Wayfinder Officially Drops Live Service Trappings With Echoes Update, Steam Early Access Is $24.99

While founders of the previously live service game Wayfinder have had access to the Echoes update for a while, today marks the official launch of Steam early access for the "now we're an ARPG" Echoes update. Airship Syndicate has been very happy with founder feedback so far, even though this change represents a shift away from the "MMO-ish" nature of the game's original release, a move that very likely staved off simply closing the game.

"Our team is very encouraged by the early reception to the Echoes Update. We knew the change was a risk, but player responded by telling us what we already believed: that this change was the right one. This is only the beginning for Wayfinder," says CEO Joe Madureira.

This official "switch flipping" means that Wayfinder will no longer have a few things it previously included. The cash shop has been removed, the online requirement is gone, and the game has shifted to a solo or 3-player co-op structure. This also means that since saves will now be local, all progress founders made will be reset.

You'll have a lot more freedom when it comes to loot and character acquisition in the Echoes update, too. In fact, Grendel, a new character, comes with today's release.

PlayStation players can continue to play as they always have for now, but they will also get the Echoes update soon. That will mark the end of PS4 support. PS4 players can upgrade to a PS5 version of the game for free. Early access as a whole will end later this year and at that time, Wayfinder will launch on Xbox as well.

Expect a price increase to the game when official launch rolls around.