By most accounts Anthem, the latest game from BioWare and one of this year’s biggest loot shooters, is an incredibly fun game, but there are a large variety of problems that players have had with the game. One of the top complaints is the value and consistency of the Anthem loot drop rates, which have either been too much but with not enough quality loot, or far too low. A recent loot drop nerf didn’t go down well in the community, but now there’s a new Anthem Loot Update which will hopefully set things right. Let’s see.
What’s been changed in the Anthem Loot Update?
While Anthem received a big 1.05 patch earlier this week, today’s new Anthem Loot Update is entirely server-side. This means that it’s BioWare essentially patching its own infrastructure, so players don’t have to download a new update on their side. It goes into effect immediately, so players should hopefully spot any differences soon.
There are two major changes with this server-side update, and both of them are for loot drop rates. First off, Masterwork and Legendary loot drop rates have been boosted when playing on Grandmaster 2 and Grandmaster 3 difficulty levels (the hardest levels). The drop rates for Masterwork and Legendary items have also been increased for boss characters at all difficulty levels. According to BioWare, these enemies include Legendary Titan, Epic Titan, Legendary Fury, Legendary Acid Ursix and Legendary Luminary Elder.
What was wrong with the Anthem loot drop rates before?
Last month there was an accidental buff on the drop rates for items, where certain types of loot would drop more often, and it was nerfed soon afterwards. Unfortunately, players realized that the accidental change improved Anthem a lot, and the loot drop rates after the nerf were incredibly tight. Players simply weren’t getting enough quality loot items to make taking on harder enemies and challenges in Anthem worthwhile, especially in the endgame phase, and players organized a temporary boycott until BioWare fixed the loot drops. It looks like BioWare agreed.
Anthem's Javelins
-
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.
