Anthem

Today, the 1.1.0 update for Anthem was released by BioWare. This update includes a few significant improvements to the quality of life for those playing the game. Notably, players can now actually change their gear during missions, strongholds, and during Freeplay without having to return to Fort Tarsis or the Launch Bay.

Awesome! Seriously, this was desperately needed.

In addition to this, BioWare added in a new stronghold for players to dive into today. It's called The Sunken Cell and is tailored to those that have completed the main story. On top of this, today's update also allows players to select new contracts from the start expedition screen rather than going to the individual contract boards in either of the two main hubs. You can now also launch a new mission straight from the end of the expedition screen without having to return to the hub areas.

Additional changes can be found in the full 1.1.0 Anthem changelog. However, there aren't any new pieces of gear to earn. Outside of the new stronghold, that's really kind of "it" as far as the new content is concerned with today's update.

In fact, a lot of the content that was outlined Act 01 roadmap has been delayed. This was confirmed today during a new developer update from the game's lead producer and head of live services. A few of those now delayed features include the guild system, additional Freeplay events, and even the game altering Cataclysm event. Hell, nobody even really knows what this Cataclysm even is. BioWare has provided absolutely no information on it outside of it being a big in-game event that will push the story forward.

Essentially, you should take a look at their new features that they had planned for Act 01 and just assume it's all delayed. In case it changes by the time you read this, you can find a snapshot below of what was planned to be released this month and in May for Act 01.

Right now, those features literally have no release window though BioWare says that "when (they) have information to share..., (they) will do so." In fact, they say the same thing about concerns over poor loot found within the game.

Features delayed:
  • Mastery System
  • Guilds
  • Legendary Missions – Phase II
  • Weekly Stronghold Challenge
  • Leaderboards
  • Some Freeplay Events
  • Cataclysm
We want to make sure everything we add to the game has a purpose and fits with our long term goals. When we have information to share on the items above, we will do so.

​Cataclysm
The Cataclysm is an important addition to the game and it’s currently a big focus for the team. The Cataclysm will bring new challenges and rewards and pushes the story of Anthem forward. As our work continues, we will share more with you in May.

Loot
We have heard your concerns around end game loot. We agree that our loot and progression systems need to be improved and we are working towards this. When we have more information to share, we will.
Honestly, given this delay of some not-insignificant features, I would suggest any potential buyers to just keep waiting. Maybe check on how the game is doing by the end of the year or even a full year from now. By that time, it may have been updated enough to warrant a purchase.

It has been 10 weeks since Anthem was initially released.
Anthem delayed content
Most of this has been delayed with no new ETA given