With Embers Adrift, a new indie MMORPG focusing on PvE will be released on October 15. In particular, fans of old school games who enjoy interacting with other players will get their money’s worth. MeinMMO editor Alexander Leitsch summarizes everything important for you.
When does Embers Adrift come out? The new MMORPG officially releases on October 15 at 7:00 PM German time. Then, all who purchase a game version for $29.99 can get started. This includes a subscription for the first 30 days.
Additionally, there was a head start for alpha testers. This began on October 12, but also required you to purchase a more expensive early access version of the game. Beta testers, who also bought a special package, may start as early as October 14.
Embers Adrift is a pure PvE MMORPG
What makes the game special? Embers Adrift is a PvE sandbox MMORPG. While you will constantly encounter quests in the game world, the developers adhere to the philosophy that each player should be able to experience their own adventure, and the NPCs are not completely dumb. Boring plant gathering is not included.
So you can set out to complete quests, but also go hunting for bosses, clear dungeons, or just sit around the campfire with other players. Since there are already really tough monsters in the starting area, the aspect of needing to play through challenges up to the endgame is eliminated.
The MMORPG relies on three classes that represent tank, healer, and DPS. From level 6, you can also choose a second specialization, which again consists of the three options. In total, there are 9 combinations possible.
Is there really only PvE? Yes. The developers have completely omitted PvP in the open world, as well as in arenas.
This video gives you a first look at the MMORPG:
You really need to read quest texts
How do the quests work? Very differently than in modern MMORPGs. While WoW adds more comfort features with each expansion – such as markers on the map – you have to read every quest text in Embers Adrift. Because there are no markers, and also the minimap is omitted.
This leads to a deeper engagement with the game, but also means you’ll have to read a lot of fluff.
Watch out for the strength of the monsters
What is special about the monsters? In Embers Adrift, all monsters are marked. Directly to the left of the name are arrows:
- An arrow means that the monster can be defeated alone.
- Two arrows mean that you can manage it alone, but it’s better to work together with a partner.
- Three arrows indicate that it is a group enemy.
Monsters with three arrows are also located right in the starting area. If you’re not careful, you may experience a nasty surprise, almost as if you took a wrong turn in Elden Ring.
The combat system is rather sluggish
The new MMORPG relies on a rather leisurely and tactical combat system. Each attack is accompanied by long animations, and there are global cooldowns that restrict the next available action. Moreover, you often have to rest at the start to regenerate health points.
The appeal comes more from group dynamics and the tactical component.
However, you can be picked up from an “injured state” by other players when you die. This system is also used by New World and Guild Wars 2, and fits perfectly into the social concept of the game.
Other players are essential for the fun
Embers Adrift features challenges in all areas of the game. That’s why the MMORPG is truly enjoyable when other players are involved. A group can consist of up to six players.
Since everything is generally slower and more tactical, exchanging ideas in voice chat is also a refreshing change. The developers themselves say that you should experience adventures with others in Embers Adrift, which you can later share with others.
If you don’t have a group, you can open an LFG tool by pressing the “O” key and look for teammates. Of course, there is also a guild system to stay in touch with fellow players permanently.
Graphics like from the early 2000s
What about the graphics? Embers Adrift is an indie MMORPG. Nowhere is that more evident than in the graphics. The attacks are very static, the textures are not particularly high resolution, and overall it feels like a game from the late 2000s. Those hoping for a fully detailed character editor like in Black Desert will also be disappointed.
However, the game emphasizes “realism.” Swords are not huge, magic doesn’t play a major role, and there are no abnormalities in physics like in some Asian MMORPGs.
One particularity lies in the night. It is truly pitch black and makes exploration very challenging.
You must subscribe, there is no shop at all
How is Embers Adrift funded? First, you need access to the game. It currently costs $29.99. It also includes a subscription for the first month. A subscription costs $9.99 per month in 2022, but is expected to increase to $15 in 2023. This corresponds to the costs of WoW or Final Fantasy XIV.
However, Embers Adrift does not incur any additional costs. There is no shop, so no purchasable skins or boosters. Everything has to be played manually.
The system requirements
- Operating system: Windows 7 64-bit
- Processor: Intel® Core i5 9300h or AMD Ryzen 7
- System RAM: 12GB
- Storage space: 20GB free storage space
- GPU: Direct X 11.0 compliant video card with 6GB RAM (NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580) or higher
- Sound: DirectX compatible sound card
- Internet: Broadband connection
What do you think about Embers Adrift? Does the concept of the MMORPG appeal to you, or does the graphics and combat system rather deter you? Feel free to write it in the comments.
More about Embers Adrift and the first impressions you can find in our preview report:
2022 a new PvE MMORPG is released – It will be an absolute niche game, with a very special charm
