XLGAMES Outlines the Next Chapter for ArcheAge Chronicles in New Producer’s Letter

XLGAMES has offered the first concrete details on ArcheAge Chronicles, an online action RPG set five decades after the original sandbox MMO. In a new letter to players, Executive Producer Ham Yongjin explains that Chronicles is not a straight sequel but a standalone project that revisits the continent of Auroria with faster, more action-heavy gameplay.

The decision marks a notable pivot for the franchise. The original ArcheAge, released in Korea in 2013 and later worldwide, built its reputation on open-ended player freedom, large-scale naval battles, and an economy driven by lifeskills. By contrast, Chronicles will adopt a “shared-world” structure similar to games like Destiny 2, aiming to balance quick moment-to-moment combat with the series’ trademark focus on exploration and community housing.

Key details from the producer’s letter:

• Genre shift: Moves from a full-scale MMORPG to a shared-world online action RPG, promising shorter session play while keeping social hubs intact.
• Overhauled combat: Real-time dodges, weapon swapping, and combo-driven skill chains replace the original tab-target system.
• Exploration first: No glowing quest markers. Players are expected to hunt for clues, hidden temples, and lore fragments across a revitalized Auroria.
• Housing 2.0: Plots persist across channels, enabling communal neighborhoods with NPC housemates and interactive furniture.
• Crafting refresh: Lifeskills remain central but tie directly into character growth and a revamped player economy.
• Testing timeline: Internal focus groups are complete, with wider playtests planned; sign-ups will open on Steam and social channels.

The move reflects a broader trend of long-running MMOs experimenting with lighter, action-oriented spin-offs to court new audiences without abandoning veteran players. XLGAMES says Chronicles is built “for both longtime fans and newcomers,” though core systems like trade runs and naval combat have yet to be detailed.

With ArcheAge Chronicles still early in development, the studio has not announced a launch window. Interested players can read the full letter on Steam and keep an eye on official channels for upcoming playtest dates.

Further reading: Producer letter