This is a major expansion for Phantasy Star Online 2, requiring the base game. It deepens the RPG/Hack and slash experience with a new storyline involving time travel and the villain Luther. Key additions include the new Deuman race, the Braver class utilizing Katana and Bullet Bow weapons, the new planet Wopal, and system enhancements like the Support Partner Function. It integrates fully into the main game, offering substantial new content and progression.
This content represents a significant expansion to the core experience of Phantasy Star Online 2, launching originally in 2013 for PC (Microsoft Windows) and PlayStation Vita. As a major episodic expansion, it builds directly upon the established foundation of the base game, integrating new narrative arcs, character options, and systems directly into the ongoing adventure. It is not a standalone title and requires the base game to access this content.
Narrative Progression and New Frontiers
This expansion dives deeper into the overarching science-fantasy storyline, presenting a complex narrative involving the founder of ARKS, Luther, who seeks ultimate knowledge by targeting the entity known as Xion. Players are thrust into a dramatic conflict involving time travel, alternate realities, and the fate of the Mothership. The story introduces significant lore revelations concerning key characters like Matoi and explores the origins of powerful entities. The atmosphere remains rooted in its blend of high-tech sci-fi action and deep RPG elements.
What New Gameplay Elements Does This Expansion Introduce?
The expansion significantly broadens player customization and combat options through the introduction of substantial new features:
- New Playable Race: The Deuman race is added, offering players a distinct aesthetic and potential starting advantages within the game world.
- New Class: The Braver class becomes available, focusing on swift, close-to-mid-range combat styles.
- New Weapon Categories: To support the new class, two specific weapon types are added: the Katana for melee engagement and the Bullet Bow for ranged precision.
- New Location: Exploration expands to the planet Wopal, offering new environments to traverse and new missions to undertake.
System Enhancements and Quality of Life Updates
Beyond new combat options, the expansion integrates several quality-of-life and customization features designed to enhance the player experience within the persistent online world. These include additions to the player housing system with new
Mini Room additions, and the introduction of the
Support Partner Function, which alters how players interact with AI companions during missions.
Integration with the Base Game
This content is designed as a direct continuation of the main game's progression. For players accessing the global version of the game, this release notably bundled content from both Episode 2 and the subsequent Episode 3 at its initial launch, suggesting a substantial volume of content added to the overall game structure.
Scope of Content
As a major episodic expansion, this release delivers a substantial addition to the overall game, introducing fundamental new ways to play (new race and class) alongside a significant continuation of the central plotline, making it a major milestone in the ongoing development of the core title. This content is categorized as an Expansion, meaning it requires the base game to be played.