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The Archaeotech - Jan. Dev Letter

Greetings, Auraxians! 

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. 

[h2]NA Server Merge[/h2]
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. 

[h2]Assault Facility[/h2]
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! 

[h2]Archaeotech[/h2]
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! 

[h3]Key Features of Archaeotech's Visual Style[/h3]
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. 


[h3]Visual Direction[/h3]
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. 

[h3]Archaeotech Weapon Design[/h3]
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. 

[h3]Evolution of Archaeotech in 2025[/h3]
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 

2X EXP For Members [ JAN 24 - JAN 26 ]


📈Members Double XP Weekend!📈
🔸Members can enjoy Double XP today through January 26.
🔸Learn more about Daybreak All-Access: https://www.daybreakgames.com/allaccess

🎉Lunar New Year Celebration🎉


🐍NEW Lunar Serpent Helmet and cosmetics!
🎁Returning Lunar New Year Bundles and more!
Available now in the Depot!

📢 January 15, 2025 - PC Update📢

PC servers will come down for the following update on Wednesday, January 15, at 6:00am PST (3:00pm CET). The downtime for this update is expected to last up to 4 hours.

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[h3]Sales[/h3]
Lunar New Year Returning Bundles! (24th January 2025 - 10th February 2025)

Players will be able to purchase previous Lunar New Year bundles for a limited time!

Lunar New Year Bundle! (24th January 2025 - 10th February 2025)

Players can find a New Lunar Year Bundle in the Depot that contains the following:

  • Lunar Serpent Helmet
  • Lunar Serpent Decal
  • Lunar Serpent Banner
  • Lunar Serpent Banner Frame
  • Lunar Serpent Camo
  • Rattle Horn

[h3]Members Only Bundles[/h3]

Daybreak All Access Members will find in the Members Only section of the Depot the following bundles:

January Members Only Bundle I (Available throughout February)
  • Trench Shovel (Melee weapon)
  • Camo-Net Exterior Kit (Sunderer and Harasser)
  • Camo Net Hubcaps (Sunderer and Harasser)
  • Camo-Net Bumper Kit (Sunderer)
  • Camo-Net Windshield Kit (Harasser)


Lunar New Year Members Only Bundle (24th January 2025 - 10th February 2025)

This year we thought we would throw in a load of titles fitting for the Lunar New Year. Some of these titles are available in our Lunar New Years bundles, some aren't! Players who purchase this bundle will obtain:

  • Title: Lunar Dragon
  • Title: Lunar Rabbit
  • Title: Lunar Tiger
  • Title: Lunar Ox
  • Title: Lunar Rat
  • Title: Lunar Boar
  • Title: Lunar Hound
  • Title: Lunar Rooster
  • Title: Lunar Monkey
  • Title: Lunar Ram
  • Title: Lunar Horse
  • Title: Lunar Snake


Weapon Cosmetics
In the Ammo slot on the NS-D Helios and its skin variants you will now be able to purchase different colored flames. So far we are testing the waters with the following:

  • NS-DB Blue Ammo
  • NS-DB Green Ammo
  • NS-DB Purple Ammo


Features
We are happy to introduce our NSO players to the "NS-T Skeleton Key", an NSO only power knife!
Removal of Auraximas Decorations from Sanctuary and other continents

Bug Fixes
  • Fixed an issue where the grayed out areas on Esamir do not show the out of bounds messaging and effect
  • Fixed a hole in the terrain on Amerish
  • Fixed the mysterious missing sidearm directive
  • Fixed a door at Mani Site on Esamir that had single sided polygons
  • Fixed an Armored Canopy model that had inconsistency with it's collision


Crash Updates
Improved game stability, including fixing several memory leak crashes and common crashes

Known Issues
Some rare crash cases may still be present in the game but will be addressed in the next series patches

2X EXP For Everyone [ DEC 30 - JAN 5 ]


📈Double XP For All Event📈
☃️Celebrate the holidays with a double xp for all event!
☃️Double XP runs from Dec. 30 through Jan. 5.

Happy Gaming!