The closed beta for Paladins on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One is live. Leya visited the studio Hi-Rez in England and was able to play Paladins on PS4 and Xbox One. During this, she learned more about the developers’ support plans for the consoles.
Paladins is now in a closed beta for PS4 and Xbox One. The hero shooter is set to be released on consoles later this year. Paladins will then be available for free download – like the PC version.
To get a better picture of Paladins on console, I visited the studio Hi-Rez in England.
All champions will be individually tailored for the console
For Hi-Rez, it was clear from the beginning that Paladins would one day be released on PS4 and Xbox One. The developers had consoles on their radar since the first alpha version of Paladins, which strongly influenced the design. The goal was to make the gameplay experience as similar as possible for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It has always been a priority to make the interface user-friendly for PC and console players.
However, the console and PC come with different requirements and challenges. Designing both versions simultaneously would have been impossible for the developers.
Therefore, Hi-Rez assembled a team that focuses solely on console design. This team works closely with Sony and Microsoft to optimize Paladins for PS4 and Xbox One. Together, they examine each individual character in the game. Every single champion is individually assessed and tailored for the console.
Patches on PS4 and Xbox One are delayed
Microsoft and Sony have high standards for the products they make available to console players. Every single game and update goes through a strict certification process.
Once the studio completes a new patch, it must undergo and pass this review. This applies equally to PS4 and Xbox One. How long it takes to complete the process depends on Microsoft and Sony. Hi-Rez estimates that there will be about a week between a patch release on PC and console. This estimate draws on the studio’s experience with the action MOBA Smite, which is playable on PC and console.
Customization of Paladins continues with the controller
Paladins is known for the many ways to customize the game to your playstyle. The deck-building system allows numerous ways to customize champions and their abilities. This is an important philosophy for the developers.
This concept is intended to extend to the controller. Each button on the controller will be individually customizable. Players will be able to assign each champion’s abilities on the controller however they wish.
In the current closed beta version, this is not yet possible. It is unclear whether this will already be the case for the open beta. Hi-Rez is already working on controller customization and will definitely implement it.
Paladins will be the first free hero shooter for consoles
The hero shooter Paladins will be free, which is a rarity on consoles. The F2P concept is more prevalent on PC so far.
Items that offer more strategic options in-game can be unlocked with gold. Gold is earned through playing. Cosmetic items like skins can be obtained through crystals, Paladins’ premium currency.
Paladins plays differently on console than on PC
During my visit to Hi-Rez, I had the opportunity to test the PS4 version of Paladins. At this point, I want to emphasize that I am actually a PC gamer through and through. I own consoles and occasionally play with the controller. However, I’m not very good at it. I was very curious how I would like the fast-paced hero shooter Paladins on console.
I quickly realized that Paladins plays significantly differently on the PC than on the PS4. Especially with the champions, I noticed a significant difference. My favorite hero is Evie, a champion with high mobility. Therefore, I wanted to test the winter witch directly on the console. First impression: the controls are extremely difficult!
Especially her flight ability is incredibly tricky to control. The same goes for Drogoz. The developers confirmed to me that even experienced console players had difficulties with mobility champions like Evie. So it wasn’t just my inability with the controller.
The likelihood is high that the popularity and strength of the champions will differ between the PC and console versions. Presumably, tanks will be played more often on console than one would expect from the PC version. Because they are significantly easier to learn on console. At least in the days immediately after release, I expect to see these more often on console.
Paladins on console to relax on the couch
I was surprised at the end that I found Paladins on PS4 to be quite relaxing. I simply stuck to slow tanks and beginner-friendly champions like Victor. I got used to the controller faster than expected, as the interface clearly shows how to use the controller. I can definitely see myself on the couch, playing a few rounds of Paladins. But rather with a chill tank that doesn’t require too much motor coordination from me: Torvald power! Champions like Evie I’ll save for the PC.
The great thing about Paladins is that everyone can tailor it to their taste and the champions are not bound to their fixed roles. This strategic depth for an FPS and the free-to-play factor together should be an enhancement for “team shooter” fans on consoles.
Beta keys for the console beta of Paladins
Here we have a lot of Paladins beta keys: Paladins Giveaway: Closed Beta for PS4 & Xbox One starts today – We have 8000 keys for you!
What is your opinion on Paladins? Will you try the hero shooter on console?
Also interesting: Paladins – Between Destiny and Overwatch – “Open Beta” soon for PS4, Xbox One
