Anthem PLAYER COUNT

Anthem

Anthem, developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts (EA) Games, is a third-person shooter and action roleplaying game. The game is set in a far future science fiction world where players assume the role of Freelancers. Players don power armor called Javelins and wield various weapons to accomplish missions in single or cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Anthem was initially released on February 22, 2019. The game is currently available on Microsoft Windows PC, Sony Playstation 4, and Microsoft Xbox One. Anthem can be bought as a single purchase for the Standard Edition or the Legion of Dawn Edition, or as part of the EA Play subscription service.

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The Players and Daily login numbers are estimations based on subscriber numbers and online sentiment.

Set on the planet Coda, Anthem follows the exploits of Freelancers as they attempt to prevent the supremely powerful Anthem of Creation from falling into the hands of the evil Monitor. The Anthem of Creation is a mysterious source of the technology, but also the terraforming events called Cataclysms and monstrous creatures in the world. The relics scattered on the face of the planet are keys to this power. Players are one of the Freelancers who pilot mechs called Javelins. Javelins combine elements of powered exosuits and full giant robots from science fiction.

Different Javelins have different strengths and weaknesses and basically serve as the “classes” in the game. There are four unique variants of these Javelin suits: The Ranger is the basic model which all Freelancers start with, having a balanced combat potential. The other three Javelin variants are the Colossus (slow and ponderous, but extremely durable chassis with deployable shields), the Interceptor (agile and speedy with lightning-fast melee), and the Storm (able to maintain a prolonged flight, providing the most ranged options, but also has the lowest armor).

Javelins can be further customized by their weapon and component loadouts. There are melee weapons and guns available, though some are limited to a specific type. For instance, only the Colossus can wield the Autocannon and Grenade Launcher due to their massive size. Meanwhile, the Heavy Pistol and Machine Pistol are off-limits for the Colossus as these are too small. Components provide Javelins with Armor and Shield Reinforcement, as well as stat bonuses and can have Inscriptions which range from common to legendary. Inscriptions give minor to epic bonuses.

Another aspect of Javelin performance are the gears. Every type of Javelin has 3 types of gears. For instance the Ranger can have Grenade, Assault Launcher, and Support Gear. On the other hand, the Colossus has the Ordnance Launcher, Heavy Assault Launcher, and Heavy Support Gear. Gears can be upgraded with Inscriptions and Sigils.

Aside from loot received and buying from the store, players can craft new weapons, components, gears, and sigils. This requires collecting resources such as plants, minerals, crystals, and even Javelin parts from abandoned Javelins. One of the most important resources are Embers, which are by-porducts of the Anthem of Creation. Embers can vary in the following rarities: uncommon, rare, epic, masterwork, and legendary. Embers can be found in nodes, salvage boxes, and treasure boxes. They can also be received from salvaging equipment.

Javelins can also have cosmetic decorations. Vinyls are decorative decals, graphics, and wraps. There are also animations (arrivals, emotes, and poses), materials (fabrics, leathers, metals, rubber, stone, and platings), wear states (which range from new to dirty and damaged), and banners. Cosmetics for Javelins can be bought from the store or acquired through fulfilling missions and events.

Freelancers have the task of protecting the populace of Northern Bastion. Players set up shop in the Fort Tarsis hub. Fort Tarsis provides key locations such as the Market, Forge, and Launch Bay. There are a number of NPCs that can be found here, including faction agents and leaders that provide missions and debriefing.

Speaking of factions, there are multiple factions in Anthem that can be allies or enemies. Factions are the primary providers of missions and contracts for Freelancers to undertake. Accomplishing these are the main source of XP rewards. The factions include the diplomatic and espionage agency of Corvus, the psychic empowered Cyphers, the law and security enforcement Sentinels, and the science mystics called the Arcanists. Other ally factions include the Engineers and the Paladins. Meanwhile, neutral factions include the Merchants and Regulators. Finally, the enemy factions include the Dominion, the Outlaws, the Scar, and the Urgoth.

Aside from contracts and standard missions, Players in Anthem can also undertake Legendary Contracts, Strongholds, Legendary Missions, Cataclysms, Cataclysm Critical, and Expeditions that are Competitive and Seasonal. Freelancers can take on these quests in single-player mode or can team up with up to 3 other players in multiplayer coop. Some quests require a team, either due to the difficulty or based on the mission parameters.