Anthem 2.0: Javelin Builds, Skill Trees, and Artifact Details Revealed

Anthem is currently undergoing a major overhaul, and BioWare has detailed how the team is planning to improve Javelin gameplay, builds, skill trees, artifacts, and more. Revealed on BioWare's blog, these ideas, mockups, and direction are all works in progress, and may change, but it gives a glimpse into the development of Anthem's future. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=anthem-20-javelin-gameplay-builds-skill-trees-and-artifacts-concepts&captions=true"]

Javelin Gameplay and Builds

One of the biggest complaints that BioWare has heard about Anthem was that it "doesn't offer satisfying Javelin Builds." It has taken that to heart, and wants to give more choice and experimentation for loadouts. Anthem's UI, at least in this look, appears to take a more Destiny-like approach, and shows how items will now be categorized to one of 11 available equipment slots. Weapons would also be Primary or Secondary to offer "distinctiveness in their role," Mods and Artifact slots would replace Components, and players would be able to manage their Equipment and Abilities in their Loadout Screen. Abilities would also be unlocks, not drops, to help players get the build they want. Builds would be defined by synergies of Specializations, Abilities (which can be enhanced by Mods), and Equipment. Inscriptions would also improve build synergies, but would no longer be as much a primary factor in them. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/10/anthem-getting-major-overhaul"]

Anthem's Updated Skill Trees and Artifacts

The Anthem development team is playing around with the idea of Javelins leveling up and earning Skill Points. These points would unlock Abilities, Passives, and Stat Boosts, and each Specialization would have its own Advanced Skill Tree. There would be multiple specializations that cater to different styles of gameplay, and each Javelin would be able to wield a powerful Artifact that can be customized. Many players have felt that Components feel "nothing more than stat modifiers," and the team wants to replace them with Artifacts - super powered tech that set your Javelin and Freelancer apart. Each type of Javelin would have a distinct Artifact that would cater "towards its class fantasy." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/02/21/anthem-review"] For example, a Ranger's rocket pod would be upgraded into the Skyfell Launcher Artifact, a pair of back-mounted pods that transform into rocket launchers. Artifacts would also change in appearance depending on what parts are equipped, and the parts would contribute to powerful passive abilities generated by the Artifact. For more on Anthem, be sure to check out the upcoming changes planned to loot and weapons and how we may not be seeing this update for quite some time. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.