As is typical for beta tests, the recent Star Wars Battlefront 2 public beta generated quite a bit of feedback. While the overall experience was good, the test highlighted some definite concerns from players, particularly in the case of the game's handling of loot crates. Now that the beta has wrapped up, EA has taken to a blog post to detail some of the changes it is considering bringing to the game ahead of release. Additionally, the publisher has attempted to clarify its intentions for the role of loot crates in player progression.
That issue at the top of most players' minds is likely the loot crate situation. Concerns have arisen over the power of loot crates and the potential for the game to turn into a "pay-to-win" experience. In its post, EA was quick to state that the system that was represented in the beta was not complete, and it will continue to be tuned. From EA:
We know you have a lot of questions about Crates and progression, so we want to clarify a few things, as the complete system was not in the Beta and will continue to be tuned over time:
- There are many things you can earn in the game, including weapons, attachments, credits, Star Cards, Emotes, Outfits and Victory Poses.
- As a balance goal, we're working towards having the most powerful items in the game only earnable via in-game achievements.
- Crates will include a mix of of Star Cards, Outfits, Emotes or Victory Poses.
- Players earn crates by completing challenges and other gameplay milestones, or by purchasing them with in-game credits or Crystals, our premium currency.
- If you get a duplicate Star Card in a crate, you will get crafting parts which you can then use to help upgrade the Star Card of your choice.
- And lastly, you have to earn the right to be able to upgrade Star Cards and unlock most Weapons. You can only upgrade or unlock them if you have reached a high enough rank, which is determined by playing the game.
In terms of gameplay, EA described some general tweaks it is looking to make to specific abilities and modes. For example, it is looking at changing Strike mode to be best of three, while a new feature is in the works to encourage players that spawn in a wave to work together. The Specialist's Infiltration ability may see a nerf to make it less overpowered, and First Order Flametroopers will likely see a buff to add more firepower. Hopefully, the changes on deck, particularly around loot crates, will make for a solid release in the coming weeks.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 is expected to launch on November 17 with much more multiplayer content than its predecessor and the series' first single-player campaign. You can preorder Star Wars Battlefront 2 now starting at $59.99.
