The MMORPG Torchlight Frontiers was originally supposed to be released in 2019. This date now seems more than unlikely, as the game is still in alpha. We have taken a look at the current state.
Update January 28: Torchlight Frontiers is now being released as Torchlight 3 and will no longer be an MMO. This means the project is significantly smaller than originally planned, but it is expected to be released this summer on Steam.
What is Torchlight Frontiers? Torchlight Frontiers is the third part of the Torchlight series, but it is supposed to differ from the previous two games.
While Torchlight 1 and 2 were classic hack ‘n’ slash games, Frontiers focuses more on MMO content:
- The action RPG uses a persistent, shared world where hundreds of players can interact with each other. Frontiers will only be playable online.
- You can level your character, and the areas are assigned to specific levels (the starting area is designed for levels 1-6).
- There will be housing. You will be able to build forts where you can craft, and which can be visited by other players.
- The game world is also expected to continuously evolve after release, as the team will develop more content.
Despite this, Torchlight Frontiers retains some content from the original series. It will still be played from an isometric perspective, and masses of enemies will be taken out in hack ‘n’ slash fashion.
What will Torchlight Frontiers cost? There are also differences in monetization: While Torchlight 1 and 2 were full-price titles, Frontiers will be free to play. Instead, the developers will focus on microtransactions in the form of:
- Cosmetic content
- Convenience content
- Temporary boosts that can be shared with the group
There are also early discussions about whether the boosts might be considered pay-to-win. However, the developers have stated that the buffs are not necessary to find the best loot.
Frontiers will be released when it is ready
What is the current status of Torchlight Frontiers? Even though the official website and also the preview on Google still show the year 2019 for the release, it is extremely unlikely that Frontiers will be released in the next 6 weeks.
This was also confirmed by Max Schaefer, founder of the developer Echtra Games, in an interview with segmentnext:
2019 was a rough estimate. As you may know, we are better at making games than estimating release dates, but in the end, the game will be released when it is ready.
Shigeru Miyamoto [developer at Nintendo] once said: “A delayed game is only delayed until it is released. A bad game is bad forever.”
What is currently happening in Torchlight Frontiers? The action MMORPG is currently in a closed live alpha, for which one can register and might be selected.
However, the game is making some progress:
- Update 7 on July 15 brought new features for companions and revised the relics. Additionally, new features were added for character creation.
- In Update 8, which was released on August 20, new difficulties were added and many quality of life changes were made.
- Update 9, which was added to the game on September 13, introduced bounty boards with new quests and general missions that allow you to earn fort decorations, crafting materials, and new companions.
- Furthermore, since our interview earlier this year, the third of the expected four classes has been introduced: The Rail Fighter.
The entire development can be tracked as a roadmap in a Trello board. There, it is precisely listed what is currently being worked on and what the long-term goals are.
Is there an NDA on the alpha? Even though Torchlight Frontiers is still in alpha, it is currently not under any NDA (non-disclosure agreement). Therefore, it can also be followed on YouTube or in live streams.
Longtime fans of the series are already getting creative. Player Papi has developed a skill calculator for Torchlight Frontiers. Anyone who wants to get an overview of the classes without access to the alpha can do so with this tool.
Have you already had a chance to test Torchlight Frontiers? What is your impression and are you excited for the new part of the series?
