ArcheAge 2.9: Ascension Allows Players Create Their Own Nations

ArcheAge 2.9: Ascension went live yesterday, giving guilds the ability to create player-run nations. Player-run nations allow one Sovereign and up to 10 council members. They can only be formed by "a guild who has heavily invested in their Aurorian castle."

The new Castle Upgrade system allows Castle-owning guilds to build cities made up of a variety of buildings around their castles, including "markets, farms, [and] warehouses."

The following features are also included.

• Obsidian Tier 7 Weapons and Armor - The Obsidian line of Weapons and Armor can now be improved from tier 6 to tier 7. While extremely difficult to obtain, these items possess the highest power level in the game – even higher than crafted Ayanad weapons and armor.

• Mistsong Summit Saga Continues - Taris, a powerful new boss, has been added to Mistsong Summit. Once the dungeon’s three bosses, Aria, Dochul and Sojung have been defeated on hard mode, the portal to Taris’ domain will become active to players.

• Combat Skill Adjustments - All 10 combat classes have gone through balance and evolution changes, resulting in updates to over 40 active and passive skills. Battlerage, Witchcraft and Defense have received a decrease in overall power while Auramancy, Occultism, Archery, Sorcery, Shadowplay, Songcraft and Vitalism have received minor to substantial improvements.

Each of these systems is explaining in more detail in the official announcement. Also be sure to check out the trailer below.