Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis is a free-to-play online action/RPG, well known for its unparalleled character customization and battle action which captivated the world.

We are working very hard to offer players unparalleled character customization, limitless adventure, and the best action online RPG available on the Xbox One or PC.

For players currently playing Phantasy Star Online 2 as well as those who have played in the past, we would like to summarize what you can do in Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis.

Because the promotional video may not make it entirely clear how PSO2: NGS is related to PSO2 and how it differs, SEGA have created a follow-up video and an announcement compiling what we can reveal at this point in time.

For starters, please watch the follow-up video.

This update may come as a surprise to those of you who are still playing Episode 3. In Japan, PSO2 recently celebrated its 8th anniversary and is gearing up for the end of Episode 6. Because the game system and graphics engine were created eight years ago, they may seem unrefined to modern players, especially to those of you whose adventures just began with the North American version. This is why the development team is preparing a massive update instead of a new episode—to give PSO2 the renewal it deserves. We are proud to present this dramatic evolution to you as Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis. 

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Phantasy Star Online, we will be aiming for even greater heights and reshaping the story, game system, graphics engine, and character creation system. PSO2 will be reborn as an open-field online RPG, with a renewed battle system and game system to match!

You can continue to enjoy the original PSO2 even after PSO2: NGS has been released. Accounts that have been playing PSO2 will be able to hop between PSO2: NGS and PSO2. However, because the game system is vastly different, we would like to explain what exactly is changing with PSO2: NGS below.

With the new graphics engine comes enhanced character models. In addition to the features present in the current character creation system, you'll now have even more detailed options, like changing the luster of your character's skin. Characters will also be able to move their fingers now! Furthermore, you'll be able to wear more accessories—as well as change their locations—creating even more customized characters. Because PSO2: NGS's character creation system is compatible with that of PSO2, players are free to decide which one they want to use.

Finally, PSO2's core graphics engine will also be overhauled, allowing you to use characters created with PSO2: NGS's system within PSO2 as well. Naturally, ALL character creation info from PSO2 (including items linked to emotes and other previously registered data) will be compatible with PSO2: NGS!

Because PSO2: NGS and PSO2 will have different game systems, some of their respective elements will be incompatible. The following points will summarize what we can announce at this time.

Summary:

• "Worldview", "Game System", "Graphics Engine", and "Character Creation" have all been completely redesigned.
• Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis features an open world game system, with an updated battle system to take advantage of the new, persistent world.
• Players can move back and forth between "PSO2: NGS" and "PSO2" on the same PSO2 account!
• Empowered by a new graphics engine, "Character Creation" will offer more customization options than ever before. Players can also bring their character created in "PSO2: NGS" to the world of "PSO2". Also, players can share their character data well as lobby actions that obtained in "PSO2" to "PSO2: NGS".

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is in development for Xbox One and PC, and will support Xbox Series X in the future.