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ArcheAge vs ArcheAge Chronicles

Last updated 2026-10-24 · Based on developer statements and press coverage

Chronicles is an online action RPG set in the world of the original ArcheAge. Its story takes place about 50 years after the original, combat is non-target action, and it has four classes whose skills depend on the weapon. The Steam store presents it as an MMORPG while stressing action combat beyond traditional MMORPG mechanics, and the developers have said it differs from a traditional MMORPG.

TopicOriginal ArcheAgeArcheAge Chronicles
ReleaseLaunched in Korea in January 2013Steam early access planned within 2026
StructureLarge open-world MMORPGOnline action RPG where all players share one world. You meet dozens of players depending on the zone, and main content works solo or in a party
ClassesPick three of eleven skill lines and swap them at an NPC at any timeFour classes; skills change with the weapon you hold (whether you can change class is not yet known)
PvPOpen-world faction combat, naval battles, and siegesOpt-in PvP: each area has normal channels with no PvP and separate PvP channels. PvP around trade routes and outposts is still being considered
Housing & farmingFree placement of houses and farms in designated zones, with taxesClaim a housing plot and decorate it in an edit mode; NPC roommates and visits to neighbors' homes
TradeCraft trade packs and carry them to distant merchants; longer trips pay moreTrade journeys through dangerous frontier areas, fending off raiders with allies
SettingThe original worldAbout 50 years later, during the settlement of the new continent Auroria

Combat

Chronicles uses non-target action combat with no default tab targeting, plus a lock-on option to help with aiming. It is described as combining combos, real-time dodging, and skills that change with your gear. Classes and weapons are listed in Weapons & classes.

PvP channels

On October 4, 2026, the global PM explained PvP in a Steam post. Instead of whole zones becoming battlegrounds as in the original, each area is split into two kinds of channels.

In the full game, PvP channels open after the early part of the game; in the October Steam demo you can enter one once you leave the first town and reach the Nui statue at your next destination. See How to join playtests & the demo.

How housing works

In a 2025 interview, the developers said they split each housing area into channels to avoid the land shortages the original had. A July 2026 summary of a Discord Q&A said housing is not instanced. How these two descriptions fit together will only be clear in early access.

"Trading guilds vs raiding guilds"

Some community sources describe a clash between trading guilds and the guilds that raid them as a defining feature of Chronicles. This has not been confirmed in recent official announcements. The official description focuses on cooperative trading, where allies protect shipments from raiders. The October PvP post said trade routes through PvP areas and guild wars over trade outposts are being considered, but not confirmed for launch. What has been shown of trade, crafting, and farming is collected in Trade, crafting & farming overview.

Monetization

Chronicles is buy-to-play ($29.99 for early access, no subscription), with no in-game store at early access launch. If a store opens later, it will focus on extra content, customization, and convenience, and the developers say they will never sell pay-to-win items. See Platforms, price & monetization for details.

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