“Is Anthem single-player?” might seem like a silly question for those who have been following the game since its reveal, watching all of the trailers and taking part in the beta tests, but for less hardcore gamers, the answer isn’t so obvious. If you’ve just heard about Anthem and you’re wondering whether or not it has multiplayer, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you need to know about how many players Anthem supports, and which parts of the game are single-player.
Is Anthem single-player?
When you first start Anthem, you’re forced into a single-player introduction. This acts as a prologue to the events of the main game, while simultaneously offering a tutorial on how movement and combat works. When the prologue is complete, another single-player only mission will automatically start. Completing this takes players back to the Fort, the home area that is unique and only accessible to the player. No other players can get into the Fort.
While the initial part of the game is indeed single-player, completing the intro enables the Invite and Join Friends functions. Heading out into the open world will also have you encountering other players. In addition to this, all missions in the game are playable as a four-player party, with matchmaking enabled by default. (Note that you can play missions in single-player “Private” mode, but the developers do not recommend it.)
Is there multiplayer in Anthem?
As touched on above, yes there is multiplayer in Anthem. There are many ways of experiencing PvE content within the game. However, at the time of writing, there aren’t yet any PvP, competitive multiplayer modes. It remains to be seen whether or not BioWare plans to add this in the future. For now, the multiplayer experience is purely co-operative, with friends and strangers helping to assist one another in completing the various missions and challenges.
Anthem's Javelins
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Everything You Need to Know About Anthem's Javelins
So, you're diving into Anthem? Not sure which of the mech suits to climb into first? We've taken them all for a test flight, cooled off under the waterfall, and returned with the lowdown on all four. Here's everything you need to know about Anthem's Javelins. -
Ranger
No matter your preference, you'll be starting your Anthem run in a Ranger. Described as the all around jack of all trades, the Ranger can slot into any situation and round out any team. Rangers can dash across short distances and strike foes with a devastating Shock Mace. -
Lock and Load
As for gear, a Ranger can pack grenades or cannon blasts. These range from elemental bombs to heat-seeking missiles. Rangers can support their team with a bubble shield that protects from foes or enhances damage. Finally, the Ranger's ultimate is a volley of missiles that can hit dozens of enemies at once. -
Colossus
For a mech game, Anthem sure does have some agile suits. If you want a more traditional giant robot experience, may we suggest the Colossus? The biggest of the four Javelins, the Colossus is a tank that blasts into battle with a mounted flamethrower and several ordinances. -
Prepare for Titanfall
The Colossus is all about busting things up. Whether that's with various mortars, a literal firewall or a burst of lightning, you'll be charging through foes and making a lot of noise. There's also a Railgun and a Flak Cannon to strap on if you want to get even more up close and personal. -
Interceptor
You want fast? Pick the Interceptor. With an innate triple jump and three dashes, you'll be moving all around the battlefield as you pepper opponents with shots. Mark enemies with your Target Beacon to single them out and boost damage across your team. Or, just focus in yourself with this mech's range of different systems. -
The Need for Speed
Interceptor players shine in the melee arena. Among their options are an electrifying dash attack, several different elemental ninja stars, and poisonous options for decaying large groups of foes. You can also do the Naruto thing and create duplicates to confuse your opponents before hitting your final strike. -
Storm
Of all the Javelins in Anthem, the Storm is the most unique. It's not every day that your robot suit is slinging magic spells like some kind of wizard from the moon. Storms can hover in mid-air away from danger and pepper the field with damage. -
Bringing the Thunder
You've got everything you'd expect from an elemental warrior. Ice beams, lightning bolts, frost shards, and fireballs, all at your fingertips. When you charge your ultimate, you can combine all the elements into a torrent of energy that can wipe out a whole squadron. -
What's Next for Javelins?
Storm, Colossus, Ranger, and Interceptor. These are the four Javelins that Freelancers can pilot in their Anthem adventures. Will we see more variety in future Javelin designs? New abilities for existing warriors? New chances for combo attacks? Only time and BioWare's roadmap can say for sure.
