As promised, Funcom has rolled out Anarchy Online’s first “fresh-start” progression server today. The studio’s calling it Rubi-Ka 2019, and yes, you will need to be subbed to the original MMO to access the new shinies (although you can still play the base game for free).
“Rubi-Ka 2019 launches today and is our unique take on a fresh-start experience. Subscribers are invited to start anew with a pure experience – with no expansions, lower level caps, and a untouched economy to begin,” Funcom writes. “The current plan is to run the server for 12 months – however, if near the end we see the community wants to keep it going, that is an option we are not taking off the table.”
This one sounds a lot more like the EverQuest progression servers than something like Funcom’s own Age of Conan prog servers, as the company will be rolling out its five big expansions and upping the level cap over time according to player feedback. On the other hand,
“We are not reverting any code, systems, or balance changes with the new server. Existing mechanics and systems such as damage caps, falling damage, XP loss, Improvement Point (IP) menu, profession balance, PvP, etc. will not be reverted from how they currently are. Features introduced with expansions, such as Shade and Keeper professions as well as ACG/Daily Missions, will be reintroduced with their respective updates.”
The devs do say that the cash shop will be live, but they’ve pulled some of the more overpowering bits. You’ll need to roll up a brand-new character to jump in, and nope, you won’t be able to take this character elsewhere if and when this server closes down. Have fun in the meantime!
