Archeage Fresh Start Server Launch Rewards And Player Benefits

The launch of the ArcheAge Fresh Start server represents a significant event for players seeking a new beginning within the popular MMORPG. Managed by Kakao Games and developed by XLGAMES, this server initiative was designed to address player feedback regarding the difficulty of catching up to veteran players and to provide a revitalized gaming experience. The Fresh Start server offers a variety of unique benefits, promotional events, and gameplay adjustments specifically tailored to encourage rapid progression and competitive engagement from day one.

Overview of the Fresh Start Server

On December 15, 2022, Kakao Games and XLGAMES officially launched the new ArcheAge Fresh Start server. This server was created to provide a clean slate for players, inhabiting a world free of established characters. According to the developers, the Fresh Start server was redesigned based on feedback from previous iterations, aiming to deliver a better gaming experience compared to earlier versions.

The primary objective of this server launch is to remove barriers that previously hindered new and returning players. Specifically, developers acknowledged that on the original ArcheAge servers, the hurdle to catch up to veteran players was too high. To counter this, the Fresh Start server focuses on faster progression, faction PvP, and events that allow players to reach higher-level content more quickly.

The server is structured as a seasonal experience. It is set to run for a period of three months. Following this three-month duration, players will be granted a one-month window to transfer their characters to a permanent server. During this transfer phase, players will receive graduation rewards as a benefit for their time spent on the Fresh Start server.

Unique Benefits and Marketplace Rewards

To support players starting from scratch, a range of unique benefits is available exclusively on the Fresh Start server. These benefits are accessible through ArcheAge’s Marketplace and are designed to facilitate growth and survival in the early stages of the game.

Specific rewards available to new server players include: * Angel Wing Elixir: A consumable item likely providing mobility or utility benefits. * Manastorm Crystals: A resource or consumable useful for character progression.

In addition to these specific Marketplace items, the server features "server exclusive growth benefits." These boosts are intended to welcome players, including those who are already familiar with the MMO. The developers have implemented boosts that assist players in unlocking level achievement crates. Furthermore, these boosts propel players through the Fresh Start ArchePass, a progression system that grants faster leveling and unlocks higher-level and PvP content more efficiently than standard servers.

Progression Boosts and Mechanics

One of the defining features of the Fresh Start server is the emphasis on accelerated progression. The developers have retained the popular boosting mechanics from previous Fresh Start servers while introducing new changes based on player feedback.

Key progression boosts active during the server's lifespan include: * Double or Triple XP: Experience point gains are significantly increased. * Conflict/War/Siege/Quest Honor Points: Honor Points earned through these activities are boosted. * Vocation Badges: Earnings of Vocation Badges are increased.

A significant update to the boosting system concerns equipment focus. Feedback from the previous Fresh Start server indicated that the focus of boosts was too heavily centered on "Hiram Guardian equipment." To address this, the developers have added boosts for "Disciple’s Equipment." This change diversifies the progression path and gives players more options for gearing up.

Furthermore, the Winter Content Update, which coincided with the Fresh Start launch, introduced new mechanics to support progression. This update added a new equipment tier to the game, designed to boost player performance and present a greater challenge. Additionally, new skill points were incorporated to help diversify the combat meta, adding nuance to battles and creating a more thrilling combat experience.

The Land Rush Event

A hallmark of any ArcheAge server launch is the Land Rush, and the Fresh Start server is no exception. The Land Rush allows players to claim plots of land in the game world, which is essential for housing, farming, and economic progression.

The Fresh Start Land Rush was scheduled to commence on December 27. The timing was staggered to accommodate regional player bases: * EU Servers: December 27 at 20:00 CET * NA Servers: December 27 at 20:00 PST

Players were advised to act swiftly during this event to secure a trusty plot of land and establish themselves on Erenor’s competitive property ladder.

Promotional Events: Twitch Drops

To celebrate the debut of the Fresh Start server, a variety of events were organized. Notably, a Twitch Drop event was held to reward viewers for tuning into ArcheAge streams.

This event ran until January 2. The rewards distributed during this event were valuable in-game items, including: * Bound Labor Rechargers: Items used to restore labor points, a crucial resource for crafting and gathering. * Miroir Penguin Packs: A cosmetic or companion reward.

The specific rewards a player received were dependent on how long they remained tuned in to the designated streams.

Publisher Revisions and Server Specifications

The launch of the Fresh Start server also marked a transition in publishing. Kakao Games took over as the publisher for ArcheAge and ArcheAge: Unchained. In their first act as publisher, the team revised their initial plans for the Fresh Start servers to better align with community expectations.

Kakao Games acknowledged that they had received feedback indicating they were missing the mark, particularly regarding the Fresh Start servers. Their stated goal was to deliver a rewarding and seamless experience. As a result of this feedback, several key details regarding the server specifications were adjusted.

One major revision involved the opening dates. Kakao opted to open four servers simultaneously: * ArcheAge Legacy (NA/EU) * ArcheAge Unchained (NA/EU) * (Implied Fresh Start variants within these categories)

Another critical revision concerned the economic environment of the server. Originally, double XP events were planned, and player-to-player trading was unrestricted. However, based on feedback, the double XP event on Fresh Start servers was removed. Furthermore, level limits were placed on player-to-player trading. Access to in-game mail, auctions, and the storage box was also restricted by level limits. These changes were implemented to prevent botting and economic exploitation, ensuring a fairer start for all players.

Comparison with ArcheAge: Unchained

While the Fresh Start server is available for the standard ArcheAge version, there is also a history of Fresh Start servers for ArcheAge: Unchained. The ArcheAge: Unchained Fresh Start server, which launched earlier in September, was considered a relative success. Player feedback to that iteration was mostly positive, with fans appreciating the return to the game’s roots.

The developers noted that the seasonal style of the Unchained Fresh Start server, characterized by enhanced boosting and progression, was popular and well-received. This positive reception influenced the decision to open a fresh start for the standard ArcheAge version on December 15, 2022. The design philosophy for the standard Fresh Start server borrowed heavily from the successful elements of the Unchained version while incorporating the specific improvements mentioned earlier, such as the Disciple’s Equipment boosts.

Technical and Developer Context

The Fresh Start server initiative is supported by XLGAMES, the developer of ArcheAge. XLGAMES is a developer with a history in the genre, having developed the online MMORPG ArcheAge in 2013, which remains in service worldwide. Their vision focuses on linking the beginning and end of RPG games and enriching lives through their games. This vision is reflected in their approach to the Fresh Start server, which aims to provide a complete and rewarding lifecycle for players within the three-month seasonal window.

The Winter Content Update mentioned earlier is a separate but concurrent addition to the game. It is a comprehensive update that brings improvements based on community feedback. Beyond the new equipment tier and skill points, the update includes various other improvements intended to better the overall ArcheAge experience.

Conclusion

The ArcheAge Fresh Start server offers a distinct opportunity for players to engage with the MMO in a controlled, accelerated environment. Through a combination of Marketplace consumables, server-exclusive growth boosts, and revised progression mechanics, the server is designed to minimize the gap between new and veteran players. Promotional events such as the Twitch Drop campaign and the Land Rush provide immediate engagement incentives. While the server operates under revised publisher plans that introduce stricter economic controls to ensure fairness, the core offering remains a faster-paced, competitive, and rewarding return to the world of Erenor.

Sources

1. ArcheAge Fresh Start Server Announcement
2. ArcheAge Unchained Fresh Start Server Plans
3. ArcheAge Fresh Start Server Launch Date
4. Kakao Revised Plans for ArcheAge Fresh Start Servers