April 2025 Dev Letter

Hello, Auraxians!

We’re thrilled to share more details about an exciting new feature coming to PlanetSide 2, Fishing! The fishing feature in PlanetSide 2 is a fully fleshed-out system designed to provide a relaxing yet engaging activity for players. Let’s take a closer look at how it all comes together, from the equipment you’ll use to the mechanics of catching fish and the rewards you’ll earn.

The Scanner Tool and Fishing Mechanics

At the heart of the fishing system is the Scanner Tool, a sci-fi device that replaces traditional fishing rods. This tool consists of two main components: the console, which is the handheld device you use to control the probe, and the probe, a throwable module that scans for fish in bodies of water. Players start with a basic Scanner Tool, which can be upgraded over time using Fish Coins, the fishing currency, or through premium purchases. The Scanner Tool has several stats that affect its performance, such as battery life, throw distance, scan power, and probe maneuverability, allowing you to tailor it to your fishing style.

To begin fishing, equip your Scanner Tool and find a body of water. Different biomes—like forests, deserts, and icy tundras—are home to unique fish species, so exploration is key. Once you’ve found a suitable spot, hold the fire button to charge your throw. A UI indicator shows the throw power, which determines how far the probe will be launched. Release the button to throw the probe, and it will land in the water, creating a detection zone where fish can spawn.

Once the probe is in the water, it begins scanning for fish. Fish spawn within the detection zone based on the biome and the type of attractor equipped on your Scanner Tool. Each fish has its own behavior: some swim freely within the zone, while others will flee if the probe gets too close. Your goal is to scan the fish by keeping the probe within a certain range of them. Each fish has a scan percentage that increases over time when the probe is nearby. The closer the probe is to the fish, the faster the scan progresses. Once a fish is fully scanned (reaching 100%), it’s added to your Collection, and you’re rewarded with Fish Coins.

The Scanner Tool’s battery depletes over time while the probe is active, so you’ll need to work efficiently to scan as many fish as possible before the battery runs out. Upgrading your Scanner Tool or equipping better battery attachments can extend your fishing sessions, giving you more time to catch rare and valuable fish.

Equipment, Directives, and Rewards

Your success in fishing depends heavily on your equipment and how you customize it. The Scanner Tool comes in several grades, from basic models for beginners to advanced and premium tools for seasoned anglers. Each tool can be upgraded with attachments like batteries, which determine how long you can fish, and attractors, which affect the type and rarity of fish that spawn. For example, a basic attractor might only draw common fish, while a premium attractor increases the chance of rare and legendary catches. Additionally, frequency modules can be installed to adjust the scanning speed for different fish sizes, making it easier to target specific types of fish.

Fishing offers two main directives for players to complete: the Angler Directive and the Collector Directive. The Angler Directive focuses on catching progressively rarer and larger fish, rewarding you with Fish Coins, cosmetics, and titles as you progress. The Collector Directive, on the other hand, acts as a “sticker book” for fish species. To complete it, you’ll need to catch every type of fish in each biome, with rewards including exclusive decals, banners, and helmets.

Fish Coins are the lifeblood of the fishing economy. You can earn them by catching fish, completing missions and directives, and participating in fishing events and tournaments. Rarer fish give more coins, so there’s always an incentive to seek out the most elusive catches. These coins can be spent on upgrading your Scanner Tool, purchasing bait and lures, or buying cosmetic items to customize your fishing gear and character appearance.

Social Play, Exploration, and Lore Integration

Fishing isn’t just a solo activity—it’s also designed to be social. Players can fish together, share tips, and even compete in tournaments to see who can catch the most impressive fish. Additionally, fishing encourages exploration of Auraxis’s diverse biomes. Each biome has its own unique fish species, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path to discover new fishing spots.

Fishing fits seamlessly into the lore of PlanetSide 2. The Scanner Tools and probes are based on advanced Nanite technology, reflecting the sci-fi setting of Auraxis. The fish themselves are unique to the planet, with species adapted to its diverse biomes and harsh conditions. This attention to lore ensures that fishing feels like a natural part of the PlanetSide 2 universe.

Events, Tournaments, and Progression

To keep fishing engaging, we’ll introduce seasonal events and tournaments. These special occasions will offer exclusive rewards, such as limited-edition cosmetics and titles, for top-performing anglers. Whether you’re competing for glory or just enjoying the camaraderie, these events will add an extra layer of excitement to the fishing experience.

Fishing is designed to be accessible to all players while offering depth for those who want to master it. Free equipment is sufficient to catch all fish, but premium tools and attachments provide convenience and efficiency. Progression is tied to completing directives, upgrading equipment, and exploring new biomes, ensuring that there’s always something new to strive for.

We’ve been closely monitoring your feedback and concerns about the fishing feature. Here are some of the key points we’ve addressed:

1. Risk of Overemphasis on Fishing: Some players expressed concern that fishing might detract from the core combat experience. To mitigate this, we’ve designed fishing as a complementary activity rather than a replacement for combat. Rewards are self-contained within the fishing system, ensuring that players who prefer combat aren’t at a disadvantage.
2. Exploration and Map Utilization: Fishing encourages exploration of underutilized areas of the map, adding depth to the game world. We’ve also introduced biome-specific fish to reward players for venturing into different regions.
3. Social Interaction: While fishing can be a solo activity, we’ve designed it to be social-friendly. Players can fish while chatting or coordinating with their squad, making it a great way to unwind without leaving the game.
4. Long-Term Engagement: To keep fishing engaging, we’ve added long-term goals like the Angler and Collector directives, as well as seasonal events and tournaments. These provide ongoing incentives for players to participate.

We understand that introducing a new feature like fishing can raise questions and concerns. Rest assured, we’ve taken your feedback seriously and have designed this system to enhance, not detract from, the PlanetSide 2 experience. Fishing is meant to be a relaxing, optional activity that complements the game’s core combat. We’ll continue to monitor its impact and make adjustments as needed to ensure it aligns with your expectations and the spirit of Auraxis.

A Glimpse into the Future: Farming on Auraxis

As we continue to expand the sandbox experience in PlanetSide 2, we’re excited to tease an upcoming feature that will bring a new dimension to life on Auraxis, Farming. In the spirit of the ongoing conflict between the Terran Republic, New Conglomerate, and Vanu Sovereignty, even the most hardened soldiers need a moment to tend to the land and cultivate resources.

Drawing inspiration from Auraxis’s unique ecosystem and the ongoing struggle for territorial control, farming will allow players to grow crops like Nanite-Enhanced Corn, Polystellarite Wheat, and Bioengineered Grass. These crops are not only essential for sustaining the war effort but also serve as a reminder of the planet’s resilience in the face of constant warfare.

Players will have access to specialized farming equipment, including Lawn Mowers, Tractors, and Corn Harvesters, each customizable with faction-specific designs and upgrades. Whether you’re cultivating a small patch of land behind a forward base or managing a sprawling farm in a contested zone, farming will offer a peaceful yet strategic way to contribute to your faction’s dominance.

Of course, this feature is designed with the lore of Auraxis in mind. The Vanu Sovereignty, for example, will have access to advanced Bio-Harvesting Drones, while the Terran Republic will rely on rugged, industrial-grade machinery. The New Conglomerate, true to their resourceful nature, will repurpose combat vehicles into farming tools, proving that even in the midst of war, innovation thrives.

Farming will be introduced as part of a broader initiative to diversify gameplay and provide players with new ways to engage with the world of Auraxis. Whether you’re mowing down overgrown fields or harvesting crops under the watchful eye of enemy forces, this feature will offer a unique blend of relaxation and strategy.

Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to roll out this exciting new feature. After all, even in the midst of an eternal war, there’s always time to grow something beautiful.

Thank you for your passion and dedication to PlanetSide 2. Together, we’ll make this new chapter an exciting one!

See you on the battlefield—and by the water’s edge.

PlanetSide 2 Team