Anticipation for ArcheAge Chronicles has turned to disappointment as Kakao Games announced a delay in its release, now set for the first half of 2026 instead of 2025. Despite initial positive feedback, development is just starting, and the closed beta will occur in late 2025. The game will feature a ‘Buy to Play’ model, avoiding ‘Pay to Win’ mechanics, but will focus on solo PvE rather than large-scale PvP, aligning it more closely with Crimson Desert.
Anticipated Delays for ArcheAge Chronicles
The year 2025 is gearing up to be a pivotal moment for MMORPG enthusiasts, but the first wave of disappointments is beginning to emerge. At the center of this buzz is ArcheAge Chronicles, formerly known as ArcheAge 2, a title many gamers were eagerly anticipating. Unfortunately, the release has been postponed, leading to mixed feelings among the fanbase.
Setbacks Announced by Kakao Games
During a recent shareholder conference, Kakao Games, the South Korean publisher recognized for titles like Black Desert Online and PUBG: Battlegrounds, delivered some disappointing news about ArcheAge Chronicles. Initially unveiled just two months prior during a State of Play event, the game will not launch in 2025 as suggested at the end of its trailer. Instead, Kakao has rescheduled the release for the first half of 2026, potentially by summer, as development and refinement processes are only just beginning.
This delay comes despite positive early feedback from console players; however, there was no commentary on responses from PC gamers, hinting at some possible hesitance within that community. Additionally, the closed beta for ArcheAge Chronicles is now set for the third quarter of 2025, meaning players may not get a chance to experience it until October 2025 at the earliest. It’s important to note that these timelines are tentative and could still be adjusted.
In the same quarterly report, Kakao Games introduced intriguing details about the game’s economic model. ArcheAge Chronicles will adopt a ‘Buy to Play’ approach, requiring an upfront purchase to access all content, with only cosmetic items available for purchase in the in-game store. This decision aims to eliminate any ‘Pay to Win’ aspects that have plagued other titles, which is a positive shift for the community.
However, there’s a cloud of disappointment hanging over some players who were hoping for an expansive MMORPG experience. Kakao Games has clarified that ArcheAge Chronicles will not feature RvR (Realm versus Realm) or large-scale PvP battles, focusing instead on a solo PvE experience. While collaborative missions and PvP elements will be present, they will not form the core of the gameplay, aligning more closely with its competitor, Crimson Desert, which is still on track for an early 2025 release.
On a brighter note, following months of speculation, a new MMORPG titled Architect: Land of Exiles was finally unveiled at G-Star 2024. This ambitious title is backed by the publisher behind the globally popular K-Pop group BTS, promising to be a notable addition to the genre.