Phantasy Star Online 2, the free-to-play action-MMORPG from Online R&D, first launched in Japan way back in 2012. Since then, the game has remained accessible only to Japanese players, with new versions on the Playstation Vita, Playstation 4 and Nintendo Switch all being region-locked. However, this is about to change as in Q2 2020 Phantasy Star Online 2 will finally be reaching western audiences, this time on the PC and Xbox One only.
As the game nears its North-American release, developer Online R&D will be offering beta periods to allow them to smooth out any issues, and to give players a chance to sample the game. For new players, taking the plunge into an eight-year-old MMORPG for the first time can be a daunting experience. Fortunately, there is one class in the game's line-up that is perfect as an introduction to the game: the Braver.
The Braver
As a hybrid of Ranged and Melee strength, the Braver is perhaps the most versatile of Phantasy Star Online 2's classes. As you'd expect of a class perfect for new players it's available right from the extended beta's character creation, and has a shallow but steady skill curve.
The Braver's greatest strength is its flexibility, and it starts with immediate access to three very different weapons in both the Japanese and Western versions. The Bullet Bow is the pure ranged option, allowing the Braver to take a step back and deal hefty R-ATK (Ranged Attack) damage from safety. By contrast, the Katana is all about getting up close and personal, boosting melee-ranged S-ATK (Striking Attack) and allowing multiple enemies to be damaged at once. Finally, the Gunslash fills the middle ground, offering both R-ATK and S-ATK bonuses, and allowing the Braver to switch from melee to range without a pause.
Mastering the Class
The Braver can switch between each of its three weapon types simply by pressing up or down on the D-Pad, then using A to confirm. This quick switch between vastly different weapons gives beta players trying the Braver the opportunity to find a style they're most comfortable with, before learning to move in and out of melee range on the fly.
If at any point a player decides they've had enough of being a Braver, it's possible to switch classes at the Class Consultant desk at any time in both the PC or Xbox One version. For those who persevere however, once the Braver hits level 30 they will unlock the ability to swap into the advanced Techer and Gunner classes. The Techer is a support class built for healing and buffing allies, while the Gunner is a pure ranged damage-dealer, though both get to keep the Braver's Gunslash as a weapon option.
Phantasy Star Online 2Â is in development for "all platforms" and releases, in the west, in spring 2020 for PC and Xbox One.