PSO2: NGS is set in a vast, open field, and only 32 players can be in a server simultaneously.
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis (PSO2: NGS) is a thrilling video game that combines role-playing with tactical battles. As the game’s name suggests, it is a version of the classic video game, Phantasy Star Online 2.
However, NGS was released a decade after its predecessor, so you will likely experience updated graphics, mechanics, and gameplay.
NGS takes place in the fictitious realm of Halpha, approximately a thousand years after the Oracle events. Before you can explore the world, you must create a character and complete the initial tutorial mission to understand NGS’ mechanics.
Gamers in general have wondered if PSO2: NGS consists of an open world, which is one of the main elements in role-playing titles.
What is an open world?
An open world in video games is a virtual world in which players can approach objectives freely, in contrast to a world which has more linear and structured gameplay. Open world games generally do not have level structures like locked doors and walls.
Players are only limited by geographic features like vast oceans or impassable mountains to prevent players from venturing to all the areas on the map.
In an open-world game, you do not encounter loading screens, as these games use static storage and memory techniques to load the game world in a seamless way.
Open world games offer you the ability to choose how to approach the game and its challenges in the order and manner that you desire. However, you are still constrained by the gameplay rules.
Is PSO2: NGS open world?
PSO2: NGS is the latest chapter in the Phantasy Star Online 2 series, and it invites players to jump into adventures beyond imagination. This new adventure takes place on a vast, open field, which is otherwise referred to as an open world.
However, only 32 players can enjoy the adventure on the same server. Although the game has an open world, the server can only host 32 players simultaneously.
A game server is the authoritative source of events in a multiplayer video game. The server transmits enough data about its intertel state to allow its connected clients to maintain their own version of the game world to display to players.
Since PSO2: NGS has an open world, players can choose how they want to engage in the game. However, it is recommended that you focus on the main story arc.
While advancing in NGS, you may discover a gigantic mountain range, or an ocean, which could prevent you from exploring beyond them.
The main appeal of NGS’ open world gameplay is that it provides a simulated reality, and it allows you to develop your character and its behaviour in the pace and direction that you choose.
Although there is no specific goal in NGS, there are numerous storylines which you can complete.
Character classes
Before you can explore the vast open world of PSO2: NGS, you have to create and customise a character. The most important decision during character creation is your character’s class, as each class has unique abilities.
Some of the classes that your character can be include the following:
| Character class | Description |
| Hunter | They have high health points and fefnese skills, which makes them powerful solo fighters |
| Ranger | Rangers have the ability to attack their enemies from a distance |
| Force | They are skilled in the use of photon-based techniques, which makes them well–suited to long-range combat |
| Braver | Bravers are a well-balanced class that can perform close and long-ranged attacks |
Should PSO2: NGS be purchased?
The core game of PSO2: NGS is free to play for all players, but there is certain paid content that can be purchased with real-life money.
| Content | Approximate price |
| Beginners! Rappy Pack | ＄6.93 |
| Fiery Dunes Retem Type 1 Pack | ＄13.81 |
| Fiery Dunes Retem Type 2 Pack | ＄13.81 |
| Aelio Nager Renewal Pack | ＄10.35 |
| Silver Peaks Kvaris Pack | ＄13.81 |
Which version of PSO should you play first
As previously stated, PSO2: NGS is part of the classic PSO series, and therefore, you are likely to experience and enjoy similar aspects throughout the games in the franchise.
However, it is not necessary to play the base game first, which means that you can jump straight into NGS.
This is because the story of the first game does not continue in NGS, as it is set 1000 years after the Oracle events. Players can play the base game first if they want to enjoy its content, but it is not mandatory to complete it.