In 2020, the 8-year-old online role-playing game Phantasy Star Online 2 (PC, Xbox One) was released in the West. However, some experienced issues with the Microsoft Store on PC. In August, PSO 2 will be released on Steam, which could make installation easier and attract new players.
What is wrong with PSO 2? The online role-playing game was released in Japan in 2012, but only in 2019 did Microsoft announce a Western version. This launched with a soft launch for Xbox One and a release on May 27, 2020 for PC.
However, the PC version encountered many problems, including various error messages, location issues, and missing uninstallation options. Additionally, PSO 2 was officially released only in North America. Although there is no region lock, adjustments had to be made to convince the Microsoft Store that one was from America.
In the meantime, there is even a tool that allows you to play Phantasy Star Online 2 without installation via the official store. However, this tool could become redundant once the RPG is released on the Steam platform.
When will PSO 2 be released on Steam? The release of the game on Valve’s platform is planned for August 5.
A link to your existing Microsoft account is expected to be possible, allowing you to continue playing with your old characters on Steam. Additionally, there will be crossplay between Steam, Windows, and Xbox One (via Twitter).
But who is PSO 2 actually aimed at? And is it worth trying the game at the Steam release?
Action-packed battles, lots of science fiction, no open world
What is PSO 2 anyway? In Phantasy Star Online 2, you create a character from 9 different classes. You can level this character, equip them, and experience the game’s story.
However, PSO 2 is not a classic MMORPG. You encounter most players in the hubs, where you can also accept quests and start new missions. There is no open world.
The missions are instantiated, and you enter them either with your friends in a group or can bring NPCs along. The system resembles a mix of Guild Wars 1 (hubs and NPCs) and Monster Hunter World (missions and boss enemies at the end).
The scenario, on the other hand, is a mix of fantasy and science fiction. In battles, you engage enemies with an active, action-packed system.
Who is the game aimed at? Phantasy Star Online 2 is primarily aimed at fans of RPGs who enjoy undertaking missions and experiencing action-packed battles against bosses. You can do this alone or with friends.
Additionally, it provides you with subclasses, numerous items and skills, as well as a variety of weapons, creating a rich arsenal to customize your character according to your preferences.
Since the online RPG is free-to-play, it’s worth a look for any RPG fan who isn’t put off by a “science fiction” setting and the somewhat outdated graphics. Keep in mind that the current version of PSO 2 is approximately equivalent to a game from 2012.
Rewards for Steam players and complete rework announced
What else does the Steam release bring? Along with the Steam release, Episode 4 will also be released. This is the next content update, which raises the level cap to level 80, brings new skills and missions, and introduces PvP in the form of a Battle Arena.
Additionally, you will receive special “rewards”, including emotes, hairstyles, and special weapons, if you log in via Steam:
What’s next for PSO 2? In Japan, the online RPG has already received many updates. These will gradually be released in the West.
In 2021, a big overhaul of the game in the form of Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis is planned, which will modernize the engine, graphics, and game systems.
