PlanetSide 2

The introduction of the Franchise Anniversary Double XP Event and the Auraximas 2025 Event Directive highlighted the year for PlanetSide 2. Players enjoyed numerous new items in the Depot, including the Deluge Rocket Rifle and Justiciar Armor, alongside a new Random Camo Pack that offered a variety of camouflage options.

• Major Events: The Franchise Anniversary Double XP Event occurred from May 22 to May 25, 2026, celebrating the game's legacy, while the Auraximas 2025 Event Directive offered limited-time rewards starting December 9, 2025.
• New Content: The Deluge Rocket Rifle and Justiciar Armor were added on May 5, 2026, with additional items like the Flash Rider Armor Set and Random Camo Pack becoming available in June 2026.
  • New decals such as Umatherin Approves and Knightly Approves were introduced on May 5, 2026.
  • A variety of animated camos and themed bundles, including the Lunar Horse Bundle, were added throughout the year.
• Gameplay Balance: Improvements included increased battery life for Recon Drones and adjustments to the VS LMG Laser Sight accuracy on December 9, 2025.
• Sales Events: Seasonal sales included Mother's Day Sales and Cinco de Mayo Sales, offering discounts on infantry cosmetics and camouflage.
• Quality of Life: Players received recommendations for GPU driver updates on May 14, 2026, to mitigate crashing issues, alongside various bug fixes to improve overall game stability.

PlanetSide 2 celebrated its 13-Year Anniversary with the launch of new anniversary bundles on November 4, 2025, alongside a significant Infiltrator Class Rework that revamped the class based on player feedback. Additionally, the new Assault Game Mode debuted, introducing a step-by-step capture system for territory battles.

• New Game Mode: The Assault Game Mode was introduced on December 19, 2024, featuring dynamic capture points and a ticket system for gameplay.
  • Dynamic Capture System: Attackers must capture control points in a specific sequence without the ability to recapture lost points.
  • Limited Resources: Attackers have a finite pool of resources that deplete with each respawn.
• Class Overhaul: The Infiltrator Class Rework on November 4, 2025, included new features and adjustments aimed at enhancing gameplay.
  • New Recon Drone Tool: A deployable scout drone for Infiltrators launched alongside the rework, capable of marking enemies and deploying grenades.
  • New Implants: New implants were introduced for the Engineer, Infiltrator, and Combat Medic classes.

• New Facilities and Features: The Untapped Reservoir Facility was added on March 5, 2025, featuring new gameplay elements and structures.
  • Fishing Feature: Introduced on April 1, 2025, allowing players to engage in a new activity across Auraxis.
• Seasonal Events: Various events were held throughout the year, including the Nanite of the Living Dead Event from October 2 to November 4, 2025, bringing new rewards and directives.

• Balance Changes: Significant adjustments were made to the cloaking mechanics for Infiltrators, increasing the decloak delay and making cloaked players more visible and audible at close range.

PlanetSide 2 celebrated its 12th Anniversary with the introduction of new bundles on November 6, 2024, alongside the Anniversary Update on April 15, 2024, which added a new vehicle type, armor sets, helmets, and weapons. Other significant updates included the rework of the Sunderer with new powerful modules and the announcement of a new game mode still in development.

• New Content:
  • Anniversary Update: Released on April 15, 2024, featuring a new vehicle type, armor sets, and various weapons.
  • New Assault Facility: Introduced on March 29, 2024, changing gameplay dynamics with unique mechanics.
  • Long-Term Directives: Added for all factions on August 23, 2024, providing new objectives for players to strive towards.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Sunderer Rework: Released on July 9, 2024, this rework included new modules and certification changes to enhance its performance.
  • New Alert and Warzone Capture System: Announced on June 11, 2024, aimed at improving gameplay dynamics.
  • Objective-Based Player Goals: Implemented on April 15, 2024, to create more engaging gameplay objectives.

• Seasonal Events:
  • Halloween Event 2024: Held from October 1 to October 7, 2024, featuring new cosmetics and 4x EXP rewards.
  • Tides of Summer Bravo: A seasonal event from August 6 to September 6, 2024, that included special alerts and directives.

• Balance Changes:
  • Sunderer Performance Adjustments: Ongoing balance adjustments made throughout the year to improve its capabilities based on player feedback.
  • MAX Audio Weapons Rework: Implemented on August 9, 2024, to enhance balance and fix bugs.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Post-Merge Character Management: Implemented on October 29, 2024, ensuring player data remains intact after the server merge.

Year 11 of PlanetSide 2 introduced the Fortification System on May 12, 2023, allowing players to construct and defend bases strategically. This update was accompanied by a variety of new content, including the Haunted Bastion Event and the introduction of new APEX SMGs. Players can also expect significant balance changes and gameplay adjustments that enhance the overall experience.

• Major Content Drops:
  • Prime Commando Bundle released on August 11, 2023, featuring the NS-61 'War Time' Emissary and Natural Camouflage for vehicles.
  • Lunar New Year 2023 Bundle launched on January 18, 2023, including the NS-61 'Jackrabbit' Emissary and themed cosmetics.
  • Amazon Prime Gaming Items became available on November 23, 2022, offering the NS-11A Frontline Assault Rifle and Gladiator Helmets.

• New Systems:
  • Fortification System enabled players to build and defend structures.
  • Lattice-Based Construction Areas introduced on January 18, 2023, improving base fighting dynamics.
  • New Capture Mechanics implemented on November 13, 2023, allowing bases to be captured by holding points instead of delivering Conduits.

• Balance & Gameplay Changes:
  • MAX Units Rebalance on March 29, 2023, adjusted their revival mechanics and combat capabilities.
  • Medic Tool Functionality Reverted on November 14, 2023, restoring line-of-sight requirements for revives.
  • Construction Overhaul on May 17, 2023, revamped the construction system to enhance gameplay and accessibility.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Halloween Event from October 5 to 31, 2023, featured themed missions and cosmetics.
  • Outfit Wars - Nexus Season 2 launched on October 26, 2023, as a competitive tournament for outfits.

• New Content:
  • Multiple new implants and weapons were introduced, including the NS-D Helios Heavy Weapon and various bundles throughout the year.

Year 10 of PlanetSide 2 saw the launch of the Isles of Oshur on January 26, 2022, introducing a massive new continent and underwater combat mechanics. This period also featured the launch of Outfit Wars Returns and the Capture the Conduit gameplay mechanic, adding competitive elements to the game.

• New Continent: The Isles of Oshur brought a fresh landscape with unique water mechanics, bases, and playstyles, marking the first major continent addition since 2014.
  • Underwater Combat: Players could engage in combat underwater, utilizing various infantry weapons and new seaposts for strategic gameplay.
• Gameplay Mechanic Updates: The Capture the Conduit mechanic, introduced on November 2, 2022, added a new Capture the Flag-style gameplay element that emphasized movement and objectives.
• New Vehicles: The Corsair Assault Craft, the first naval vessel, launched on June 21, 2022, allowing for squad-spawnable transport across Oshur's islands.
• Seasonal Events: The 10-Year Anniversary of PlanetSide 2 celebrated its milestone with special events and double XP weekends from November 4 to 20, 2022.
• DLC Bundles: Several themed bundles released, including the Traitor Bundle on August 5, 2022, featuring new weapons and cosmetics.

Outfit Wars Revamp launched on January 28, 2021, marking a significant change with a new competitive tournament cycle for Outfits to earn rewards. This period also saw the launch of Campaign 02: Distant Shores on November 18, 2021, which introduced new cosmetics and abilities, alongside a complete overhaul of character creation and selection screens on September 15, 2021.

• New Gameplay Modes:
  • Outfit Wars Revamp with a new qualification system and championship phase details.
  • New Tutorial Implementation introduced on September 15, 2021, to guide new players through gameplay basics.
  • Containment Site Facility launched on May 5, 2021, featuring multiple stages of combat.

• New Vehicles and Equipment:
  • The Chimera Main Battle Tank and Dervish Heavy Fighter became accessible to NSO players on July 1, 2021.
  • New Heavy Crossbow weapon introduced for Infiltrator and Light Assault classes on September 29, 2021.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Nanite of the Living Dead Event ran from October 1 to October 31, 2021, featuring spooky themes and challenges.
  • The Summer Fun Event took place from August 4 to August 25, 2021, with various activities and rewards.

• Balance Changes:
  • Default equipment revisions for new players were implemented on August 20, 2021, alongside various adjustments to infantry and vehicle balance.
  • Arbalest Assault Rifle and MGR-C1 Charger Carbine received reload time reductions on November 18, 2021.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Updates included resource requirements waived for PTS on January 28, 2021, and improved Depot browsing functionality on November 18, 2021.

The Shattered Warpgate launched on October 1, 2020, marking a significant transformation for PlanetSide 2 with new campaign missions and a revamped Esamir region. This period also saw the introduction of the Colossus Heavy Tank and the Bastion Fleet Carrier, adding powerful new assets to the game.

• Major Content Drops:
  • The Resurgence Bundles launched on March 14, 2020, offering three new bundles (Soldier, Captain, Warlord) in the Depot.
  • The Escalation Update released on March 11, 2020, introducing significant gameplay changes and the Outfit Wars Competitive Tournament.

• New Content:
  • The Shattered Warpgate Campaign System introduced open-world storytelling and unique lore-driven missions on October 1, 2020.
  • The Colossus Heavy Tank, a multi-crew battle tank, was added on June 17, 2020, capable of fulfilling various combat roles.
  • The Bastion Fleet Carrier, a deployable asset for long-range support, launched on March 11, 2020.

• New Systems / Mechanics:
  • An overhaul of the Mission System was implemented on October 1, 2020, featuring daily quests and challenges for rewards.
  • The Outfit Loyalty Progression System was introduced on February 7, 2020, allowing players to earn merit through cooperative actions.

• Balance & Gameplay:
  • A Scoring System Overhaul occurred on April 29, 2020, shifting focus from base ownership to combat contributions.
  • Changes to War Asset Costs were made on September 4, 2020, adjusting resource costs and yields.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Nanite of the Living Dead VII Event launched on October 14, 2020, featuring new rewards and gameplay elements for Halloween.

PlanetSide 2 saw the introduction of the Nanite Systems Operatives on April 25, 2019, a new faction that allows players to create robotic characters with unique gameplay mechanics. This major content addition was complemented by the launch of the Mandate System for Time-Limited Challenges and the Sanctuary Social Hub on August 15, 2019, enhancing player interaction and engagement.

• Major DLC: A PlanetSide Arena-themed bundle launched on September 25, 2019, adding new weapons and cosmetics for character customization.
• New Content:
  • The 7th Anniversary Bundles became available on November 19, 2019, featuring new weapons, armors, and other items.
  • A new Recruitment Directive and rewards were introduced on October 16, 2019, alongside three new assault rifles for the VS, NC, and TR factions.
  • The Galact-O-Lantern, a larger pumpkin enemy, was added during the Halloween event starting October 16, 2019.
  • The Mentor Rating System launched on July 26, 2019, to reward veteran players for assisting newcomers.
• Gameplay Mechanics:
  • A revamped Spawn System was implemented on April 25, 2019, to enhance player experiences by filtering them into more enjoyable battles.
  • The Join Combat System was restructured on the same day to prioritize balanced fights.
  • New Bounty System mechanics were introduced on August 28, 2019, placing automated bounties on players with significant killstreaks.
• Seasonal Events: The Nanite of the Living Dead VI Halloween event ran from October 16 to November 8, 2019, featuring themed challenges and rewards.

The introduction of the Advanced Specialization Program on April 5, 2018, marked a significant evolution in PlanetSide 2, allowing players to unlock new class-specific options and reset their Battle Rank upon reaching 100. This update also brought new unlocks for every class, including sidearm primaries and smoke grenades. Additionally, the new continent Oshur launched on September 5, enhancing the game's map diversity.

• New Content: Multiple class unlocks were added through the A.S.P., including new items for Heavy Assault, Combat Medic, Infiltrator, Engineer, and Light Assault. The A.S.P. introduced a tiered progression system, allowing players to earn tokens for additional unlocks. The continent events introduced in June included Facility control alerts and the Aerial Anomaly event, alongside the addition of three new Empire-specific battle rifles.
  • New Continent: Oshur, featuring diverse biomes and an emphasis on air combat.
  • New Construction Items: Enhanced base building options including the Flail and Spires.
• Gameplay Mechanics: The Battle Rank Reset and Token System allowed players to reset their rank to 1 and earn new class permissions. Improvements to squad functionality were also made, enhancing gameplay dynamics.
• Balance Changes: A significant overhaul of the construction system reduced costs for placing objects, encouraging interaction. Various vehicle adjustments were made to improve balance, including armor changes for the Galaxy, Liberator, and Valkyrie.
• Seasonal Events: The Holiday Event introduced deployable Snowman Soldiers and festive directives, while the Summer Celebration event featured special directives and discounts on infantry gear.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Adjustments to instant action spawn locations and the battle rank icon descriptor changes improved overall user experience.

Year 5 introduced the significant NSX Yumi weapon on April 26, 2017, along with a major overhaul of the Implants System, enhancing gameplay depth and engagement. Players also gained access to the new Orbital Strike feature, allowing for strategic strikes on the battlefield.

• New Weapons: The NSX Yumi launched as a mid-range weapon, firing a five-round burst, while the NS-45 Pilot sidearm and NSX Tengu SMG were also introduced, expanding weapon options.
  • NSX Yumi
  • NS-45 Pilot Sidearm
  • NSX Tengu SMG
• Gameplay Changes: The Ikanam BioLab underwent a complete overhaul, and Tech Plant now requires specific conditions for spawning vehicles. Additionally, the Implants System was reworked, introducing new implants and using ISO-4 currency.
  • Ikanam BioLab
  • Tech Plant Changes
  • New Implants System
• Seasonal Events: The Freedombration holiday event offered players unique holiday items and discounts from July 5 to July 10.
  • Freedombration Event
• Balance Adjustments: Significant adjustments were made to vehicle handling and AI Phalanx turret effectiveness, alongside various enhancements to equipment and spawn systems.
  • EMP Grenade Adjustments
  • Vehicle Improvements
  • AI Phalanx Turret Effectiveness Reduced
• World Updates: Major updates to the Indar continent improved combat flow and flexibility, revising key locations such as Ceres Hydroponics and The Crown.
  • Indar Continent Updates

The Construction System launched on May 3, 2016, introducing a significant new gameplay mechanic that allows players to build fortifications and structures using a new resource called Cortium. This update also featured the Advanced Nanite Transport (ANT) vehicle, which can harvest Cortium and deploy construction objects. Additionally, the Fourth Anniversary Bundles became available on November 11, 2016, offering players new weapons, camo, and armor decals.

• Major Content Drop: Fourth Anniversary Bundles introduced new cosmetic options for players, including weapons, camo, and decals for each Empire.
• New Gameplay Mechanic: The Construction System allowed players to build fortifications using Cortium, along with the introduction of new construction objects such as Rampart Walls and Bunkers.
  • Players could now access Cortium Silos to store resources and claim land.
  • HIVEs were introduced to generate Victory Points, requiring nearby Silos for power.
• New Vehicle: The ANT became available, a 4-man transport vehicle designed to harvest Cortium and deploy fortifications.
• World Revamp: The Indar continent underwent significant changes to its terrain, lattice, and bases, enhancing overall gameplay experience.
• Balance Changes: The overall Victory Point scoring system received updates for improved balance across various actions and objectives.
• Seasonal Event: A Double XP event ran from May 13 to May 22, 2016, providing players with a chance to earn experience at double the rate, alongside discounts on XP boosts.

The introduction of the Player Placed Construction System on August 26, 2015, marked a significant expansion for PlanetSide 2, allowing players to utilize the new ANT vehicle to gather resources and erect structures like turret towers. Other notable additions included the NS-AM7 Archer anti-material rifle and a revamped Victory Points system that changed how continents were captured in the game.

• New Systems: The Player Placed Construction System launched, enabling players to build structures using the ANT vehicle.
• New Weapons: The NS-AM7 Archer anti-material rifle was introduced, designed to counter heavily armored MAX units.
• Gameplay Changes: The Victory Points System was implemented on October 29, 2015, altering how players earn points through warpgate links and facility captures.
  • Permanent Victory Points mechanics were added, providing various methods to earn points.
  • Changes to spawn rules limited spawning at bases not connected to the warp gate.
• Balance Changes: Significant adjustments were made to various weapons, including the MBT and Harasser, with new reload mechanics and changes to clip sizes.
  • The Anchor LMG and Orion LMG received multiple adjustments to their stats.
  • Depot pricing changes were made, reducing costs for many items.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Membership benefits were simplified, treating all members as max-level Auraxium members, thus removing tier complexities.
  • Players received 100 free certs for each battle rank achieved up to BR 15.

The launch of the Hossin continent on July 2, 2014, introduced over 80 new bases in a unique biome, significantly expanding the battlefield for players. This update also brought the Outfit Recruiting System, allowing players to find and join outfits more easily, alongside the introduction of the Implants System, which enabled soldiers to equip combat implants to enhance their abilities.

• New Continent: Hossin launched, featuring 80+ new bases and a distinctive biome.
• Outfit Recruiting System: Players gained a new way to recruit and find members for their outfits.
• Implants System: Soldiers could now equip implants to augment their combat capabilities.
• Continent Locking Mechanism: Introduced a new mechanic that allowed continents to be locked to an empire by owning 94% of the territory or winning an Alert.
• Medic Updates: Heal Grenades received a buff, increasing the heal rate from 60 hp/s to 100 hp/s and reducing detonate time from 3 seconds to 2 seconds.