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.

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.

SEGA announced the first class update for Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, the "Braver" class, which will debut in-game on August 4, 2021.

The Braver class features two new weapons that excel in close quarters or at range, the Katana and Photon Bow. The Katana is a melee weapon that is used for agile attacks. The Katana features the "Katana PA Combo" with three levels of action changes when the same Photon Art is used in succession. The Photon Bow deals consistent damage in long-range combat. Launch normal attacks while moving around and attack while charging at enemies.

The exclusive class skill "Brave Combat" reduces PP consumption for a set amount of time and while active, will launch a powerful finishing attack.  With the release of the Braver class, instructor Dierdre offers tasks for players to practice their new skills and weapons.

Players can get outfits, hairstyles, and emotes based on the new class through the SG Scratch Ticket "Astute Braver".

New Side Story and Quest

"A Melancholy Monument" Side Story will be added to Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis in August. Complete the side story to receive rewards! The new Urgent Quest "Mining Rig Defense" will be available in Central Aelio starting August 18. Up to eight players can join the defense quest to protect the mining rigs from enemies. The quest features new enemies like self-destructing "Boms" and aerial DOLLS "Destragras". If players survive all of the waves with at least one mining rig left, then it's mission accomplished! All weapon categories from the "Evolcoat" series will be available as rewards.

New AC Scratch Ticket Collections

AC Scratch Ticket "Sunshine Marine Stars" debuts on August 4 and features marine-themed outfits and ice cream emotes. On August 11, the "Oracle Renewal Collection II" hits the Revival AC Scratch Ticket store. The featured items were previously released in the Japanese version, but this is the first time this scratch ticket will be available in the global version. "Pure Maid Dress" and "Cursed Coat", both of which were popular back in PSO2, are coming to NGS. Cool off with AC Scratch Ticket "Summer Sky Seaside", featuring swimwear and summery emotes, launching August 18.

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:

• Huge wide-open battlefield environments! Explore a whole new world featuring broad, expansive playfields filled with ferocious enemies waiting for you and your team. Traverse wide-open environments, speed and soar across the giant landscape and skies with new special abilities. Transitioning into a new area is as simple as walking into it -- no loading screens.
• Enhanced character models! Create your identity with any character you can imagine in PSO2:NGS using the powerful creation engine. Adjust every imaginable characteristic to create your one-of-a-kind avatar.
• Redesigned graphics engine! Witness lush environments, amazingly detailed player characters, and monstrous foes in razor-sharp resolution. Watch spectacular new lighting and particle effects as weapons clash with armor. See the world as you've never seen it before.
• New multi-weapon system and abilities! Combine 2 types of weapons for smoother weapon switching. Battle at lightning speed using a variety of weapons and techniques.
• Connects with PSO2! Move easily in-game between PSO2:NGS and PSO2.
• Cross-platform! PC and Xbox One players can play together side by side.

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is available for Xbox One and PC on June 9, 2021, and will support Xbox Series X|S in the future.