News

ArcheAge Chronicles PvP Is Opt In, With Separate Channels and Bonus EXP

XLGAMES has explained how PvP works in ArcheAge Chronicles: zones are split into standard and PvP channels of about 100 players, switching happens at Nui Statues, and PvP channels are open from the start of the demo.

By Kai Cruz, MMORPG WriterPublished October 5, 20262 min read

ArcheAge Chronicles official artwork of players in combat — Image credit: XLGAMES

PvP in ArcheAge Chronicles is a choice. XLGAMES says each zone is split into standard channels, where players cannot attack each other at all, and PvP channels, where almost everyone can. Creative Director Jay Lee laid out the rules in a developer post on Steam on October 4.

The rules in short

Channels of about 100: a zone is divided into separate copies, each holding around 100 players. The team calls that a design choice, since the servers handled full channels fighting at once during the September Network Test.
Standard channels: no player can attack another.
PvP channels: everyone can attack you except your party and guild members. The monsters and quests are the same.
Switching: you change channel type at a Nui Statue, and a cooldown stops you from escaping a losing fight.
Bonus EXP: monsters in PvP channels give 10 to 15% more EXP. The studio says the overall boost is modest and the numbers may change.

Dungeons and some points of interest are instanced for you or your party, so other players cannot interfere there.

What the demo includes

PvP channels are unlocked from the very start of the Steam Next Fest demo, with no story requirement. All four classes are playable, each with two of their weapons. There are no rewards for defeating another player yet, but the demo has a kill log and PvP achievements. Lee also mentions that ranged attacks can be parried and reflected back.

What may come later

Lee says rankings and trophies will likely arrive after launch as live updates. Further out, the team is discussing trade runs through PvP channels and guilds fighting over trade posts. He is clear that this is early planning and not a promise.

Why it matters

The original ArcheAge was known for open world conflict that players could not always avoid. This version keeps that conflict but puts it behind a switch, which should suit both players who want to quest in peace and those who want a fight.

There is still no release date. Platforms and details are on our ArcheAge Chronicles game page.

Will you play in a PvP channel?