This month we have more details around our next big update, the Archaeotech. In today's letter we'll cover those details along with an update on the NA server merge. But first, we want to address the concerns around the recent EG7 announcement.
We’re aware that recent news has sparked speculation around PlanetSide 2, and we want to assure you that the development team at Toadman working on the game remains unchanged and will continue to work on the project with the same passion and dedication.
In the next two weeks, we’ll release an update on PTS with some tunings for the fishing feature along with changes to the Assault Facility/Mode based on your feedback. As before, we’ll maintain our regular schedule with monthly updates for the live server, bringing you fresh content, fixes, and exciting changes.
Your trust and support are our main motivation, and we’re committed to ensuring the game continues to bring you joy and positive experiences.
NA Server Merge
We understand that you’re eagerly awaiting the merging of NA servers. We’re aiming to complete this process in the next 2-3 months. However, based on our experience with merging European servers, we want to avoid issues like crashes, performance drops, and long queues.
Our team is actively working to resolve these challenges to ensure a smooth experience. The servers will only be merged once we're confident that it won’t cause any further inconvenience to you.
Assault Facility
We would like to thank all players for their valuable feedback on the Assault Facility. Throughout the month, we have been actively addressing the identified issues, redesigning some structures, and taking into account your comments regarding capture points being taken too quickly. As a result, we’ve made balance adjustments to improve the gameplay experience. Over the next two weeks, we will showcase all the changes in the new version on the PTS server. Once again, thank you for testing and providing detailed feedback— this helps us make the game better for all players!
Archaeotech
We’re excited to talk more about Archaeotech—a new, alien technology coming to PlanetSide 2. This technology, recently uncovered from an ancient civilization, is rumored to be of a rival race to the Vanu (not to be mistaken for the Vanu Sovereignty). Archaeotech gear will have a unique and striking appearance themed around parasitic biotechnology. It brings new capabilities that set it apart from existing content, making its introduction an exciting moment in the PlanetSide 2's evolution.
Starting in 2025, Archaeotech will gradually appear in the game, starting with the Stryder, a biomechanical, crustacean-inspired vehicle.
This will be an ongoing process, so expect new updates and surprises throughout the year!
Key Features of Archaeotech's Visual Style
Alien, Corrupting, and Uneasy—these three words will guide the visual design of Archaeotech. It’s not just about new tech; it's about making those who engage with it feel the alien and dangerous allure of interacting with something ancient and otherworldly. Due to the parasitic nature of Archaeotech, you can expect to see cosmetics of already existing weapons and gear infected with the organism.
Visual Direction
Archaeotech will feature designs that communicate alien, corrupting, and uneasy qualities:
Alien: Expect strange, otherworldly forms that defy traditional design. The tech will appear alive, with unpredictable structure, suggesting a civilization beyond human comprehension.
Corrupting: Archaeotech will blend biological and mechanical elements, featuring fleshy, sinewy, or organic growths that give it a living, almost sentient feel. It’s powerful, but unnervingly so. This will affect each faction in a unique way (including NSO).
Unease: It will evoke the sensation of touching something dangerous and alien, with dark tones and glowing accents to highlight its mysterious power.
This new visual style will create a sense of foreboding, drawing attention into the mystery of the technology.
Archaeotech Weapon Design
The primary goal of Archaeotech weaponry is to introduce a new, visually striking weapon that aligns with the theme while integrating seamlessly into existing gameplay. This will introduce unique mechanics and features that offer new tactical and strategic opportunities. The weapon mechanics include a mixture of energy-based fire, utilizing heat management systems, as well as biologically enhanced kinetic rounds. Additionally, these weapons will come with their own unique attachments. Players will have to earn the use of these weapons as Archaeotech terminals will be linked to specific facilities across Auraxis, much like the Stryder and its link to the Assault Facility.
Evolution of Archaeotech in 2025
Archaeotech will not be an instant update, but rather a gradual evolution of the game over time. Over the course of the year, new elements of Archaeotech will be released, expanding on its visual and gameplay aspects. This will include new vehicles, weapons, and features, all tied to a larger mystery and evolving narrative.
Expect Archaeotech to slowly be integrated into the world of PlanetSide 2, with each update revealing more about its alien origins and the dangers it brings.
Archaeotech represents an exciting new direction for PlanetSide 2. It brings with it a feeling of mystery, corruption, and alien power—all elements that will make gameplay feel fresh and immersive. Over the course of 2025, we will continue to unveil new aspects of this mysterious technology, each adding new layers of intrigue and complexity to the game.
Stay tuned for more updates as this strange, otherworldly force begins to make its presence known on Auraxis!
See you on the front lines,
The PlanetSide 2 Team
