While it may no longer be a focus within the gaming community, BioWare continues to work on its process to rework and rerelease Anthem. It has been some time since the last time an update from BioWare was provided, but the Anthem team is back with another update on its progress. Today's lengthy blog specifically focuses on Anthem's Javelin classes, their skill trees, unlockable abilities, and general gameplay. For the time being, BioWare's focusing on design plans, rather than specific details.
Choice is once again the primary message conveyed in today's Anthem design update. Specifically, choice in builds which are made up of Javelin specializations, abilities, and equipment. For example, Anthem will offer players 11 equipment slots for players to customize. These include primary and secondary weapons, mods, and artifacts to replace component slots. And players will not only be able to adjust their equipment from their loadout screen, but their abilities as well.
That's because abilities, when Anthem relaunches, will be unlocks and not associated with drops whatsoever. These abilities are controlled by the player and can be swapped out from the Loadout menu "when you want." Abilities will still be moddable, of course, with mod equipment adding attributes or power. The one example shown is a melee ability, where the player can choose between a Heavy Axe and a Flame Axe ability. The mod for this ability grants "Sturdy," but the attributed isn't detailed.
Next, the blog describes how Javelin skill trees will work, with Javelin levels awarding skill points for players to spend. Skill trees will include unlockable abilities, passives, and general stat boosts. Each skill tree will also, upon completion, unlock an advanced skill tree for the Javelin. Using the Ranger Javelin as an example, Captain, Longbow, and Soldier advanced skill trees are shown. These advanced skill trees have their own robust set of unlockable abilities, passives, and stat boosts.
The last design feature that BioWare details in the post is the new artifact equipment slot. BioWare says that, unlike components, artifacts will lead to a meaningful change in the player's Javelin. The example given is that a Ranger could equip a Skyfell Launcher Artifact, which would change the visual displayed for the Javelin's rocket launchers. It opens a lot of creative opportunities for the team, as well as some monetization options, probably.
BioWare closes out with some positivity. The post thanks both the Anthem community for providing continued support, as well as feedback. It also thanks the team of developers for continuing to be passionate about the project despite "the stresses of the world." Progress is being made on Anthem. Expect to hear more in the months to come.
Anthem is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.