Christian Dailey, Director of BioWare's Austin Studio, announced the latest developments in Anthem on the official blog. It mainly introduces the "Javelin Mech", bulids and skill trees being tested.
Christian emphasizes that these are ongoing work and ideas that could change at any time. Feedback from players is also very welcome.
<h4>Javelin mechs and outfits</h4>
In response to the problem of the "Javelin Mech" configuration, the developers have made the following modifications:
<h3>Equipment matching experiments can be performed at loading</h3> time
All items are sorted according to the 11 gear slots.
Weapons can be primary or secondary and differ according to positioning.
The previous Components are now replaced by Mods and Artifact slots.
Equipment and abilities can be managed in the loading interface.
<h3>Creation Build is more stable</h3>
Abilities are unlockable, not drop-oriented. You can use the abilities you want at any time.
Abilities can be enhanced by adding modifications to the equipment.
Classes, abilities, and equipment are all part of defining builds.
Inscriptions improve build synergy, but are no longer the main factor.
<h3>The skill tree provides selectivity and upgradeability</h3>
Each Javelin mech can be upgraded, rewarding skill points.
Skill points can be used to unlock abilities, passive skills, and improve base status.
Each class has its own tree of advanced skills.
<h3>Expand the gameplay of each Javelin mech</h3>
Javelin mechs can be used in a variety of classes to suit different play styles.
Each javelin mech now has a powerful relic, and it can be customized.
<h4>Skill tree</h4>
To give players a more pronounced sense of upgrade, the development team is testing a new skill tree system. In this system, each Javelin mech will have a "base" skill tree, where you can unlock all the javelin mech's basic skills, passive skills, trigger skills, and status boosts.
The development team is also testing the content of the vocational skills. Each specialization class will have an advanced skill tree where you can unlock class skills, upgrades, and more.
<h4>Holy relics</h4>
Because of poor feedback from the accessory system, the development team is trying to replace it with a new "relic" system. Relics are fragments of super-powered technology that set your Javelin mech and pilot apart. Each type of javelin mech will have a unique relic that matches the setting. For example, the Ranger's rocket pod can be upgraded to a Skyfell Launcher Relic, from a back-mounted pod to a powerful rocket launcher.
These relics change appearance depending on the parts of the equipment. The parts equipped will also contribute to the powerful passive abilities of the Relic.
Finally, Christian thanks the players who are still supporting the game, as well as the passionate development team. It means that the Anthem will get better and better.
Source: BioWare