XLGAMES shares bold vision for the future of ArcheAge in new Producer’s Letter, teasing a dramatic shift in direction.
XLGAMES is shaking things up in a big way. In a new Producer’s Letter released today, Executive Producer Ham Yongjin officially unveiled ArcheAge Chronicles, a brand-new online action RPG set 50 years after the events of the original game.
Rather than a direct sequel or reboot, Chronicles serves as a full reimagining of the ArcheAge universe — trading its traditional MMORPG structure for a shared-world action RPG that promises faster gameplay, deeper storytelling, and more meaningful exploration.
“We didn’t want to just do a sequel or remake what came before,” Ham writes. “We saw an opportunity to tell a completely new story in a familiar world — and to build something that both honors the spirit of ArcheAge and moves it forward in exciting ways.”
What’s Changing in ArcheAge Chronicles?
Set in a newly revived Auroria, Chronicles puts players in the role of pioneers reclaiming the land, uncovering buried secrets, and navigating a world that’s evolved over half a century. The change in genre brings a new focus on real-time combat, gear-driven skill chains, and exploration without quest markers — a system that rewards curiosity instead of waypoints.
Combat has been fully rebuilt, with combo-based mechanics, dodging, weapon swapping, and strategic ability use taking center stage.
But it’s not just about the battles.
A New Kind of Exploration
Rather than guiding players with glowing icons and linear questlines, Chronicles emphasizes narrative discovery. You’ll explore ancient temples, meet unusual NPCs, and stumble across hidden storylines — all emerging organically through the environment.
Lifeskills, Crafting, and Housing — But Upgraded
Fan-favorite systems return with modern twists:
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Crafting & Lifeskills – Still central to your progression, and tied directly to the in-game economy.
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Housing – Now persistent across channels and more social than ever. Design your home, host NPC roommates, and deck it out with fully interactive furnishings.
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Community Features – Enhanced social tools to help players build villages, communities, and shared spaces that feel alive and personal.
Playtesting on the Horizon
While ArcheAge Chronicles is still in early development, XLGAMES confirms that initial focus group testing has already taken place, and more playtest opportunities are on the way.
“We’re building Chronicles for both longtime fans and newcomers,” Ham added. “It’s a fresh start that carries the heart of ArcheAge into a new era.”
Fans can read the full Producer’s Letter now on Steam, and wishlist the game to stay up to date as new details emerge.
