The End of an Era: FromSoftware Games Online Services Shutting Down
FromSoftware has announced the closure of online servers for two of its iconic games, Armored Core: Verdict Day and Dark Souls 2, on March 31, 2024. This marks the end of an era for these beloved titles, impacting the online experiences and accessibility of various features for players. Let's explore how this decision will affect the gaming community and what the future holds for FromSoftware fans.
The Impact of Server Shutdown
FromSoftware has confirmed that it is shutting down the online servers for Armored Core: Verdict Day come Sunday, March 31, 2024. Armored Core: Verdict Day was originally released in 2013, so its servers are being shut down a little over a decade after its launch. However, Armored Core: Verdict Day isn't the only FromSoftware game having its online services shuttered on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Armored Core: Verdict Day Stood As Franchise Face For 10 Years
Unfortunately for FromSoftware enthusiasts, two of the company's games will be getting their online services shut down that day. Specifically, Dark Souls 2's online services are being shut down on March 31, 2024 for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game. Luckily, those playing the PC, PS4, or Xbox One versions of Dark Souls 2 don't have to worry about the servers being shut down on their platforms of choice.
This means that the Dark Souls 2 online experience will technically live on even after the servers for the original versions of the game shut down, but the same can't be said for Armored Core: Verdict Day. Armored Core: Verdict Day was never released for PC and has never been re-released or remastered, so once the game's PS3 and Xbox 360 servers shut down on March 31, that will spell the end of all the game's online services. Entire game modes will become inaccessible, with players no longer able to access World Mode, Mercenary features, Territory Customization, Ranking, Team Menus, and everything else tied to the game's online services once March 31 rolls around. By extension, this means players will be unlocked out of unlocking all the game's achievements/trophies, making it impossible to 100% Armored Core: Verdict Day after the March 31 date. On top of all that, the Soldier Model DLC is getting removed that day as well.
The Impact on Armored Core: Verdict Day
Armored Core: Verdict Day Services Shutting Down on March 31
World Mode, Mercenary features, Territory Customisation, Ranking, Team Menus, and other features tied to online elements will become inaccessible after March 31, 2024. Some achievements/trophies and the Soldier Model DLC will also be affected by the server shutdown, significantly altering the game experience for players.
Needless to say, a significant portion of the Armored Core: Verdict Day experience is getting gutted on March 31. On the bright side, the game won't become entirely unplayable. Armored Core: Verdict Day story missions will still be accessible after March 31, though anyone that wants the complete experience will want to prioritize playing the FromSoftware mech action game as much as possible between now and March 31.
Looking to the Future
While Armored Core fans may be sad to see Verdict Day's servers shut down, the bright side is that there is a new Armored Core experience to check out. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon has earned rave reviews from critics and has just recently expanded its online options to include a ranked mode. With Verdict Day's servers being shut down, now may be the perfect time for Armored Core fans to check out the new game if they haven't already.
