We've wrapped up everything new Anthem players need to know from launch day.

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Electronic Arts has debuted Anthem, its new shared-world role-playing game (RPG) for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PCs. Its loot-driven shooter gameplay is promising, rivaling Tom Clancy's The Division and Destiny in a new cryptic universe. We've brought together everything you need to know before jumping into Anthem in 2019.

Understanding Anthem story and lore so far

Coming from BioWare, the renowned developer of Mass Effect and Dragon Age, Anthem marks a new and ambitious direction for the studio. In the game's world, hostile monsters rule the wilderness, and humanity has taken refuge inside a walled city known as Fort Tarsis. Freelancers, bounty hunters bearing "Javelin" exosuits, are among the few who can venture outside the walls, forming the basis for Anthem's gameplay. An evil collective known as the Dominion plans to use a mysterious force known as the "Anthem Of Creation" to destroy the remnants of society. As freelancers, you will be tasked with fighting back these forces and protecting humanity. Anthem team talks BioWare's learnings, Anthem's ambitions, and future plans Bounty hunters bearing "Javelin" exosuits are among the few who can venture outside the walls. Diverging from the developer's heritage solidified in narrative-driven experiences, Anthem pursues an online shared-world, built with action-adventure mechanics in mind. However, even if action lays at the center of Anthem, the developer's role-playing legacy isn't entirely out of the picture. A story intertwines with Anthem's gameplay and has a greater emphasis over similar rival titles. Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more A majority of Anthem's narrative takes place in Fort Tarsis, the game's safe zone where players will obtain missions, visit vendors, and prepare their loadouts. This area is designed to be exclusively first-person, in contrast to Anthem's mostly third-person gameplay. Cutscenes and dialogue options will also be present, allowing players to forge their own adventure to some extent. And don't worry single-player fans; despite its cooperative focus, the whole of Anthem's story can be experienced solo with an internet connection. Lore of Anthem: Everything we know about the story so far

Does Anthem have a single-player solo mode? Which Anthem classes are best for you

At the start of Anthem, you're tasked with creating a freelancer, who defines your character through the game. You'll be provided with Ranger Javelin power armor too, which grants the basic skill set to survive outside Fort Tarsis. Anthem's Javelins are divided into four distinct classes, each with distinct designs and in-game abilities. While players initially start with the default Ranger class, new Javelins can quickly be unlocked through missions. Below we've broken down Anthem's four Javelins and how they differ. The Ranger is a balanced Javelin inheriting attributes of other classes and is best suited for beginners. This class is tailored for close-quarters combat and provides flexibility to adapt to situations.

is a balanced Javelin inheriting attributes of other classes and is best suited for beginners. This class is tailored for close-quarters combat and provides flexibility to adapt to situations. With heavy firepower and armor, the Colossus is specialized for devastating the battlefield. Limited mobility counters its strong frontline performance, but it can hold its ground with impressive stopping power.

is specialized for devastating the battlefield. Limited mobility counters its strong frontline performance, but it can hold its ground with impressive stopping power. Packing elemental abilities, the Storm class is comparable to a mage class. This Javelin can hover for long periods of time and appears to be capable of delivering support from a distance.

class is comparable to a mage class. This Javelin can hover for long periods of time and appears to be capable of delivering support from a distance. The Interceptor is an agile, rogue-style class, outsmarting foes with fast movements and traps. Unlike class-based games where characters are tied to a certain playstyle, your suit doesn't define you in Anthem. The game allows players to change their Javelins regularly and explore new approaches. And with distinct upgrade paths for each, it encourages you to experiment with each during your playthrough. These are all the Anthem classes, and how to use them

What is the best class in Anthem for you? The world of Anthem is ever-changing with updates

As expected from a modern multiplayer title, Anthem adopts a Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) model for providing content post-launch. Anthem leverages online features significantly more than any other BioWare titles. Live services are nothing new in the modern age, allowing dozens of games to maintain healthy player bases, sometimes years after their release. By purchasing Anthem, you'll be buying into the game's service, with future updates expected after launch. Few details have been shared on how this "live service" will develop going forward, although content updates, events and larger expansions are all plans. What to expect in Anthem's March update This also feeds into Anthem's concept of a shared open world, adding an interconnected and somewhat dynamic edge to the experience. Anthem leverages online features significantly more than any other BioWare titles, through both gameplay and post-launch support. Cross-platform multiplayer has been ruled out for Anthem despite its online focus, but its developer is "looking into" migrating saves between platforms. Does Anthem support cross-platform saves?

Does Anthem support cross-play? The loot grind continues with weapons and cosmetics