ArcheAge Beta Announced

Trion Worlds have announced that their upcoming localisation of XL Games' MMORPG will enter the first stage of beta on 17th July, running until 21st July. There will be more beta's with more and more testers in the coming months, each running for 3-5 days.

ArcheAge is being called a sandbox MMO, as it allows you to build a house/castle/shed/farm anywhere you claim as your own land. As the title is F2P, we are curious how much building can be done without parting with cash. The in-game economy is player-based, as with EVE Online - making it open to manipulation and bugs as EVE has dealt with in the past. You are able to carry on with the story missions, or just become a farmer or even a pirate as you can own a ship.

There are 4 races and a total of 100 classes to choose from as you quest to be the best or greatest. The PvP system is in place for when you want to become the greatest ruler in the world - gather your friends and forces to lay siege to your enemies and lay waste to their supply chains. Which will involve taking out some of the players who are simply being traders. Or be the best ocean trader, destroying pirates and delivering cargo.

There is apparently a story - but Trion haven't mentioned it yet.

You can sign up for beta here, but to guarantee a place you can still become a founder - from £36.99. Just head over here to get one of the three founder packs, each with their own perks including titles, armour and a glider.