Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
  • Games
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Hardware
  • Video
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Deals
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • SFX
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
View
Trending
  • Prime Day Deals
  • Superman
  • Donkey Kong Bananza
  • Switch 2 stock
Recommended reading
Screenshot from Blue Protocol: Star Resonance, showing a bunch of anime fighters battling a red, fiery monster in a lush field.
MMO Games Canceled Amazon MMO Blue Protocol was as dead as it gets, but it's now getting a gorgeous reboot this year – rideable capybara included
Key art shows two young women riding horses in the forest against a purple sky
MMO Games "It's a big first": Debut horse MMORPG from former World of Warcraft devs' studio is a Twin Peaks murder mystery unlike anything you've ever seen
Eve Frontier appearing in Future Games Show
Eve The MMO icons behind EVE Online are lifting the lid on their upcoming sci-fi survival MMO
A screenshot of the upcoming PC game, Borderlands 4.
Borderlands Borderlands fan determined to bring back dead MMO gets past the first hurdle – the login screen: "I'll make sure the community gets to experience this game one way or another"
A screenshot shows a woman helping a reddish horse drink from a metal bucket.
MMO Games "The entire industry is totally and completely clogged": Ex Helldivers, WoW devs' studio CEO says new MMO won't be another live service shooter for "dudes in black T-shirts and jeans," which makes it perfect
Elder Scrolls Online Seasons of the Worm Cult
MMO Games "For the first time in ESO's history," the MMO is moving past the events of the base game with Seasons of the Worm Cult: "We've never really moved time forward"
A screenshot shows a hairy monster lunging at a player in Mistfall Hunter while an orange border indicates it is part of summer preview 2025
Action RPGs I didn't know how badly I needed a PvPvE Dark Souls in my life until Mistfall Hunter threw one in my lap
  1. Games
  2. RPG
  3. WildStar

WildStar's two new races revealed! Find out about the Chua and Mordesh

Features
By Hollander Cooper published 19 July 2013

The year's MMO schedule suddenly looks brighter

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

13 things you need to know

13 things you need to know

When most people think of a massively multiplayer online RPG their minds immediately warp to fantasy worlds. Swords clashing with shields and knights on horseback clashing with orcs and elves and dwarves. It makes sense--7 of our 10 best MMORPGs involve some degree of swords and sorcery--but there's more to the MMO genre than that.

Carbine Studios' upcoming Wildstar is a testament to that, with a giant sci-fi battle over the planet Nexus setting the stage for one of the most ambitious MMOs in years. We've seen it, played it, and talked to the developers about it, and have gathered a bunch of different facts about the game that should help you decide if it's a world worth losing a few hundred hours in.

Page 1 of 12
Page 1 of 12
It's being developed by Carbine Studios, a developer full of game design royalty

It's being developed by Carbine Studios, a developer full of game design royalty

Before we get into exactly what WildStar is, it's best to know who's making it. There's a good chance you haven't heard of Carbine Studios, but we'd be willing to bet you've played a number of the games its staff members have made. Formed in 2005, the studio is comprised of some big names from the game industry, including 17 lead and senior developers that worked on World of Warcraft.

Besides working on WoW, Jeremy Gaffney worked on games like Ultima Online, City of Heroes, and Asheron's Call. Though Carbine is new to the industry, its members are anything but. This isn't some rookie project--this is a team stacked with ringers.

Page 2 of 12
Page 2 of 12
Combat is a giant leap forward

Combat is a giant leap forward

WildStar brings with it a few elements that should make the gameplay feel different than your average MMO. The largest change comes with the combat, which abandons the "play the interface" design of old-school MMOs in favor of more modern, action-based combat, with abilities hitting an area instead of a single target.

That puts WildStar ahead of most of its competition, but the visual indicators that show up are even more important. Not only can you see where your area-of-effect attack will land, but you can see where your allies' and enemies' will, too. Early on this teaches you to actively dodge enemy attacks and move into better positions to use yours. Late in the game? Gaffney said that, in testing, raiders used the visual indicators to see what their allies were doing, totally changing the dynamic of massive battles and allowing for new strategies to organically play out.

Page 3 of 12
Page 3 of 12
Paths reward you for playing the way you want

Paths reward you for playing the way you want

Soldiers, as you might expect, are given additional quests to slay the indigenous life of Nexus, whereas Explorers can find new routes and entrances to secret areas that the other Paths wouldn't even know existed. The Paths all work together, too, so finding an entrance to a cave with the Explorer will give the Scientist collectibles to find, the Settler people to socialize with, and the Soldier stuff to kill.

Page 4 of 12
Page 4 of 12
The lore is interesting

The lore is interesting

Fast-forward to the future, where The Dominion have wandered the galaxy kicking races off their worlds and claiming them for their own. These displaced people, now calling themselves The Exiles, discovered a new planet to call home: Nexus.

Page 5 of 12
Page 5 of 12
World design is paramount

World design is paramount

One area was full of massive, beautiful blue crystals that shot out of the ground. That's not that unique in and of itself, but when you get near the crystals and find out they create low gravity areas, you get a memorable experience. Carbine's Jeremy Gaffney explained that this was just one example that showed how the developer is approaching world design--making something visually impressive that actually impacts the world, instead of simply settling for cool geography.

Page 6 of 12
Page 6 of 12
There's end-game solo content...

There's end-game solo content...

This will be accomplished with regular updates that will continually add new chapters in Nexus's ongoing story. The exact timing of this hasn't been decided, but Gaffney says that the plan is monthly story updates--at least--with ambitions to roll out content more frequently than that.

Page 7 of 12
Page 7 of 12
...and cool plans for PvP...

...and cool plans for PvP...

So far, Carbine's description of Warplots are as incredible as they are vague. What we know is that they'll allow for massive battles between 80 players, and that you're given one to customize when you reach level cap. You can add structures, walls, and even enemies to your own personal Warplot, but that's all we know. See? Incredible and vague!

Page 8 of 12
Page 8 of 12
...as well as big ideas for end-game raiding

...as well as big ideas for end-game raiding

Gaffney explained that the current system of end-game raiding is sort of broken. After the first guild takes down the biggest boss, they post a video of it--then everyone watches it and copies it, following a synchronized dance to defeat the foe. Thanks to WildStar's combat system, it's possible to beat bosses without watching strategies online, just by having a responsible, organized team. Carbine also plans on frequently changing up raids to allow for "server firsts" to happen more frequently, allowing hardcore, competitive guilds to continue to attempt to best their rivals.

Page 9 of 12
Page 9 of 12
It has a sense of humor

It has a sense of humor

We smirked as NPCs ran through humorous dialogue, and laughed out loud when we picked up an oversized rocket and shot down an enemy ship flying overhead. It's not that the game features an overtly comedic tone--more that it's infrequent that we see an MMO that allows itself to relax and be a little silly. Even the game's trailers are funny, and we're looking forward to getting involved in a universe that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Page 10 of 12
Page 10 of 12
Its business model will be revealed soon

Its business model will be revealed soon

How will Carbine Studios make money off WildStar? Will it carry a monthly fee like World of Warcraft, have an up-front cost and then nothing else like Guild Wars 2, or be totally free to play like Neverwinter? Well, that's the question, isn't it. So far, absolutely nothing has been revealed pertaining to the game's monetization strategy, but that blank will soon be filled in.

Early in July, Jeremy Gaffney said that it had a big reveal coming before the end of August, explaining that details would be coming soon. "We're trying to find our own sweet spot in this market where people aren't feeling like they're getting screwed over," he explained, making us think that it won't be strictly free-to-play. That said, in 2013 going forward with a full-blown P2P game doesn't make sense, leading us to believe that it'll either follow Guild Wars 2's path or do something unique.

Page 11 of 12
Page 11 of 12
Let's fly

Let's fly

So, what will it be? Will it be the biggest game ever? Ever ever? Maybe. It's certainly ambitious, and in a genre full of safe choices and licenses, it's great to see a massive, original IP go for broke.

And if you're looking for more, check out the best MMORPGs and new MMORPGs for 2013 and beyond.

Page 12 of 12
Page 12 of 12
CATEGORIES
PC Gaming Platforms
Hollander Cooper
Hollander Cooper
Social Links Navigation

Hollander Cooper was the Lead Features Editor of GamesRadar+ between 2011 and 2014. After that lengthy stint managing GR's editorial calendar he moved behind the curtain and into the video game industry itself, working as social media manager for EA and as a communications lead at Riot Games. Hollander is currently stationed at Apple as an organic social lead for the App Store and Apple Arcade. 

You may like
  • Screenshot from Blue Protocol: Star Resonance, showing a bunch of anime fighters battling a red, fiery monster in a lush field. Canceled Amazon MMO Blue Protocol was as dead as it gets, but it's now getting a gorgeous reboot this year – rideable capybara included
  • Key art shows two young women riding horses in the forest against a purple sky "It's a big first": Debut horse MMORPG from former World of Warcraft devs' studio is a Twin Peaks murder mystery unlike anything you've ever seen
  • Eve Frontier appearing in Future Games Show The MMO icons behind EVE Online are lifting the lid on their upcoming sci-fi survival MMO
See more PC Gaming Features
Read more
Screenshot from Blue Protocol: Star Resonance, showing a bunch of anime fighters battling a red, fiery monster in a lush field.
Canceled Amazon MMO Blue Protocol was as dead as it gets, but it's now getting a gorgeous reboot this year – rideable capybara included
Key art shows two young women riding horses in the forest against a purple sky
"It's a big first": Debut horse MMORPG from former World of Warcraft devs' studio is a Twin Peaks murder mystery unlike anything you've ever seen
Eve Frontier appearing in Future Games Show
The MMO icons behind EVE Online are lifting the lid on their upcoming sci-fi survival MMO
A screenshot of the upcoming PC game, Borderlands 4.
Borderlands fan determined to bring back dead MMO gets past the first hurdle – the login screen: "I'll make sure the community gets to experience this game one way or another"
A screenshot shows a woman helping a reddish horse drink from a metal bucket.
"The entire industry is totally and completely clogged": Ex Helldivers, WoW devs' studio CEO says new MMO won't be another live service shooter for "dudes in black T-shirts and jeans," which makes it perfect
Elder Scrolls Online Seasons of the Worm Cult
"For the first time in ESO's history," the MMO is moving past the events of the base game with Seasons of the Worm Cult: "We've never really moved time forward"
Latest in RPG
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Francois
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 devs reveal the game's most underappreciated actor: a water bottle that stood in for one of the best bosses
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 boss Swen Vincke says hold my beer and also this unassuming tadpole, here's an "even more amazing" mind-controlled run of BG3 that laps Neuralink Telepathy run of Divinity: Original Sin 2
a human in a space helmet with bright blue shards of crystaline protomolecule erupting from their mouth and visor
The Expanse RPG is taking "great inspiration" from Mass Effect with romance, deep choices, and third-person combat: "It's an iconic game"
Red Dead Redemption 2 screenshot of Arthur Morgan who has shoulder length hair and a beard and wears a cowboy hat
After 4 years I returned to Red Dead Redemption 2 and fell into a chaotic rodeo of mishaps as I tried to remember how to be Arthur Morgan
Cyberpunk 2077 DLC screenshot
5 years after it was kicked off the PlayStation Store, Cyberpunk 2077 joins the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog
Faelian
Bethesda decides Oblivion Remastered players were right, adds a new difficulty mode to "act as a better bridge between 'Adept' and 'Expert' for players"
Latest in Features
David Corenswet as Superman with Krypto the dog and a robot in the Fortress of Solitude.
James Gunn's Superman has finally found the cure to superhero movie fatigue: just make them more like comics
Abraham's Boys: A Dracula Story
New indie horror Abraham's Boys: A Dracula Story is Frailty meets There Will Be Blood with a haunting focus on family – and I have no complaints
Superman shows off his strength on the cover of Superman Unlimited #2.
Here's how to start reading Superman comics once you've seen the new movie
David Corenswet as Superman in James Gunn's Superman
Superman ending explained: your biggest questions answered on Lex Luthor, the Justice Gang, and what it sets up for the DCU
The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature
After 16 years of The Sims 3, The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature might just be the whimsical expansion pack that pulls me away from EA's iconic 2009 life sim for good
Superman
Every comic book character in Superman, listed in order of appearance in James Gunn's new movie
  1. Zion Wright grinds along a wooden balustrade in in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4's San Francisco level
    1
    Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 review: "A nostalgic, must-play hit for fans"
  2. 2
    College Football 26 review: “Thanks to rivalries and dynasty, this is the greatest show on turf”
  3. 3
    Mecha Break review: "This mech battler makes up for lacking customization with a varied roster that lets me live out my Evangelion fantasy"
  4. 4
    Death Stranding 2: On the Beach review: "This tarpunk delivery epic is more Metal Gear Solid than ever, for better and worse"
  5. 5
    Rematch review: "As with Rocket League, the just-one-more-game pull is magnetic"
  1. David Corenswet as Superman inside the Fortress of Solitude in James Gunn's Superman.
    1
    Superman review: "A triumphant reinvention and a promising start for the DCU"
  2. 2
    Jurassic World Rebirth Review: "An unscary sequel that needed a little more time in amber"
  3. 3
    M3GAN 2.0 review: "A bold sequel with a slightly underwhelming conclusion"
  4. 4
    28 Years Later Review: "Enough terror, splatter and suspense to satisfy”
  5. 5
    Predator: Killer of Killers review: "Great characters, thrilling action, and gorgeous Arcane-esque animation"
  1. Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun in Squid Game season 3
    1
    Squid Game season 3 review: "A staggeringly excellent final season wraps up one of the greatest Netflix shows ever"
  2. 2
    Ironheart review: "A relic of Marvel's content-at-all-costs era"
  3. 3
    Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 review: "The show's most assured run of episodes to date"
  4. 4
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 8 spoiler review: 'The Reality War' is "a mix of the good, the bad, and the truly baffling"
  5. 5
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 7 spoiler review: 'Wish World' is "an exciting and ambitious" start to the season finale, with hints of WandaVision

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...