On June 18, 2024, Pax Dei entered Early Access phase. However, the early access did not go smoothly at all. Many buyers are struggling with technical issues. Additionally, some MMORPG fans are disappointed with the scope and direction of the game.
Those who have read the play report from MeinMMO from the last alpha test phase of Pax Dei know: The sandbox MMORPG from Mainframe Industries balances between several genres and has several issues that need to be addressed urgently. Those expecting a classic online role-playing game will be disappointed.
Exactly this is now reflected in the impressions of many buyers of the freshly launched Early Access version of Pax Dei. On Steam, the sandbox adventure currently has just over 500 reviews, of which only 41 percent are positive. At peak times, there were over 10,382 players online in Pax Dei via Steam (via steamdb.info).
The trailer for the launch of the Early Access version of Pax Dei:
What does the community criticize in detail? In their reviews on Steam, as well as on other platforms like reddit, many players take the time to dissect Pax Dei thoroughly. Here is a selection of the major points of criticism:
- Many Pax Dei adventurers complain about lags, bugs, poor server instability, and performance problems.
- The limited scope of the Early Access version is criticized, as is the current state of elements like the user interface and systems like combat.
- Pax Dei often feels like a typical survival game but does nothing better than its strong competitors.
- Games like Enshrouded have the better, more refined building system.
- Pax Dei wants to be a social MMO, but important features like trading and currency are not yet implemented, and even the chat leaves much to be desired.
- Progression is very slow and grindy. It takes time to acquire important recipes, discover all essential resources, and equip your character well enough to take on bears and other foes. When playing solo, the grind factor noticeably increases.
- Here and there, it is also criticized that there are no clear statements regarding the final payment model and the amount of the monthly subscription.
Many of the critics draw a comparable conclusion: In its current state, Pax Dei is not worth 40 to 100 euros. A “product refunded” label looms beneath various negative reviews.
Where Shadows Fall, There is Also Light
Is there also praise from the community? In the positive reviews (after all, 41 percent of 500+), the solid foundation is often praised and the potential that the Early Access version of Pax Dei offers is highlighted.
The user Womp even compares the game to a popular classic (via Steam):
“This game is made for people who loved Star Wars Galaxies. Building is fun and not restrictive, the skills are tricky and rewarding, and it is slow. Players make cute outfits and dress up, and engage in role-playing. They build taverns, houses, and shops which they then operate. They commission other players, trade, and chat. It’s fun.”
Many players also express great enthusiasm about the stylish graphics of the game world, which uses Unreal Engine 5. Especially if you own a computer that runs Pax Dei smoothly at high settings, excitement spreads.
How does MeinMMO editor Karsten Scholz evaluate the feedback as well as the Early Access version of Pax Dei? Many of the criticisms show that some of the statements made prior to the EA launch by Mainframe Industries did not resonate with parts of the community.
- The developers emphasized beforehand that buyers should expect a genuine Early Access phase, with many issues, missing features, and server wipes.
- Moreover, they clarified a few days ago on the official website what Pax Dei is not: not a theme park MMO, not a medieval simulation, not a survival game, not a fast-paced game, not a game for single players (via Mainframe Industries).
Additionally, there were numerous play reports from the alpha test phase, thanks to which it was clear what kind of gaming experience Pax Dei currently offers. Various buyers of the founder’s packages seem to have started the Early Access phase quite uninformed, leading to a nasty surprise.
What can also be credited to the developers: On the official Discord channel, there were regular status updates well into the night (03:34 AM). Mainframe Industries was visibly eager to resolve the worst issues promptly. However, it will likely take some time before Pax Dei becomes a recommendable game.
But even then, the social MMO will likely only appeal to a niche audience due to its unusual orientation. I hope that it will be large enough for the community interaction on the servers to function properly. You can find more information about the game here: Pax Dei has entered Early Access – All important information on scope, system requirements, price, roadmap
