Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis Officially Launches on PS4 in West Starting Wednesday

while Phantasy Star Online 2 has been available on the PlayStation 4 in Japan pretty much since the online game’s initial launch, agreements in the west saw the series made available as an Xbox console exclusive. While signs were indicating this would not change, it turns out they will be starting on 31 August 2022, with confirmation that the free-to-play online game Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis will be made available on the PlayStation 4 (with PS5 backwards compatibility).

This release of New Genesis will be comparable with the other platforms, meaning you are able to dive into all the original PSO2 content through pressing a few buttons in-game. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the game will be completely free-to-play in terms of access, with a PlayStation Plus subscription not required to access the online functionality.

The PS4 version will also provide access to all the latest updates, including the frigid cold region of Kvaris, which players have been able to explore on other platforms since June 2022. The presence of the snow provides players with a new mode of transportation, that of the Floating Board, or snowboard, and the region is dotted with interspersed jump and acceleration pads. In the west of Kvaris lies the deadly Rayjord Gorge, an area that challenges players by not only sheltering dangerous enemies, but also by subjecting them to frigid temperatures that can kill if not properly accounted for. The most dangerous enemy, Ancient Enemies, will occasionally appear and players will need the help of others (up to 32) in order to take them on.

If you have yet to take the plunge into PSO2 or PSO2:NG, head down to the PlayStation Store on Wednesday and give it a go! There is no word on if/when a native PlayStation 5 version will be made available.