Right now, if you create a new character in Albion Online and try it for the first time (and you should if you never have since it’s easily the biggest PvP game in our genre right now), it’s fairly impregnable. You’ll go through an incredibly brief “how do basic controls and skills work” type of tutorial. After that, you’re more or less on your own, which is great for sandbox freedom, but maybe a little less great for clueless newbs in need of at least a push in the right direction.
Well, Sandbox Interactive is aiming to change all that with the introduction of Abyssal Depths later this month. The update include a full revamp of the starting experience for new players with a whole new questline, delivered through the existing journal.
“This system offers structured post-tutorial paths for PvE, PvP, and gathering,” SBI says. “Each path gradually introduces core gameplay mechanics, with hints and visual guidance.” The The full journal stays hidden until players complete each path; then a path is completed, at which point players unlock the guide and new milestones. The tutorial itself will also push players toward tracking mobs earlier and “reduce the focus on gathering and crafting” at the earliest stages.
SBI’s video today goes in depth on the newbie improvements, as well as the new HUD tracker, the marketplace categorization overhaul, new crystal weapons, and the learning point system overhaul.
