Update, December 13: For Honor’s long-promised dedicated servers are getting closer, with an open beta starting tomorrow.
Ubisoft announced earlier this year that For Honor would be getting dedicated servers, marking a complete change in infrastructure from the game’s peer-to-peer offerings at launch. Such a significant update has taken some time, but it seems we’ll be seeing the fruits of those labours very soon.
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An open test for dedicated servers begins tomorrow, December 14 at 5:00 PST / 8:00 EST / 13:00 GMT. That “open” really does mean open, because the test will be available even if you don’t own For Honor. The test will run until December 18, and it will be available across consoles and PC. You can preload the test right now through Steam.
The open test will feature three PvP game modes: Duel, Dominion, and Tribute. You’ll have access to all heros from both the base game and DLC. Progression including and achievements won’t carry over into the main game, but you will be able to unlock new rewards from playing in the test. That includes Steel currency from completing daily orders, and it seems a bit of dedicated play could net you enough to buy a DLC character in the main game.
For Honor got a pretty positive response at launch, but a variety of issues – including troubled peer-to-peer infrastructure – has kept it from enjoying much long-term success. Ubisoft have already demonstrated how to properly turn around a multiplayer game with Rainbow Six Siege, so hopefully they’ll be able to work a little magic in the world of medieval combat, too. Dedicated servers will hit the main game some time in 2018.
Original story, July 27:Just yesterday we detailed how Ubisoft were turning around the core of For Honor bymaking aggression more viable, and now they’re pressing forward once more – dedicated servers are coming. Can they turn the game around like they did with The Division and Rainbow Six?
Previously, For Honor ran off peer-to-peer online services, and dedicated servers have been the most-requested feature in the game since launch. Ubisoft Montreal are currently at work on creating the infrastructure for the servers. While we’re waiting, they still plan to enhance peer-to-peer stability.
Ubisoft also promise a bunch of other content, including gameplay changes. The big tweaks will be marked by a new season, with the first kicking off next month with that aforementioned aggression patch. There will be another, along with more big changes, in November.
New modes are also in the works. There’s going to be a duel tournament feature added to competitive, there will be ranked 4v4 matches, a more robust training mode, and a new 4v4 mode.
“Since launch, our team has worked diligently to identify and correct issues that were not apparent with our testing and live phases,” Roman Campos-Oriola, the new creative director of For Honor, says. “The For Honor roadmap is how we plan to build a stronger game through elements like dedicated servers. We are committed to our players and look to offer long-term support for the game.”