The freedom that comes from suiting up in a javelin and exploring the world of Anthem™ is unmatched, but there’s more to discover when you team up with other Freelancers to take on even greater challenges. So what makes Anthem the premier way to triumph as one? Here are a few reasons.
It’s Easy to Join up with Friends
The design of the game is built around the concept that you should be able to just play with your friends with as few hurdles as possible. So that means jumping in on a friend’s mission at any point, jumping back out if you need to, and having the challenges of the world not immediately punish you if your friends are at significantly different power levels than you are.
You Can Play How You Want, Even with Friends
It also means that your group doesn’t need to have different exosuits to succeed. While the javelins have different strengths and weaknesses, there are no traditional RPG roles that must be filled in order to have a functioning party. If you and your teammates are all really feeling the Interceptor this week, then go for it! Become the mecha-ninja clan you always dreamt of and take on anything.
Combat Is Way More Fun as a Group
There are always going to be the lone wolves out there. But they’re not going to be having as much fun as they could with a full team to get the mayhem party started. In a solo firefight, one javelin is going to be spending most of its time running and dodging the hails of gunfire that every enemy is sending at them at once. Make one wrong move and you’ll go down quick. But with a full team, you can divide and conquer, shrugging off a little damage here and there to execute the perfect freeze grenade into an overhead smash. Combat as a group becomes a chance to show your skills and develop them further. Triumphing as one means triumphing in style.
Triumph Brings Teams Together
Whether you’re a natural-born leader or the plucky new guy with something to prove, your contribution to the team is undeniable. The greatest Freelancers still rely on their teammates, so they can fight harder and take bigger risks. The bonds of teamwork become expert coordination in the field, and the sweetest victories are the ones you share with your squad. They might be complete strangers to you when the mission starts, but you’ll remember those that had your back when things looked grim.
Triumph as One is the belief that four players can come together with a shared goal, fight their way to the finish line, and earn crazy amounts of loot, all because they chose to unite.
Last Edit: Sept 2, 2018 12:10:35 GMT by SofaJockey
Your javelin exosuit is the key to combat in Anthem™. Its incredible mobility and firepower allow a pilot to evade enemies, get into a strategic position, and unleash utter destruction. We’ve already shown some of the action you’ll experience, but let’s zero in on a few of those key elements so you can fully prepare for battle.
Mobility in Combat
Expert pilots use every advantage as they take down enemies with ruthless efficiency. Here the Colossus takes out an enemy at range, only to immediately jump up and fly in for an overhead smash attack to finish off the second target.
Health and Ammo Pickups
On long missions, ammo and health pickups are critical to survival. If you find yourself running low on either resource, take down some enemies and watch for the pickups they’ll drop on the battlefield. If you’re particularly low on ammo, use your gear and melee abilities to conserve ammo until you’re back to comfortable surplus.
Targeting
Threats can come from all sides, often from elevated positions and at long range. So on abilities with long trajectories, your cypher helps you see where your mortars, grenades, or other arcing projectiles will land.
Combos
Teamwork is a vital part of javelin combat, and the best way to maximize your damage as a team is to set up your teammates for massive combos. Here the Storm javelin has released a bolt of electricity to deal area damage and set up a finishing blast from the Colossus. All that’s left is to set back and watch the chaos.
Weak Points
Having three bulging, vulnerable sacs may not work out great for the Swarm Tyrant here, but it’s given these Freelancers a golden opportunity to deal bonus damage by targeting them with everything they’ve got. Identify the weak spots of larger opponents and level the playing field (maybe literally).
Loadouts
Your weapon and gear choices can totally reshape how you fight on your missions, so it’s a great idea to mix up your loadouts to find a playstyle that fits you and your mission. Here we see a Colossus in the distance using a flamethrower to start the party up close, while the other Colossus delivers damage from a distance. Each javelin is highly adaptable, so there are plenty of options to explore as you hone your combat skills.
Ultimate Abilities
Whether you like to use your ultimate ability to start a fight or to finish one – there’s no denying the sheer magnitude of devastation that erupts. Here the Colossus uses the Siege Cannon to blast the broadside of the Swarm Tyrant.
We’ve just scratched the surface of the combat experience here in Anthem. As we get closer to the pre-launch demos, we’ll have even more information on how to optimize your javelin and your strategies to obliterate even the toughest enemies.
Last Edit: Sept 1, 2018 22:56:26 GMT by link2twenty
Javelin exosuits have everything a skilled pilot needs to survive in the wilds and take down any opposition. They can fly over difficult terrain, swim through underwater tunnels, and employ a full kit of weapons and gear against their enemies. Each model of javelin has its own strengths, and it’s up to each pilot to choose which javelin in their arsenal is best for the mission ahead. So which will you choose: Ranger, Storm, Colossus, or Interceptor?
For the Freelancers who are eager to suit up and step into battle, learn about the four javelins of Anthem™ through this gameplay guide.
NOTE: As the game is still in development, some of the suit details may still change before launch.
The Ranger Javelin
The Ranger is the first javelin exosuit you’ll receive as you begin in Anthem. It’s precise, versatile, and an all-around master of combat.
All Freelancers train on the Ranger first in Anthem. Not because it’s the easiest, but because it’s the most versatile. In the hands of a master pilot, the Ranger can achieve feats of combat prowess that no other javelin can touch.
The Ranger has a deep bag of tricks to draw from, and there is no combat situation it can’t take on effectively. With access to every weapon type, the Ranger is a true wild card that can complement any team and any mission.
The Colossus Javelin
The largest of the four, the Colossus trades mobility for defense, carrying a deployable shield as well as a devastating Siege Cannon.
Meet Anthem’s Colossus, a hulking war machine designed to clear out entire hives of vicious predatory fauna with mounted artillery, heavy arms, or even, yes, a flamethrower. It’s got reinforced armor plating. It’s got jet propulsion. It’s got a cannon. I’m pretty sure it’s even got a cupholder (it doesn’t). If you’re looking to trample through the wilderness in comfort with heavy artillery strapped to your back, the Colossus is for you.
The Storm Javelin
Mysterious and devastating, the Storm javelin uses powerful seal technology to blast enemies with the raw fury of the Anthem.
Developed by the Dominion in their Northern home of Stralheim, the Storm uses seal technology to boost the latent kinesis powers of its pilot. The result is a javelin that can float effortlessly above the ground and unleash the raw energy of the Anthem itself. Only through painstaking arcanist research has anyone outside the Dominion had a chance to wield the Storm’s awesome potential. And while the Storm can channel unbelievable amounts of energy, it has little in the way of defensive capabilities and requires an expert pilot to stay above the fight and dish out damage from a safe distance.
The Interceptor Javelin
The Interceptor javelin might not have the imposing silhouette of the Colossus, but it still knows how to pack a punch. The Interceptor excels at getting up next to enemies to deal damage and then dashing away before they can strike back. With powerful blades and a full suite of devastating abilities, the Interceptor is both incredibly self-reliant and an excellent supporting squadmate.
You’ll unlock all four as you play Anthem, so make sure to try them all out and decide which ones work best for your playstyle.
In the world of Anthem™, the javelin exosuits are your key to survival in the harsh wilderness outside of Fort Tarsis. They are powerful suits of armor equipped with propulsion and weapons that allow you the speed and firepower you’ll need to complete your missions. Javelins are handcrafted by the meticulous work of arcanists, and only expert pilots can unlock the full potential of their exosuits. The Ranger javelin is the first you’ll suit up in, which we’ll get into detail about here, but as you progress you’ll unlock all four of the javelins – the other three include the Colossus, Interceptor, and Storm. You’ll be able to swap between them to improve both your javelin’s abilities and the overall skill of your pilot.
All Freelancers train on the Ranger first in Anthem. Not because it’s the easiest, but because it’s the most versatile. In the hands of a master pilot, the Ranger can achieve feats of combat prowess that no other javelin can touch.
The Ranger javelin has a deep bag of tricks to draw from, and there is no combat situation it can’t take on effectively. With access to a wide variety of weapon types, the Ranger is a true wild card that can complement any team and any mission.
NOTE: As the game is still in development, all game features may be subject to change and there will be more to share. We’ll update as necessary.
Ranger Javelin Exosuit Abilities
Shock Mace: When the Ranger javelin chooses to mix it up at close range, it deploys an electrified mace to send a medically-inadvisable amount of voltage through its enemies.
Grenades: Quick to deploy, grenades lay down area damage for effective crowd control at a moment’s notice. Modified grenades can be found out in the field which can be equipped to create different effects, including Frost and Seeker Grenades.
Muster Point: An effective field commander, the Ranger is capable of creating a Rally Point which provides gear cooldown reduction to teammates who enter its radius.
Multi-target Missile Battery: A powerful volley of micro-missiles, the Ranger’s ultimate ability allows it to target dozens of fast-moving enemies with guided projectiles that pummel the opposition with devastating concussive force.
Your First Javelin
With its focus on precise damage and versatility, the Ranger javelin can suit any number of skill levels. Novice pilots will appreciate the wide array of weapons and abilities they can use to sharpen their skills, while experts will gravitate toward the Ranger’s emphasis on excellent marksmanship and skill mastery. So, whether you’re the newest Freelancer in your group or the most veteran, the Ranger is the gold standard for combat efficiency.
But there are other javelin options to explore. For those who like a more heavy-handed approach, the Colossus is a great fit. And for those who favor a reflexive, lightning-fast play style, there’s none faster than the Interceptor. Just want to throw lightning bolts at unsuspecting enemies? Suit up with Storm. There’s so much to discover in the world of Anthem.
Your javelin exosuit is the key to your survival in the world of Anthem. Without one, the dangers that pervade the wilds outside of Fort Tarsis would be overwhelming. The Colossus is just one of the javelins you’ll get to pilot, though you can switch freely between your javelins between missions. So let’s get to know the features and abilities that make Colossus such a powerhouse in the field.
Appetite for Destruction
We’ve all been there. Faced up against a roiling horde of fanged monstrosities, firing off round after useless round into the ocean of carapaced beasts, getting absolutely nowhere, and slowly at that. Well friends, we don’t have to live like that anymore. Meet Anthem’s Colossus, a hulking war machine designed to clear out entire hives of vicious predatory fauna with mounted artillery, heavy arms, or even, yes, a flamethrower. It’s got reinforced armor plating. It’s got jet propulsion. It’s got a cannon. I’m pretty sure it’s even got a cupholder (it doesn’t). If you’re looking to trample through the wilderness in comfort with heavy artillery strapped to your back, the Colossus is for you.
Colossus Javelin Exosuit Abilities
Heavy Smash: The Colossus can use its massive chassis as a weapon both in a diving smash attack from the air and a hammering melee attack. This not only clears out smaller enemies instantly, but has a chance to knock down foes and leave them open to follow-up attacks.
Shield: Providing immense frontal damage mitigation, the Colossus can deploy a shield from its arm in order to close distance on an attacking enemy or charge through environmental hazards as easy as you please. The shield is also deployable while the Colossus is hovering or flying.
High Explosive Mortar: The heavier chassis of the Colossus allows for larger weaponry to be mounted and operated – including a ballistic mortar. An excellent ambush tactic, the mortar rains down punishing amounts of damage and finishes fights just as well as it starts them.
Siege Cannon: The Colossus’ ultimate ability, the Siege Cannon is pure mayhem unleashed on the battlefield. Just aim it at something you want to disappear, pull the trigger, and watch the magic act.
The Not-so-gentle Giant
With its focus on damage mitigation and explosive power, the Colossus is a favorite among Freelancers who prefer a brute force solution to their problems. Whether you need the straightforward approach for a mission or you just like a little roomier fit, the Colossus is an amazing addition to your javelin arsenal. Check out our suit guides on the Ranger, Interceptor, and Storm javelin exosuits for more details as we get ready to venture into the wilds of Anthem.
Last Edit: Sept 1, 2018 23:02:57 GMT by link2twenty
As the smallest and sleekest of the javelins, the Interceptor is favored by long-range scouts and arcanists performing field research. But while it may not be the mightiest javelin in your arsenal, its agility and evasion are unmatched, and it has more than enough power to bring the fight to anyone foolish enough to underestimate it.
Always Two Steps Ahead
The Interceptor javelin might not have the imposing silhouette of the Colossus, but it still knows how to pack a punch. The Interceptor excels at getting in close to inflict damage and weaken its enemies, then dashing away before they can react. With powerful blades and a full suite of devastating abilities, the Interceptor is both incredibly self-reliant and an excellent supporting squadmate.
NOTE: As the game is still in development, all game features may be subject to change and there will be more to share. We’ll update as necessary.
Interceptor Javelin Exosuit Features
Coming soon! Sit tight, Freelancers.
Fast, Furious
With its lightning agility and powerful abilities, the Interceptor is able to turn overwhelming odds into certain victory. The Interceptor makes up for its scant armor as a true terror on the battlefield and an excellent addition to your javelin arsenal. Learn more in our suit guides on the Ranger, Colossus, and Storm javelin exosuits for details as we suit up to fulfill the call of the Freelancers in Anthem.
In Anthem™, you’ll grow stronger with every mission you complete and every monster you destroy. But your journey may offer surprising gifts that allow you to progress and grow in different ways. So let’s cover the basics of progression in the world of Anthem.
Pilots and Javelins: The Basics
In Anthem, you play as a pilot who can use an arsenal of Javelins to complete their missions. But you’ll also be able to have several pilot profiles on a single game. So don’t worry if you share a game console at home, you won’t have to share your progress as well. Your pilots and Javelins are both individually upgradeable and customizable. What does that mean? Well, your pilot has its own level, and each of your javelins has a unique collection of equipment. As you progress and level up, your pilot will receive points to upgrade and your javelin will collect new equipment, giving greater power and more options to your loadout.
Pilot Progression
Pilot progression applies to every Javelin your pilot uses, and focuses on those aspects of being a pilot that aren’t tied to a specific Javelin. You can put points into flying for longer periods of time without overheating, allowing for greater mobility during combat, and fewer stops when traversing long distances, for example.
Javelin Progression
As your pilot gains experience operating a specific Javelin, you’ll collect lots of equipment of differing abilities and rarities. You might want to equip components to reduce the cooldown of your Ranger’s grenade attack and dish out even more damage in the field, as an example. Each javelin – Ranger, Colossus, Interceptor, and Storm – all have their own unique equipment which can be collected. Your loadout choices will allow you to tailor your javelin’s abilities to your playstyle, or discover different playstyles you may not have considered.
Javelin Customization
Of course, with every completed mission comes the possibility of new gear and weaponry. Upgrading weapons and honing your loadout is another crucial piece of your progression, and will further allow you to create the perfect Javelin for you. Be sure to align your progression choices with your customization for maximum effect against enemies.
The challenges you’ll face in the world of Anthem will only get greater and more dangerous, so your pilot and Javelins will have to be at their best in order to take them on. How will you choose to face the worst threats that Mirrus has to throw at you?
While there may be no shortage of monsters looking to tear you apart in the world of Anthem™, you’ve also got a team supporting you from your strider, your mobile base of operations. They’re your crew, and while they may not be suiting up alongside you, their assistance is vital in making sure that you fulfill your calling as a Freelancer.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a BioWare™ game if this team wasn’t made up of great characters, so let’s start the introductions with some basic information on your crew.
Haluk
Birth year: 423 LV Birth Location: Mirelands Height/Weight: 5’8”; 235 pounds Role: Strider driver Faction: Freelancer Quote: “The gears of this world are tuned for a quick death. Good thing I carry a wrench.”
Haluk is a legendary Freelancer, all-around badass, and mentor to younger freelancers. He also drives the strider.
Faye Navine
Birth year: 437 LV Birth Location: Antium Height/Weight: 5’7” 120 pounds Role: Cypher Faction: Freelancer Quote: “The world is filled with mysteries. Chasing the solutions, that's where the fun is.”
As a cypher with the rare gift of mental communication, Faye has always been intrigued by the Anthem of Creation.
Owen Corley
Birth year: 444 LV Birth Location: Heliost Height/Weight: 5’10”; 148 pounds Role: Cypher Faction: Freelancer Quote: “Life’s what you make it. You gotta buy into your own idealism, mate.”
The newest member, Owen is also a promising cypher whose ambition and enthusiasm have made him vital to your success as a team.
You’ll get to know them all a whole lot better once you dive into Anthem, interacting with them in Fort Tarsis and developing your relationships with them as you play.
In the world of Anthem, the Freelancers aren’t the only ones who have risen to the challenges of life in the hostile wilds they call home. Several powerful factions operate here, seeking out their own ends and often getting in each other’s way. But inevitably these disparate factions end up in need of the services of the Freelancers. Get to know the major factions to help you prepare to enter the world of Anthem.
The Sentinels
The Sentinels are the chief upholders of the law throughout the cities and settlements of Anthem. They believe in justice and order above all else, and see themselves as a bulwark protecting the people from the chaos of the outside world. In the eyes of the Sentinel leadership, the Freelancers are a ragtag outfit whose fierce independence makes them unreliable.
Corvus
An extensive network of intelligence agents, spies, and diplomats, Corvus’ main goal is to scout out threats and remove them without direct confrontation. While they are not above having their operatives engage in targeted sabotage or an assassination now and again, they prefer to contract out any of their messier tasks to third-parties, like the Freelancers.
Cyphers
Cyphers are humans gifted with and rigorously trained in the ability to communicate mentally over long distances, performing complex analytical calculations and processing incredible amounts of information. They serve in support roles to lancers, providing information and analysis during expeditions.
The Arcanists
Scientist-mystics who have dedicated themselves to researching the mysteries of the world of Anthem, the Arcanists research both the natural frontier as well as the technological. Their ultimate goal is to gather, categorize, and preserve the complete knowledge of humanity. Their tireless promotion of knowledge and teaching has been directly or indirectly responsible for much of the technological advancement of this world.
Your journey into Anthem will take you through encounters with all of these factions in Fort Tarsis. Making connections with each will help you acquire new missions and contracts to fulfill, rebuilding the renown of the Freelancers.
Fort Tarsis is your home in the world of Anthem™, but it’s also so much more. As one of humanity’s fortified settlements, it brings all walks of life together in a space where royalty and scoundrels can rub elbows and you never quite know who you’ll bump into next. Let’s explore some of what makes Fort Tarsis such an important locale in the world of Anthem.
A Long and Storied Legacy
The history of Fort Tarsis traces back to its namesake, Legion of Dawn leader General Helena Tarsis. It was her tireless efforts that lead humanity to a place of strength and security, where they could build a fortified city that would withstand the nightmarish threats that roam the lands. As this beacon of hope ascended, humanity took its own strides forward, developing the resources and technology to thrive in some of the most hostile environments imaginable. Both the Freelancers and the Sentinels had a significant presence here, along with the shadowy agents of Corvus and the researcher-monks of the Arcanists. Fort Tarsis brings these disparate groups together in an alliance of survival, a living tribute to the heroes who made it possible.
Your Next Mission Awaits
Fort Tarsis will also serve as the central location for you to pick up your next mission. With agents from all the major factions, it’s only a matter of time before someone comes calling with your next Freelancer contract. While you can pick up some missions from the safety of your strider (your four-story-tall mobile base), others have to be done face-to-face in Fort Tarsis. Just watch your back – some of these agents aren’t exactly upstanding citizens. Fort Tarsis is where you’ll get a chance to rest after a long mission and talk with the locals about what’s going on in the world, too. You’ll find plenty of friendly faces (and plenty more unfriendly ones) to engage with, and it’s worthwhile to watch as the citizens of Fort Tarsis react to your choices out in the world as well as in conversation here behind the walls. Not only does Fort Tarsis stand as a symbol of how far humanity has come, but it will be your window to greatness on your journey to becoming a Freelancer worthy of the legacy of General Tarsis. Who knows what other secrets you’ll uncover within these fortified walls?
We’ve rolled out a ton of news about Anthem™, but there’s one question we keep hearing that we haven’t been able to answer: when is the demo?! Well, friends, now we can answer that question. The public pre-launch demo will start on February 1.
How Can I Play the Anthem Demo?
Simple – pre-order now* or join Origin Access or EA Access.
If you’ve already pre-ordered or joined, you’re all set. Just set your calendars for February 1, clear out your schedule, and prepare to discover the world of Anthem.
One important note: if your Origin Access or EA Access membership is not active at the time of the demo, you won’t be able to play the demo. So make sure your membership is current when we get close to the start of the demo.
Keep checking back for more details and availability.
Keep your eyes open for more as we’re ramping up to Anthem’s release. Make sure to not miss any of it by signing up for the Anthem newsletter for all the latest Anthem news, updates, behind-the-scenes content, offers, and more (including other EA news, products, events, and promotions) by email.
We’ve rolled out a ton of news about Anthem™, but there’s one question we keep hearing that we haven’t been able to answer: when is the demo?! Well, friends, now we can answer that question. The public pre-launch demo will start on February 1.
How Can I Play the Anthem Demo?
Simple – pre-order now* or join Origin Access or EA Access.
If you’ve already pre-ordered or joined, you’re all set. Just set your calendars for February 1, clear out your schedule, and prepare to discover the world of Anthem.
One important note: if your Origin Access or EA Access membership is not active at the time of the demo, you won’t be able to play the demo. So make sure your membership is current when we get close to the start of the demo.
Keep checking back for more details and availability.
Keep your eyes open for more as we’re ramping up to Anthem’s release. Make sure to not miss any of it by signing up for the Anthem newsletter for all the latest Anthem news, updates, behind-the-scenes content, offers, and more (including other EA news, products, events, and promotions) by email.
Really don't like the attitude taken about having access to the demo. It's almost as if they're trying to hide something. That or I'm being way too cynical.
Really don't like the attitude taken about having access to the demo. It's almost as if they're trying to hide something. That or I'm being way too cynical.
What do you mean? What is there to hide? What they want to do is they obviously want to encourage people to try EA/Origin Access.
“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition Posts: 9,691 Likes: 27,395
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Really don't like the attitude taken about having access to the demo. It's almost as if they're trying to hide something. That or I'm being way too cynical.
Demos are always very near release and usually limited to people who pre-order (unless it's a F2P game which Anthem is not).
Really don't like the attitude taken about having access to the demo. It's almost as if they're trying to hide something. That or I'm being way too cynical.
Demos are always very near release and usually limited to people who pre-order (unless it's a F2P game which Anthem is not).
That's just it I can remember when demos could be DL'd and played for free no strings attached. No pre ordering, no paid service nothing just the demo. That's what pisses me off.
Demos are always very near release and usually limited to people who pre-order (unless it's a F2P game which Anthem is not).
That's just it I can remember when demos could be DL'd and played for free no strings attached. No pre ordering, no paid service nothing just the demo. That's what pisses me off.
Yeah, a demo is there to convince you to buy the game, why do you need a demo of a game you already own?
That's just it I can remember when demos could be DL'd and played for free no strings attached. No pre ordering, no paid service nothing just the demo. That's what pisses me off.
Yeah, a demo is there to convince you to buy the game, why do you need a demo of a game you already own?
To not cancel the pre-order? Plus, there's a reason why people pay for early access or even to try betas or even alfas. Some people want to play the game so much they value and thus want to pay for being able to play it earlier than most players.
Last Edit: Sept 1, 2018 23:51:26 GMT by midnight tea
“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”
Yeah, a demo is there to convince you to buy the game, why do you need a demo of a game you already own?
To not cancel the pre-order? Plus, there's a reason why people pay for early access or even to try betas or even alfas. Some people want to play the game so much they value and thus want to pay for being able to play it earlier than most players.
Still a scummy business practice if you ask me. Yes I'm old dammit, I'm allowed to be cynical.
Demos are always very near release and usually limited to people who pre-order (unless it's a F2P game which Anthem is not).
That's just it I can remember when demos could be DL'd and played for free no strings attached. No pre ordering, no paid service nothing just the demo. That's what pisses me off.
If it's not freely distributed then it's not a demo. Bioware can call it a demo all they want, just like I can call my neighbour's pet dog a hamster, but it doesn't make it true.
Plus, there's a reason why people pay for early access or even to try betas or even alfas. Some people want to play the game so much they value and thus want to pay for being able to play it earlier than most players.