The highly anticipated Illuvium Open Beta will launch on July 25, 2024, exclusively via the Epic Games Store for PC. Since its introduction in 2020, the game has been actively developed, painstakingly combining elements from different game genres to create a unique experience. The Illuvium team has shown dedication and commitment in delivering a high-quality gaming experience despite hurdles in the release schedule. The release of the pre-launch trailer has already created a lot of excitement among the gaming community and paved the way for what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the blockchain gaming ecosystem.
Gameplay experience
Mix of genres and functions
Illuvium stands out in the gaming world by merging open world exploration, auto-battler mechanics and NFT collection into a cohesive and engaging gameplay experience. This unique combination allows players to immerse themselves in a sci-fi universe, embark on fantasy adventures, collect mystical creatures and craft equipment to power their squads. The game is part of a larger, interconnected universe, consisting of three different titles: Overworld, Arena and Zero.
- Overworld: This title focuses on extensive exploration and interaction with the environment. Players can expect greater character customization options, improved combat mechanics, and deeper interactions with NPCs.
- Arena: In Illuvium Arena, players engage in strategic battles, with new features such as Gauntlet mode and a revamped weapon system that improves gameplay.
- Zero: While Zero is not included in the initial PC release, it will focus on resource collection and be compatible with both mobile and PC platforms, adding a new layer of depth to the Illuvium universe.
The development team has been actively refining the game through several phases of testing, including Private Beta 4, which has been crucial in identifying and addressing issues, as well as introducing new features.
In-game economy and balance
Ongoing balance and fuel contract change
The Illuvium development team is committed to maintaining a balanced and fair in-game economy. Continuous adjustments and monitoring are essential to ensure the game remains engaging and competitive. Player feedback is a crucial part of this process and helps the team refine and improve various aspects of the game.
One of the major updates in the open beta is the introduction of new fuel contracts, which have been exchanged on Sepolia. To ensure a seamless transition, the number of Fuel players has been sent to everyone before the swap. This change is part of the team’s commitment to improving the game’s economics and overall player experience.
In addition, the team handles issues related to geofenced locations. Some players have experienced being stuck in the travel animation due to these geofences. Improvements to detection and in-game messaging are underway to resolve these issues and improve the overall gameplay experience.
The team also considered the possibility of launching earlier, but emphasized the importance of adding additional features to make the launch more effective and safer.
Accessibility and compatibility
Geofenced locations and Mac users
Geofencing is a feature that allows for more accurate location-based gameplay, adding an extra layer of immersion to the Illuvium experience. However, this feature has also brought some challenges. Players in certain regions may get stuck in the travel animation, an issue the team is actively working on.
For Mac users, the Open Beta testnet presents some specific challenges. Due to an update to Unreal Engine 5.4, there are some issues launching the game and using the chat functionality. Mac users will need to launch the game directly from the installation folder, which can be found by navigating the Epic Games Store client. Unfortunately, chat functionality is currently unavailable on Mac, but the team is doing everything they can to resolve this issue and restore full functionality as soon as possible.
Final thoughts
As the July 25 launch date approaches, anticipation for the Illuvium Open Beta continues to grow. This summer promises to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience, combining the thrill of exploration, strategic combat and the innovative integration of NFTs. The Illuvium team’s commitment to continuous improvement and player satisfaction ensures that this open beta will be just the beginning of an exciting journey into the future of gaming.