Everquest 2: Anashti Sul prepares for the first expansion

 

Anashti Sul: Reliving the Glory Days of EverQuest II

When Daybreak dropped their producer letters for EverQuest and EverQuest II in April 2024, the MMORPG community buzzed with anticipation about the upcoming progression servers. One of the most exciting announcements was the Anashti Sul server for EverQuest II, a nostalgia-fueled experience that allows players to step back into the world of Norrath as it existed in 2006. Now, as the server prepares for its next significant milestone, let’s take a closer look at what’s in store.

A Look Back: Anashti Sul Origins Server

Initially teased under the working title “Origins,” Anashti Sul was designed to bring back the essence of classic EverQuest II gameplay. The server launched with The Shattered Lands era content, stripping away the complexities of modern expansions to deliver the feel of the original game. Daybreak’s vision was clear: a challenging, group-focused environment where players could relive the joys of old-school MMORPGs.

Key features of the Anashti Sul server include:

• No Modern Conveniences: Spell research, Krono, holiday events, and persistent instances are excluded.
• Simplified Gameplay: Stats and systems reflect the 2006 era, with Freeport and Qeynos restored to their original forms.
• Classic Boss Encounters: Bosses revert to their initial designs, offering a fresh take on familiar challenges.
• Unique Design Depot: For the first time, a progression server is fully forked from the live game, ensuring authenticity.

The staggered beta for the server ran until June 2024, drawing in a dedicated player base eager to experience EverQuest II as it was nearly two decades ago.

Desert of Flames Beta: A New Chapter

Fast forward to January 2025, and Anashti Sul is gearing up for its next expansion. The beta for Desert of Flames will run from January 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. PST until February 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PST, inviting players to explore the rich, sandy landscapes of Norrath’s first expansion.

Desert of Flames introduces a host of exciting features:

• Level Cap Increase: Adventurer, Tradeskiller, and Guild levels now cap at 60.
• Expanded Abilities: New spells and combat arts enhance gameplay depth.
• Tradeskill Progression: Additional recipes and crafting options await.
• Guild Vaults: A new way to share resources within your guild.
• Freedom of Movement: Climbing, hanging, and ledge crawling bring a new dimension to exploration.

Prepare to encounter djinn, mummies, and, of course, the iconic flying carpets as you delve into the desert’s mysteries. Check out the official trailer here to get a sneak peek of the action.

How to Join the Beta

If you’re ready to test the sands of Desert of Flames, here’s how to get started:

1. Open your LaunchPad.
2. Click the ‘Version’ link in the top-left corner.
3. Select ‘Beta’ from the drop-down menu and hit ‘Apply’ to patch.
4. Once patching is complete, hit ‘Play.’

Players can copy their Anashti Sul characters to the Beta server using the /beta command. If your character doesn’t appear, create a new level 1 character on Beta, log in and out, and your copied character should then display.

Important Notes:

• The Beta server uses a separate installation folder, requiring additional disk space.
• Beta characters may be wiped periodically.
• Progress made on the Beta server will not carry over to live servers, except for specific Beta rewards available through /claim.

Don’t forget to report bugs and offer feedback using the /bug and /feedback commands. Your input helps refine the experience for everyone.

A Journey Worth Taking

Whether you’re a veteran returning to relive cherished memories or a new player seeking to experience the roots of EverQuest II, Anashti Sul offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Norrath’s past. With Desert of Flames on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to dive into this classic MMORPG experience. Grab your sunscreen and get ready to journey into the desert!