Wayfinder – Everything We Know About The Upcoming MMO
Wayfinder, a highly-anticipated free-to-play Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) game, is about to make a grand entrance into the gaming landscape. As we inch closer to the release of the Closed Beta on PlayStation® and PC, the excitement among the gaming community continues to grow. But what can we expect from this innovative game? Let’s dive into the latest information provided by the official site to get a glimpse of what’s to come.
Wayfinder wasn’t designed to be a MMO from the start, but turned into one during development by “mistake”. The game is being developed by Airship Syndicate with the assistance of Digital Extremes, the makers of Warframe. The business model will be inspired by Warframes free-to-play model.
The inspiration behind Wayfinder is a creative amalgamation of various elements from classic MMOs and fantasy franchises, with a sprinkle of modern gaming innovations. The developers have taken cues from renowned titles such as World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy, borrowing the concepts of expansive world-building, team-focused quests, and deep character customization.
They were also heavily inspired by action-adventure games like The Legend of Zelda, which is evident in the game’s action-driven combat and exploration aspects.
Furthermore, the narrative of battling a sinister force that has claimed the world draws parallels with a wide range of epic fantasy literature, adding a rich storytelling layer to the game
Gameplay
In Wayfinder, players take on the role of a Wayfinder – a warrior equipped with unique powers that can be tailored according to one’s preferred path and playstyle. Wayfinders are charged with the monumental task of repelling a sinister force that has claimed your world. To achieve this, you’ll need to channel your abilities, strength, and strategic acumen, but you won’t be doing it alone. The game emphasizes collaboration, urging you to shape and customize adventures with friends, reinforcing the mantra that ‘Wayfinders are stronger together.’
At the heart of Wayfinder’s gameplay is an electrifying, fast-paced action system. As a Wayfinder, you have the power to explore new terrains, hunt formidable beasts, and embark on dangerous expeditions to combat the looming evil. Each hunt and expedition into the Gloom – the mysterious and hostile territories within the game – presents the opportunity to discover fresh locations, face off against new beasts, and acquire novel materials.
These materials are crucial for your progression as a Wayfinder. Use them to craft potent weapons and equipment to awaken latent powers and potential within you and your fellow Wayfinders. The game also incorporates elements of collection and discovery. To elevate your mastery, you’ll need to gather every weapon and housing item, pore through every book, and explore every location to complete your Atlas.
A key feature of Wayfinder is the player’s ability to control the chaos. With the assistance of a mystical device called a Gloom Dagger, you can customize every play experience, directing your adventures through a myriad of unique challenges and modifiers. This customization extends to your targets and the items you wish to gather, further enhancing the personalized feel of the game.
Your journey as a Wayfinder, born from the Gloom and pledged to eradicate it, is bolstered by a wide array of weapons and gear, as well as a diverse range of magical and technological powers. Customization is, again, at the forefront, as you have the freedom to decide your fighting style, selecting from the equipment and powers that best match your approach to combat. Each fallen foe presents an opportunity to augment your abilities, adding yet another layer of strategic depth.
In Wayfinder, every season brings a new wave of hunts, expeditions, and events, presenting endless exploration opportunities. Each new discovery, whether it’s a location, beast, or material, contributes to the creation of weapons and gear that will awaken new Wayfinders’ powers. The game emphasizes social interaction, tying character and housing progression together through a common thread – other players. The tagline ‘Stronger Together’ truly encapsulates the communal essence of Wayfinder, as you adventure with friends and create powerful buffs within your neighborhood.
Beta, Early Access and Release
The Early Access phase, scheduled to start in May, offers an exclusive sneak peek at what’s to come later in the year. Exclusive to PC and PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, the Early Access phase allows players to experience the latest builds, become part of the Wayfinder community, and have a hand in shaping the game before its full release.
Access to the Early Access phase comes with the Founders Pack Program. Purchasing a Founders Pack not only grants you early access but also provides unique and valuable items, including cosmetics, pets, mounts, and more. It’s important to note that there will be no pay-to-win mechanics; all items in the Founders Pack are either cosmetic or come with a convenience factor, ensuring a balanced and fair gaming experience.
While the game was originally set to launch the Global Closed Beta on May 10th, due to last-minute connection and matchmaking issues, it has been postponed to May 24. Despite this minor hiccup, the developers are confident that they will deliver a smooth and stable gaming experience, ensuring the wait will be worth it.
As we look forward to the full release of Wayfinder in Fall 2023, we can only expect the anticipation to surge. The promise of an original game inspired by MMO classics that foster community building, shared adventures, and an evolving world is indeed a tantalizing prospect. The complete cross-play and cross-save compatibility upon full release only adds to the appeal, reflecting the collaborative nature of the game.