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Phantasy Star Online 2 Closed Beta Test pre-release primer

Know your role.

Photo of David Oxford David Oxford Follow on Twitter Send an email February 6, 2020
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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

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.

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:

On a related note:

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]
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Photo of David Oxford David Oxford Follow on Twitter Send an email February 6, 2020
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Photo of David Oxford

David Oxford

What you see is what you get! Just a guy that loves adventure. And video games. And good food. And cats.
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