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.

In SEGA's newest Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis Headline video, host Hiro Arai announces the upcoming content planned for Spring, including seasonal rewards, Spring-themed maps, and the April 6th update.

The Spring Seasonal Event begins March 6 and will feature seasonal rewards, themed maps, new mischief symbols and more. For the first time, there will be no cap on the amount of seasonal points players can earn! A special booster called Balloonimix can be purchased to increase the amount of seasonal points players can earn. Players can earn a new 5-star rarity Lumiere weapon with the light attribute, which is strong against seasonal enemies who are weak against light. An event-exclusive Scratch Ticket can be earned by completing event, Urgent Quests, and Trigger Quests, such as the limited time Spring Urgent Quest. Players can expect even more limited time fun when the second half of the Spring Event begins on March 23.

The April 6th Update will raise the level cap to 45. One Photon Art will be added to most weapons, excluding rods, tails and wands. Rods, tails, and wands will be receiving three new types of Compound Techniques, which are powerful Class Skills activated by consuming a special power gauge.

There will be many updates in the newest region, Retem. New High Ranked Sectors will be added to the Retem Alnothe Combat Sector. Two new Retem Urgent Quests and debut in Retem's High-Rank Sectors; these enemies increase the attack and defense of other enemies around them but defeating them will reward players with a large amount of Meseta and an occasional Arms Refiner drop. Gigantix will be raised to level 49 and DOLLS in Aelio and Retem will now drop DOLLS-themed Kukuhroziat weapons.

Dedicated photo rooms will now let players take photos without enemies and change the weather! Playlist function is being added to the mag jukebox so players can play their favorite in-game songs one after the other automatically. Streamer Mode will help Streamers show off their gameplay. Players can keep up to date with specific rare drops through custom notifications.

Download and play Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis on PC and Xbox One for free today.

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, and will support Xbox Series X|S in the future.