XL Games Scales Down ArcheAge 2 And Delays Launch Again To Beyond 2024

Downsizing seems to be a recurring theme for the ArcheAge franchise this year. As developer XL Games prepares for the big server merge later this month, it’s also decided to scale down the scope of ArcheAge 2 by scrapping its large-scale factional PvP in favor of smaller solo and group PvE encounters and guild vs. guild PvP battles.

According to the MMORPG series’ publisher, Kakao Games, the shift is meant to make the game more appealing to western audiences and their preference for action-packed, single-player console games. Going forward, the sequel will focus more on solo-play which will also involve significant changes to the story characters and factions. The team also plans to improve small-group encounters and activities by giving guilds and parties to plumb dungeons together and trade with each other.

In line with XL Game’s design shift, ArcheAge 2 has been delayed again with the promise of a playable demo at Gamescom in August 2024 and the start of closed beta testing by the end of 2024. That’s a significant delay considering that the XL and Kakao were originally eyeing a full release sometime in 2024 before it was pushed back to the latter half of the year. For now, there’s nothing to do but wait.