The developers of the upcoming sandbox MMORPG Ashes of Creation detailed the second alpha phase that will start in the fall after a long wait.
We got the news during a livestream and learned that Alpha 2 will start on October 25, 2024.
It will include three phases, as showcased in the slide below, with the second launching on December 20, and the third starting on May 1, 2025. The whole process will last roughly one year.
Phase 1 will be available to play only on the weekends between Fridays and Sundays. Phase 2 will be available five or more days a week, while Phase 3 is when things will really become more stable, with 24/7 availability.
Each phase will have different testing focuses.
In the slides below you can read exactly what will be implemented during each phase.
Intrepid Studios plans to update the builds of the game regularly during Alpha 2. Every 3 weeks there will be a minor patch with balance changes and fixes for major bugs. Every 6 weeks, there will be a major update with new features and content. Hotfixes will also be distributed as necessary.
In the beginning, there will be three servers each for North America and Western Europe, with the possibility of expanding the number as the phase progresses. While the North American servers will be in Central US, expansion to the West and East Coasts is possible.
So, how do you gain access? Ashes of Creation was originally funded via a Kickstarter campaign that earned over $3 million. Those backers who pledged at tiers that gave them access to phase 1 of Alpha 2 will get immediate access on October 25.
Anyone who does not already have access will have to purchase a key that will go on sale on August 21. First-wave keys cost $120 and grant access from November 8. They will be available until November 1 or until supplies last.
Second-wave keys cost $110 and grant access on December 20, available until December 13 or until supplies last. Third-wave keys cost $100 and will grant access on May 1, 2025. They will be available until May 26 or until supplies last.
All keys also grant access to the Beta 1 and Beta 2 phases 1 month of subscription time (subscription will be charged only when the game officially launches down the line) worth $15 and $15 in marketplace credits. It’s worth mentioning that the developers vowed that there won’t be pay-to-win mechanics in the game.
Ashes of Creation is coming for PC promising a complex sandbox environment and deep world simulation, much different from the current theme park-style MMORPGs. At the moment, no firm release date has been announced.
If you’re interested in the genre, you can read our article about Final Fantasy XIV’s latest expansion, Dawntrail.
