Planetside 2 is the name of the new online game from Sony Online Entertainment. Planetside 2 is a classic shooter game and is not a browser game, but a download game, so the online game must be installed beforehand. As the successor to the milestone Planetside, the game follows in big footsteps and has to prove whether the action game is a worthy successor to the science fiction hit.
Download and character creation in the Planetside 2 online game
The successor to the successful classic from 2003 can be downloaded via Sony’s Steam distribution platform or the online game’s product page and, like many popular MMOs today, you can play Planetside 2 for free.
The science fiction game is set on the contested space planet Auraxis and features classic shooter gameplay coupled with multiplayer elements. The first thing you have to do after starting the game is to choose one of the freely playable factions in Planetside 2. The Terran Republic, New Conglomerate, and Vanu Sovereignty are available here. Once you have made this basic decision, you have to choose a server for your character and can assemble your own character from given elements. Now all you have to do is get a suitable name and you can start playing Planetside 2.
After logging in, you, like all players in your faction, will be taken to the main headquarters of Planetside 2. From here you have access to the basic functions and selection menus of the online game and can exchange ideas with your fellow players. Here you can also familiarize yourself with parts of the interface. In the lower left area there is the obligatory area map. The upper left area is intended for chat communication. An overview of your current ammunition can be found at the bottom right. The controls of Planetside 2 shouldn’t hold any real surprises for experienced shooters. You run with WASD, left-click to fire the weapon, and right-click to hold the weapon. The mouse wheel is used to change the weapon.
The classes, vehicles characters in the shooter game Planetside 2
You can also choose one of the six available combat classes with different weapons via terminals in the main headquarters, but these can also be changed at any time during the game at mobile terminals. On the space battlefield of Planetside 2, characters in MAX suits, spies, medics, engineers as well as light and heavy attack units face each other and try to use their respective advantages and disadvantages to gain territory from the enemy.
For example, the medic takes on the role of the classic healer and is always in demand as a supporter in Planetside 2. He can also revive other players. The engineer, on the other hand, can repair the important vehicles and guns and supply the comrades with ammunition. Light and heavy attack units are mainly designed for distribution, although they are rather difficult to move alone. The MAX is a heavily armored unit that relies heavily on the engineer as support. Finally, the spy is the classic thief character and can be used for enemy infiltration.
In Planetside 2, you don’t just move around on foot, you can also use a variety of ground and air vehicles, as other online games also offer. You can transport yourself to the front or behind enemy lines alone or even your entire team with their help. You can get an initial selection of vehicles via the corresponding terminals at the main headquarters. Just like your weapons, the vehicles cost a certain number of points depending on their operational strength, which you can earn through playing. One of the most important vehicles is the Sunderer in the Planetside 2 online game, which serves as a mobile base for groups. It provides the terminal for changing classes and weapons and is the point at which you spawn again after a death. Due to the size of the individual maps, the vehicles are used frequently.
The Planetside 2 online game is played on one of three maps, which offer plenty of space for the three opposing factions. The manufacturer promises battles between thousands of players and wants its action game to outperform other download games in the genre with the resulting epic battles. From the main headquarters you can be teleported to so-called hot spots on the various continents, even without a vehicle, and immediately immerse yourself in the middle of the action. The areas currently controlled by your faction are highlighted in color. Depending on its size, you will receive resource points at regular intervals, which you can then spend on weapons, vehicles or aircraft in Planetside 2.
Through successful battles, your Planetside 2 character receives a certain combat rank, which represents your character level and so-called certification points, which can be used to purchase character and weapon upgrades as well as time-limited implants. As in other MMOs, these purchasable abilities build on each other and become more powerful over time. You also have access to a variety of combat stats in the character menu. Although you can play Planetside 2 for free, SOE, like many online games, relies on in-game purchases for faster character development and wants to earn some money through microtransactions.