Phantasy Star Online 2 Closed Beta Test pre-release primer
Know your role.
The Closed Beta Test of Phantasy Star Online 2 begins tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 7th), and if you’re like many of us, you might be a little new to this. As such, we’ve taken a little time to round up all the various news and info that you’ll want in order to hit the ground running once it begins.
Duration
The Phantasy Star Online 2 Closed Beta Test kicks off at 5 p.m. PST (8 p.m. EST) on Friday, Feb. 7 and runs until 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, Feb. 8 (2:59 a.m. EST Sunday, Feb. 9). The official website will also be open on Friday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST).
Pre-loading
The Closed Beta Test is exclusive to Xbox One users in the United States and Canada who have signed up through the Xbox Insider Hub on their Xbox One or Windows 10 device. Having done so, you can pre-load the title (a 72.4GB download) to your Xbox One prior to the official commencement of the Closed Beta Test. Upon doing so, you’ll not need to download the game again for the Open Beta Test or launch of the game, but rather, you’ll only need to download an update.
What’s more, those who participate in the Closed Beta Test will be able to transfer their progress to the Open Beta Test and launch versions of the game.
While the pre-loaded version is not currently playable, you can view the credits, including the cast list of English voice actors who will help bring this version to life. But don’t worry; if you prefer subs to dubs, you can switch to the Japanese voices at any time.
Free-to-play
Experience Phantasy Star Online 2 on its entirety for free! In-game purchases will be in the form of cosmetic and convenience items only and offer no significant gameplay advantage! pic.twitter.com/SIYnMwgWm3
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) February 6, 2020
In addition, the official PSO2 Twitter states that “There will be no purchase of weapons, Units, or any equipment that offers additional stats bonuses. Discover one of the most advanced outfit customization systems in any game, with an ever-growing catalog of amazing layered outfits to mix-and-match and accessories to customize!”
Races
The customization of characters in Phantasy Star Online 2 is said to be extremely robust. So you won’t have to worry about spending too much time during the Closed Beta Test trying to decide what you want to be, here’s a bit of a head start courtesy of the official Twitter account to help you decide what race you’ll want to be.
Humans make for great all-around ARKS Operatives, in that they can adapt to most situations and achieve success. #JoinARKS #PSO2
Sign up to the Closed Beta Test today through the #XboxInsider Hub: https://t.co/z5TeE4w5zX pic.twitter.com/F7NMoJcmZJ
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) January 22, 2020
Newmans excel in wielding and defending against Techniques and are identifiable by their pointy ears. #JoinARKS #PSO2
Sign up to the Closed Beta Test today through the #XboxInsider Hub: https://t.co/z5TeE4w5zX pic.twitter.com/fsbnrmXoTH
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) January 22, 2020
CASTs are operatives inhabiting sturdy mechanical bodies, making them ideally suited for dealing and withstanding striking or ranged damage. #JoinARKS #PSO2
There is still time! Sign up to the Closed Beta Test today through the #XboxInsider Hub: https://t.co/z5TeE4w5zX pic.twitter.com/krAOzWGhBf
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) January 23, 2020
Created with a mind towards raw damage, Deumans have unique features in the form of horns and dichromatic eyes. #JoinARKS #PSO2
There is still time! Sign up to the Closed Beta Test today through the #XboxInsider Hub: https://t.co/z5TeE4w5zX pic.twitter.com/3KyD7kiNFt
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) January 23, 2020
Classes
In addition to the four races you can choose from, there are nine classes with 18 unique weapon types which “completely change the way you play.” There are also sub-classes, which can help you to further optimize your playing style. And if one class isn’t working for you? “Oh, and you can switch classes at any time and master them all with a single character,” says the official Twitter account. “We hope you like experimenting with several combat styles! ?”
Here are the classes shown on the Twitter so far, each with a short demonstration of them in action:
Whether they're single-mindedly defeating enemies or shielding fellow operatives, Hunters are always a welcome addition to your party. #TeamHunter
The Closed Beta Test starts on February 7th! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/SJhhgk7JzU
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) January 28, 2020
Rangers excel at either medium or long-ranged combat depending on their choice between the rapid-firing Rifle or the ground-clearing Launcher. #TeamRanger
The Closed Beta Test starts on February 7th! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/1OoEGJi3yb
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) January 29, 2020
Wreaking havoc with either Talis or Rod, the Force is an elemental powerhouse when wielding Techniques. #TeamForce
The Closed Beta Test starts on February 7th! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/CbXsuiEWBh
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) January 30, 2020
Gunners are adept at either close or medium-range combat and can specialize in the use of the Twin Machine Gun or the Assault Rifle. #TeamGunner
The Closed Beta Test starts on February 7th! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/REZVtNNqRS
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) January 31, 2020
Armed with Twin Daggers, Double Saber, or Knuckles, Fighters are always in the thick of battle. #TeamFighter
The Closed Beta Test starts on February 7th! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/8gtFF9DSSU
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) February 1, 2020
Bravers attack with precision, masterfully using the Bow, or executing powerful moves with the Katana. #TeamBraver
The Closed Beta Test starts on February 7th! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/yfOR5B9z5C
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) February 2, 2020
With multiple pets at their call, Summoners are knowledgeable about the strengths and weaknesses of each companion, enabling them to adjust to any combat situation. #TeamSummoner
Four days until the Closed Beta Test! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/5g9I1OHNQM
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) February 3, 2020
Equipped with either Wand or Talis, Techters are masters of both supportive and destructive Techniques. #TeamTechter
Three days until the Closed Beta Test! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/P77mR9BUR6
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) February 4, 2020
Perhaps the most mobile class, the Bouncer is in full control of the battlefield using either the Soaring Blades or the Jet Boots. #TeamBouncer
Two days until the Closed Beta Test! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/usq9SMlPtV
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) February 5, 2020
On a related note:
Operatives from every class can equip the Gunblade. This versatile weapon allows for both long-range and close-quarter combat! #GunbladeMains
The Closed Beta Test starts tomorrow! Sign up now via the #XboxInsider Hub https://t.co/Ew2zMKMsvn pic.twitter.com/pvZFxX8AVD
— Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis – Global (@play_pso2) February 6, 2020
What to do next
After you’ve figured out what your character is all about, what next? There are several things lined up for the relatively short duration of the Closed Beta Test, most notably the Urgent Quests. These special events have you team up with eleven other players in order to challenge “unforgettable” boss battles. However, they only occur at specific times and on certain days. The breakdown is as follows:
Feb. 7 Quests
- 8 to 8:30 p.m. PST – Cradle of Darkness
- 10 to 10:30 p.m. PST – Giant Automata: The Awakening
Feb. 8 Quests
- 7 to 7:30 a.m. PST – Cradle of Darkness
- 1 to 1:30 p.m. PST – Giant Automata: The Awakening
- 5 to 5:30 p.m. PST – Cradle of Darkness
- 8:30 to 9 p.m. PST – The Raging Obsidian Arm
- 9 to 9:30 p.m. PST – Elder of the Unfathomable Abyss
Completing these quests will earn you the Special Rewards, which players will receive after the official launch of the game (though that date has yet to be determined):
- Complete 1 Urgent Quest – Photon Halo C (Accessory), Triboost +100% (Consumable)
- Complete 2 Urgent Quests – Photon Halo A (Accessory), Triboost +100% (Consumable)
- Complete 3 Urgent Quests – Mag Dreamcast (Evolution Device), Triboost +100% (Consumable)
- Complete 4 Urgent Quests – Coated Edge (Weapon Camo), Triboost +100% (x10) (Consumable)
Along the way, PSO2 boasts “thousands of weapons, units, and upgrade materials to collect” in its loot system. During the Closed Beta Test, you’ll be able to earn additional rewards immediately after logging in to help you out with that:
- First Login – Photon Halo B (Accessory) and Beauty Salon Free Pass (Consumable)
- Daily Rewards – EXP Boost +50% (x3), Rare Drop Boost +50% (x3), Meseta Boost +50% (x3) (Consumables)
Buff-granting concert
In addition to taking on the Urgent Quests, you’ll want to make sure to return to the Ship’s Shopping Plaza by 8 p.m. PST (11 p.m. EST) on Saturday, Feb. 8 for a 15-minute concert starring Oracle’s favorite music idol, Quna. After viewing her performances of “Our Fighting” and “Eternal Encore,” players will receive buffs for an Experience Points Rate Increase, a Rare Drop Rate Increase, and a Meseta Drop Rate Increase.
Further reading
This should just about do it for getting you through the Closed Beta Test, but this isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. So if you want to dig even deeper to make the most of your time not only in the Closed Beta Test, but beyond, you could also check out Flamii’s PSO2 Guides. There’s even a section on getting started, which goes further in depth on such topics as what race and class to choose, skill builds, getting money, general tips, common mistakes, and more.
You’ll also want to keep eyes on the official website, and the official Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and Mixer accounts.
[Xbox Wire, @Play_PSO2]