Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is a massive, standalone expansion arriving sometime this June. The free-to-play expansion will launch in all regions simultaneously and will be available on PC and Xbox One – with no mention of a PS4 release.
New Genesis plays a bit more like a sequel than it does an expansion, as you'll need to transfer your Phantasy Star Online 2 character into New Genesis. The standalone title improves upon nearly everything from the original title, including reworked graphics, an updated combat system, and a host of new characters to go along with its new storyline.
If you're hoping to check out the action before it arrives in June, a closed beta will be taking place between May 14 and May 17.
Despite its long history – Phantasy Star Online 2 saw a Japan launch in 2012, followed by a US release in 2020 – PSO2 never managed to find a massive player base in the west. Its liberal use of microtransactions turned off some players, despite most critics finding something to like about its story and combat system. New Genesis looks like an excellent second chance for the game, and it'll be interesting to see how it competes with others in the genre, such as Elder Scrolls Online, Black Desert, and the ever-popular World of Warcraft.
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis arrives later this June.