With Unchained, a new version of the MMORPG ArcheAge is set to be released without Pay2Win. Many players are looking forward to it, even though their concerns have not completely disappeared.
What is ArcheAge Unchained? The German publisher Gamigo aims to release a Buy2Play version of ArcheAge with Unchained. This version is supposed to eliminate Pay2Win and a subscription model, as seen in the current ArcheAge.
Unchained launches on September 30 and costs 26 euros in its cheapest version. Additionally, there are some packages that include currencies for the shop and exclusive cosmetic content.
What are the issues with ArcheAge? The need for a new version of ArcheAge arises from the current setup and reputation of the sandbox MMO.
Although ArcheAge is Free2Play, a subscription is needed to access housing and some other game features.
There are also some Pay2Win elements in the shop, which even the former publisher Trion Worlds has openly acknowledged.
“The best MMORPG, if it weren’t Pay2Win”
What is special about ArcheAge? Many players describe ArcheAge as one of the best MMORPGs. Reasons for this include:
- the beautiful game world
- extensive housing and crafting
- strong focus on community and guilds
- exciting PvP battles
- the freedom to do as one pleases
The sandbox MMORPG features PvP in many areas of the open world, which may not appeal to all players. However, those who are not afraid of fighting other players will find challenges everywhere.
What do players say about ArcheAge? Among the news about Unchained, our users like “Feigenstaub” rave:
The housing and crafting with this extensive farming system is unmatched. Exploring with the glider through various biomes to find a hidden forest on a mountain. There, chopping wood for my hut is something I’ll never forget.
Turning that fun into trade goods and transporting them across the world with self-crafted vehicles alongside my guild, hoping to make big profits – while not getting robbed <3
However, even outside of our comments, many players are feeling positive. For instance, Reddit user Slyhidden comments on the announcement of Unchained:
All of this sounds wonderful. They just need to deliver and stand by their words.
If they do, ArcheAge might have a chance for a great comeback.
Can Gamigo keep its promise?
What are the players’ concerns? Slyhidden also addresses one of the biggest fears of fans in his post. Although Unchained is supposed to be completely free of Pay2Win, trust in such promises is low.
This is partly due to the publisher Gamigo, which purchased Trion World in October 2018 and manages many games that already have a Pay2Win reputation. Doubters can be found abundantly on Reddit and also in our comments.
What about multi-accounts? Further concerns arise regarding multi-accounts. Gamigo allows players to have 3 accounts for ArcheAge Unchained, but having more will lead to bans.
These accounts cannot be played simultaneously. This also leads to bans, as stated in a livestream. However, some players fear disadvantages, especially regarding building plots for their houses.
The hope for a successful ArcheAge remains: That ArcheAge without Pay2Win could indeed excite players is evidenced by numerous positive comments. Our community member Amensama writes:
I stopped playing for exactly this reason – when I found out that the game supports Pay2Win. I pulled the ripcord and left.
If ArcheAge can finally release a clean version without Pay2Win after all these years, then I will give the game another chance.
As the author of this article, I also hope that Unchained remains free from any Pay2Win. This would be a positive sign for the entire MMORPG genre and could help restore trust in future games.
In addition to Unchained, there is more good news for ArcheAge fans. Patch 6.0 with many new features is set to be released this fall:


