As the launch of Concord approaches on August 23, Sony and Firewalk Studios have unveiled the exciting post-launch content and roadmap for this highly anticipated game. Dive in to discover Firewalk's updates and their expert tips on maximizing your Concord experience.
Concord's Roadmap: A Journey Beyond Launch
No Battle Pass Required
Concord, Sony's innovative hero shooter, is gearing up for its debut on August 23 for both PS5 and PC, following a successful open beta. Players can anticipate a robust stream of updates starting from day one.
In a recent PlayStation Blog post, game director Ryan Ellis elaborated on the seasonal updates, promising an array of new characters, maps, worlds, modes, stories, and features. "We see launch as just the beginning," Ellis stated, emphasizing their commitment to evolving Concord in collaboration with its community.
Notably, Concord will not feature a traditional Battle Pass, a common element in many hero shooters like Overwatch. Firewalk Studios explained their decision, saying, "We wanted to focus our attention on making Concord a rewarding and robust experience from day one, where playing the game, leveling up your accounts and characters, and completing jobs yields meaningful rewards." Battle Passes, often monetized in free-to-play and live-service games, typically offer cosmetic items, in-game currency, and occasionally, characters locked behind progression.
Concord Season 1: The Tempest - October 2024
New Character and More in Season 1
Concord's first major update, Season 1: The Tempest, is scheduled for October. This update will introduce a new Freegunner, a fresh map, additional Freegunner Variants, and an array of new cosmetics and rewards. Weekly Cinematic Vignettes will also enrich the narrative around the Northstar crew characters.
Introducing the In-Game Store
Season 1 will also feature an in-game store, offering cosmetic items for further customization. These items will not affect gameplay, ensuring a level playing field. "These will supplement the hundreds of rewards earnable through progression and will be solely cosmetic, optional, and have no gameplay impact," Ellis assured.
Season 2 on the Horizon - January 2025
Looking ahead, Season 2 is set to launch in January 2025. Firewalk Studios is dedicated to delivering regular seasonal updates throughout Concord's first year, promising a continuous flow of new content. "We can’t wait to fully unpack what we have in store for Season 1 ahead of its launch in October," Ellis added.
Mastering Concord: Tips and Strategies
Ellis shared insights on the optimal way to play Concord, focusing on the game's unique "Crew Builder" system. Players can form Custom Crews with five unique Freegunners, with the option to include up to three copies of any Freegunner’s Variants. This flexibility allows for strategic team composition tailored to individual playstyles, game modes, or specific match challenges.
"Crew Builder also incentivizes you to populate your Custom Crews with characters of different roles," Ellis noted. Unlike typical roles such as Tank or Support, Concord's Freegunners are designed for high-DPS and effectiveness in gunfights. Balancing your team with Freegunners from different roles can unlock special Crew Bonuses, enhancing mobility, weapon recoil, cooldown times, and more.
Concord’s six roles—Anchor, Breacher, Haunt, Ranger, Tactician, and Warden—are defined by their impact on the match, from controlling areas to leveraging long sightlines and flanking enemies. This unique approach sets Concord apart in the hero shooter genre, promising a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.
