Though the game is already available to play for those on PC and Xbox One, through the use of EA Access and Origin Access, Anthem‘s true launch date is February 22. This is when the launch day update will be rolled out and available to download and install across all platforms (including PS4). If you’re looking forward to more fixes to performance, bugs, and more, but are finding it difficult to wait until launch time, don’t worry, as the game’s lead producer, Michael Gamble, has already detailed many of the Anthem Day 1 patch notes on social media. This is what you can expect from the launch day patch.
Anthem Day 1 Patch Notes | Launch Day Update
The Anthem Day 1 patch notes have been detailed in a series of tweets by the game’s lead producer, Michael Gamble. As players have been tweeting various bugs and problems to him, he has been responding with information about upcoming fixes.
- Getting shot by invisible people. This is streaming related. Especially on slower/full hard drives. Patch makes it much better.
- Crashes/disconnects when talking to people in Fort. This is faction point related. Fixed
- Loading screens rarely not completing. More fixes there.
- Audio disappearing:
“We have improved audio performance and fixed a lot of bugs since the demo – unfortunately there are still instances of total audio dropout occurring which will require a restart. We have a significant fix for this issue that will be deployed in the Day 1 patch. We are also working closely with Frostbite audio to address any possible remaining causes.
“The issue seems to occur most often in heavy four player firefights in certain conditions, but it’s very difficult to trap, and therefore reproduce to solve.”
- Opening chests (counting challenges) will have a large radius. If anyone in your squad opens it, you should get credit for the open.
- Fixed an issue where some folks said they had completed all of the trials but couldn’t get into the tomb
- Xbox settings not being saved for some folks is fixed
- Performance on ALL platforms will continue upward. Smoother frame rate, fixed hitches. Etc
- Day 1 patch has some optimization for 5400/7200 rpm and/or fragmented drives.
Anthem Day 1 Patch Notes | Colossus improvements
The official Anthem day one patch notes got sent out and are now available to view, and they detail further exciting changes to the game coming on February 22, the official “day one” for Anthem. The change that has many fans excited is a simple update for the Colossus Javelin, which will allow players to use shield and revive downed players at the same time. This is potentially a game-changer, since one of the biggest worries in any game with a revive mechanic is how vulnerable reviving a downed player makes you. With shield on that’ll no longer be an issue for Colossus players, and will be even more dramatic if team-based PvP gets introduced. The Colossus will also now be able to activate its shield ability much quicker.
Anthem Day 1 Patch Notes | Loading times are faster
While Michael Gamble mentioned loading screens, specifically the rare error where players would get stuck on loading screens, or the “infinite loading screens” bug, probably the most welcome addition to Anthem in the day one patch is quite simply that actual loading times will be “improved.” The loading times for Anthem have been notorious, with over-long screens between every significant activity, including the customization Forge screen and simply catching up with other teammates on a mission. It was our hope that BioWare would do something about these loading times sooner rather than later, and it seems we’ll get our wish. We’ll find out after the day one patch how much it affects the game.
Additionally, there’s a long list of bug-fixes and general improvements in the notes. The glitch that sent low-level players into the hardest mission in the game has now been sorted, and a number of server disconnections and crashes have been fixed too. There’s also some helpful additions, such as the final bosses in Strongholds now actually dropping loot for players to pick up, rather than it just showing up on the “end of expedition” screen, where it could mean anything.
These changes are all very welcome, but of course BioWare will undoubtedly be working on further patches for issues as they arise. The day one patch will drop this Friday, February 22.
Anthem's Javelins
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Everything You Need to Know About Anthem's Javelins
So, you're diving into Anthem? Not sure which of the mech suits to climb into first? We've taken them all for a test flight, cooled off under the waterfall, and returned with the lowdown on all four. Here's everything you need to know about Anthem's Javelins. -
Ranger
No matter your preference, you'll be starting your Anthem run in a Ranger. Described as the all around jack of all trades, the Ranger can slot into any situation and round out any team. Rangers can dash across short distances and strike foes with a devastating Shock Mace. -
Lock and Load
As for gear, a Ranger can pack grenades or cannon blasts. These range from elemental bombs to heat-seeking missiles. Rangers can support their team with a bubble shield that protects from foes or enhances damage. Finally, the Ranger's ultimate is a volley of missiles that can hit dozens of enemies at once. -
Colossus
For a mech game, Anthem sure does have some agile suits. If you want a more traditional giant robot experience, may we suggest the Colossus? The biggest of the four Javelins, the Colossus is a tank that blasts into battle with a mounted flamethrower and several ordinances. -
Prepare for Titanfall
The Colossus is all about busting things up. Whether that's with various mortars, a literal firewall or a burst of lightning, you'll be charging through foes and making a lot of noise. There's also a Railgun and a Flak Cannon to strap on if you want to get even more up close and personal. -
Interceptor
You want fast? Pick the Interceptor. With an innate triple jump and three dashes, you'll be moving all around the battlefield as you pepper opponents with shots. Mark enemies with your Target Beacon to single them out and boost damage across your team. Or, just focus in yourself with this mech's range of different systems. -
The Need for Speed
Interceptor players shine in the melee arena. Among their options are an electrifying dash attack, several different elemental ninja stars, and poisonous options for decaying large groups of foes. You can also do the Naruto thing and create duplicates to confuse your opponents before hitting your final strike. -
Storm
Of all the Javelins in Anthem, the Storm is the most unique. It's not every day that your robot suit is slinging magic spells like some kind of wizard from the moon. Storms can hover in mid-air away from danger and pepper the field with damage. -
Bringing the Thunder
You've got everything you'd expect from an elemental warrior. Ice beams, lightning bolts, frost shards, and fireballs, all at your fingertips. When you charge your ultimate, you can combine all the elements into a torrent of energy that can wipe out a whole squadron. -
What's Next for Javelins?
Storm, Colossus, Ranger, and Interceptor. These are the four Javelins that Freelancers can pilot in their Anthem adventures. Will we see more variety in future Javelin designs? New abilities for existing warriors? New chances for combo attacks? Only time and BioWare's roadmap can say for sure.