Airship Syndicateannounces the release ofWayfinder Echoes. This significant update changes the game to be a single-player or cooperative game with a one-time payment and no microtransactions. The team seeks to reinvent the game after the poor launch and abandonment by Digital Extremes of its tasks as a publisher.
Wayfinder Echoes Update
Discarding the live-service gameplay system, the studio aims forWayfinderto carve out a niche in the cooperative actionRPGlandscape. The release of theEchoesupdate on June 11 drastically improves the game and provides a more sustainable business model for Airship in the future.
The upcomingEchoes updatewill remove allin-game monetization. Items previously available through microtransactions can now be obtained by playing, including characters, weapons, and armor sets. Priced at $24.99 USD, this one-time purchase includes all present and future content in Early Access, with the price set to increase once the game exitsEarly Access.
Ryan Stefanelli, President
“We’ve seen a shift in the industry where players are willing to pay for a premium title if it means respect for their time and money. It’s something we also prefer and believe will make the game much easier to enjoy. We hope this significant change attracts players to come and see what we’ve built with Wayfinder, allowing us to support it in the long run.”
Airship Syndicate Has Overhauled All Major Systems
The update introduces random weapon acquisition, armor with variable statistics, and an easier process for acquiring new characters. Additionally, character awakening requirements have been simplified, and players can now choose from four difficulty levels. The game now includes traditionalRPGelements, such as a talent system to add more depth to the gameplay.
The Wayfinder Echoesupdate will also introduce significant new content, including a new playable character named Grendel, a new open-world area three times larger than before, six new hunts, and more.
Although the game is still in development,Airship Syndicatebelieves that more time inEarly Accesswill further refine an already improved experience. The change carries considerable risk for Airship, which now operates as the sole developer and publisher of Wayfinder, but the team is ready for the challenge.
Steve Madureira, Game Director
“When we decided to remove the online component, the team said ‘well, what else can we do?’ We started brainstorming ideas on how to make Wayfinder more accessible and rewarding. I think the team did an incredible job adding more traditional ARPG elements to the game, and the change in the business model allowed us to do that. It’s a solid single-player game with a lot of content, but it’s even better when played cooperatively with friends.”
Key Updates of Wayfinder Echoes
Wayfinder will also come toXbox Series X|Sin late 2024, at which point the game will exit Early Access and be officially released. Existing Steam Founders can play theEchoesupdate starting May 31.
The update will officially launch onSteamon June 11, when the game will also return toSteam Early Accessfor purchase. Changes will be implemented onPlayStation 5later in the year, but until then,PlayStation 4and5users can continue playingWayfinderonline without interruptions.
For more Fextralife news, be sure to check outMonster Hunter Saga Reaches Milestone of 100 Million Copies SoldandAtlus Announced That Shin Megami Tensei V Will No Longer Be Available on NintendoAnd don’t forget to bookmarkWayfinder Wiki, as you most assuredly will need it!
