Introducing Assault Game Mode - Dec. Dev Letter

Welcome back Auraxians,

Happy Holidays! As we approach the festive holidays, we’d like to take a moment to wish you a joyous season filled with warmth, happiness, and great battles ahead! Your passion, dedication, and feedback have always been at the heart of PlanetSide 2. Auraxis is shaped by epic battles and the camaraderie of its incredible community. We're also excited to share some details regarding the Assault game mode coming to the game next year!

The Road Ahead: Introducing Assault Game Mode

Prepare for an exciting evolution in battle strategy with the Assault Facility, debuting on the icy tundras of Esamir. This new gameplay experience redefines how you fight for territory, introducing a dynamic and strategic flow to facility battles. Designed to deliver intense, focused combat, the Assault Facility offers a new twist to the way victories are earned on Auraxis.

What is the Assault Facility?

The Assault Facility introduces a step-by-step capture system where attackers must seize control points in a specific sequence to win. Unlike traditional battles, defenders cannot recapture lost points—each victory pushes attackers closer to taking the facility. However, attackers must act strategically, as their resources (called "tickets") are limited and deplete with every respawn.

Attackers win by capturing all points in the sequence, while defenders win by draining the attackers' tickets before they can reach the final point. The facility design encourages intense, tactical gameplay that evolves as the battle progresses.

Why It’s Different

• Strategic Progression: Each phase of the battle has its own character and tactics, from open vehicle-heavy skirmishes to intense infantry-focused showdowns.
• Tactical Management: Attackers must manage a finite pool of resources (tickets) to spawn reinforcements, adding a layer of strategy to every decision.
• Defenders’ Role: Holding key positions depletes the attackers' tickets, creating opportunities for defenders to turn the tide.
• Custom Facility Design: This prototype base, located on Esamir, is purpose-built for this game mode, featuring three distinct capture points and dynamic combat zones.

Battle Flow

1. Start at the Excavation Site
• The battle begins as attackers secure the first point, using vehicles and open terrain to their advantage. This area is designed to give attackers a foothold, setting the stage for the battle to come.
2. Advance to the Plant
• The second phase shifts to an intricate facility with multiple pathways, cover options, and strategic chokepoints. This mid-stage battle is where coordination and teamplay shine.
3. Climactic Fight in the Engine Room
• The final showdown takes place in a heavily fortified zone, rewarding both clever tactics and relentless determination.

Designed for Epic Battles

The Assault Facility emphasizes what makes PlanetSide 2 unique: massive, unpredictable battles where vehicles, infantry, and strategy all play a role. Key features include:

• Intense Focus: Battles funnel players into critical hotspots, ensuring every moment counts.
• Integrated Vehicles: Tanks and transport vehicles dominate early stages, while infantry leads the charge in the final phases.
• Evolving Combat: The phased approach delivers distinct beginnings, middles, and climactic finales.

Coming soon to PTS

You can playtest the new Assault Facility in our upcoming playtest arriving soon. Check our social channels and website for future updates.

A Glimpse of the Future

In the future, this facility will pave the way for Archaeotech, a mysterious new element in the lore of Auraxis, discovered at the Assault Facility. This is where the victors of the Assault Facility will be able to summon the long awaited Stryder.

We look forward to seeing how you adapt your strategies to conquer this facility. As always, your feedback will be crucial in shaping its future iterations both on the playtest server and eventually, live.

Thank You for Your Support

PlanetSide 2 thrives because of you—our dedicated soldiers, tacticians, and storytellers. Your feedback, creativity, and enthusiasm drive us to keep innovating and improving. Whether you’re leading a massive assault, crafting intricate lore theories, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in Sanctuary, you are the lifeblood of this game.

As we forge ahead, we invite you to continue sharing your ideas, reporting issues, and celebrating victories with us. Together, we’ll ensure that Auraxis remains a battlefield like no other.

Here’s to another year of epic battles, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable moments. See you on the frontlines!

The PlanetSide 2 Team