you fight in teams against each other. You choose a character whose role you take on and whose skills you take over. The third-person view and action combat system of the MMORPG will be maintained.
However, the number of skills will be lower than what is usual for the 13 classes in TERA, as the developer Bluehole stated:
Since new players are often overwhelmed by the many skills in TERA, we have simplified this for TBA and focused on making them as intuitive as possible. Long-time TERA players will encounter heroes they have only met as NPCs before, who will provide a completely new gaming experience in the battlefields of TERA Battle Arena.
With your character and your team, you try to capture various points on the map to gain advantages. You will also encounter PvE creatures.
At the beginning, only a portion of the legends from the world of TERA will be available. More are expected to be added over time.
Is TBA a standalone game? No, to play the new arena, you must download the free-to-play MMORPG. However, you should be able to start immediately with the new mode without needing to level a character for it.
When will the mode be released? There is currently no information on the release of the TERA Battle Arena.
What about PvE? TERA is mainly aimed at PvE players and offers many different dungeons. PvP updates like this are rather exceptions and therefore particularly exciting.
However, new content for PvE is expected to follow in 2020, including dungeons.
A significant change for the MMORPG has already been announced and will soon come to the game. The game client is finally expected to make a leap and receive a 64-bit version. However, this will also come with higher system requirements.
