The mystery horror MMORPG The Secret World is getting a relaunch. It holds more than just a re-release of the game. The Secret World Legends is set to become a new game in many aspects. And there’s already a closed beta!
The Secret World has always been a hidden gem for fans of creepy mystery, but as an online role-playing game, the title from Funcom never worked particularly well. For example, the combat system was too cumbersome and uncomfortable. Player progression was complex and confusing for many. As a result, Funcom never achieved significant success despite the buy-to-play model, and TSW languished in the shadows as “the best MMO you never played!“
From The Secret World to The Secret World Legends
Developer Funcom announced a relaunch of TSW a month ago, at the end of February and now there is concrete information available. Those who expected merely a restart with a free-to-play game model might be surprised, as under the new name The Secret World Legends lies a game that has been transformed so fundamentally that it is practically a new title.
The cumbersome combat system, the major issue of the original, has likely been thoroughly revised to meet the requirements of a modern action RPG. However, the graphics and quest flow are also said to be improved.
Funcom no longer refers to the game as an MMORPG. Instead, the term “Shared World RPG” is used.
You should be able to tackle the exciting and creepy stories and quests either alone or with other players. Additionally, the onboarding process is expected to be easier and better, and the progression system and player advancement have also been fundamentally revised.
How exactly all these innovations will turn out and how relevant group play still is, Funcom has not yet revealed.
The Secret World Legends: Play for free, but with a new character!
Since the gameplay has been so significantly changed, Legends is no longer compatible with the original TSW. You will need to create a completely new character in TSWL, but you can transfer your costumes and vanity items from the old game. Only bonus points will remain in the original. Lifetime subscriptions can, however, be transferred to “the new game”.
But don’t worry, the old TSW will continue to live on its own servers.
Your old character will still exist and you can continue playing the old game if you do not like Legends. Legends will initially be playable exclusively on Steam, while the old TSW will no longer be available; you will now need the Funcom launcher again.
In contrast to TSW, The Secret World Legends will be a free-to-play game that you can play without limitations for free. However, you will need the premium currency Aurum to purchase additional character slots (there is only one otherwise), costumes, additional weapon slots, more inventory space, and other cosmetic or comfort items. All updates and game content will be free. Funcom Points from the old TSW can be exchanged for Aurum, and trading with other players via in-game currency is also possible. You can therefore buy Aurum without spending real money.
Patron instead of subscription
There is no longer a premium subscription, but you can become a patron via a loyalty points system and enjoy various (currently not yet specified) advantages and items for real money for 30 days.
Every time you spend Aurum or extend your patron status, you receive new patron rewards. However, these only apply for as long as you maintain that status. Your progress will remain intact if you want to become a patron again later. By the way, those who are Grand Master in TSW receive lifetime patron status.
The Secret World Legends: Release and beta access
A release date for The Secret World Legends is not yet known. Funcom only states “end of spring 2017”. However, you can already sign up for the Beta of The Secret World Legends via the link provided on Funcom’s official homepage.
TSWL will also be released in a German version.
What do you think of the idea of the TSW relaunch as a quasi-new game? A good idea or do you fear that TSWL will become a mindless grinder that lacks the soul of the old game? Let us know in the comments!
Also interesting: The Secret World – Players want stories, not dungeons
