Phantasy Star Online 2 is an online RPG that was released years ago in Japan. There is currently a beta running in the West on Xbox One. However, the PC version has not been forgotten and is set to be released this spring.
Update May 19: According to Forbes, PSO 2 is set to be released on May 27 for PC and will even offer crossplay with Xbox. It will be available through the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 users.
Update April 15: Phantasy Star Online 2 has received an approximate release date for PC. According to Forbes, the game is expected to release in “late May”. It will be exclusive to the Microsoft Store.
The game for Xbox One has officially released today after an open beta. The release is officially taking place only in North America, but there will be no region lock.
What kind of game is this? Phantasy Star Online 2 mixes elements of fantasy and science fiction. It features a very active combat system and 9 different classes, which you can switch between at any time.
You enter areas together with other players, similar to GW1. It is more of an online co-op experience rather than a full-fledged MMORPG with an open world.
It has been playable in Japan since 2012 and has a long tradition. The “Phantasy Star” series started in 1987 on the Sega Master System. Accordingly, many have been eagerly awaiting the game in the West for years.
What is the current status of the game? At E3 2019, it was announced that Phantasy Star Online 2 is finally coming to the West. At the time, it was said that the game would initially be available only for PC and Xbox.
In February 2020, the first beta tests for the console took place. Since March 17, the open beta has been running on Xbox One, and there will be no wipe. All progress made will carry over on release.
However, nothing has been seen about the PC version so far. Some even suspected that it would be completely skipped. However, this has now been contradicted via Twitter.
Phantasy Star Online 2 is expected to release on PC this spring
What about the PC version? The official Twitter account stated on request that everything regarding the PC release is going according to plan. Although there is currently no exact date for it, the PC version is expected to release this spring.
This narrows down the release window somewhat, but it is quite possible that you may have to wait a little longer. Depending on the definition, spring lasts until mid-June.
Can we even play from Germany? Phantasy Star Online 2 is officially releasing only in North America. However, there will be no region lock. It even seems likely that Phantasy Star Online 2 will be available on Steam.
You can therefore easily play the English version from Germany, but there may be latency issues, as you will have to access American servers.
By the way, the chances are also good that PSO2 may also be released for PS4 and Nintendo Switch. The RPG is already available for both consoles in Japan.
How is the game currently being received? The first testers are enthusiastic. The game is said to evoke memories of the “golden days of Phantasy Star Universe” and bring back “childhood memories” for some.
If you want to play yourself, you just need to set your Xbox region to USA or Canada in the settings. Then you can download the beta from the store.
