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When I went to PAX East in 2023, I saw Wayfinder before its release. I was with my coworkers when there, and we had a blast working together to take down enemies in this multiplayer MMO. While it has had a bit of a rocky past, some exciting updates are coming ahead, and it all begins with the Wayfinder Echoes update, which will make it a fantastic game to play on the Steam Deck.

The Wayfinder Echoes update marks a huge departure from what the original release was going to be. The game started as an MMO with microtransactions, but it seems that direction is changing, and I am quite happy to see it. I can understand some people feeling slighted by the decision since they bought the game for what they originally advertised it as. However, I feel this was the right call for longevity and lifespan to continue to exist. It also may be a change made due to the old publisher no longer providing servers and the decision for them to self-publish, so it may not be fully in their control.
The new update will change the game from an MMO to a fully offline playable title, which makes it significantly better on the Steam Deck. Playing offline is fantastic and allows us to take the game wherever we go and experience it fully without needing an internet connection. The game can be played alone or in optional 3-player co-op using peer-to-peer networks. However, this does come at a cost for those who already have the game. You won't be able to use your save from playing previously, which is a shame, but it is a nice change for those playing on the Steam Deck.

Because of this change, they will also be taking out all microtransactions. This will be replaced with a one-time purchase of $24.99 when the game goes back on sale. Anyone with a Wayfinder founders pack will automatically get the update and not need to pay anything. They will also get to keep all exclusive items, and any currency will be carried over to a new one used to get exclusive cosmetics.
The update also brings with it overhauled gameplay changes across the board. Weapons will be randomized drops, armor has stats, thousands of cosmetics and housing items can be collected, no grind for new characters, increased housing item limits, traditional RPG talents are being integrated into progression, and on top of all of that, we will have a new Wayfinder and a brand new zone with new hunts. The Overlands zone is reportedly three times bigger than the zone released before, which is pretty nuts.

It is a bit controversial to make a monumental change like this when others have invested in the game believing it would be one way, so I can fully understand the people upset by this. But I see a lot of positives here, too. The game won't risk ever shutting down due to being fully offline and local. It can be played alone or with friends, no microtransactions, and it will be very playable on the Steam Deck.
The Wayfinder Echoes update will be available for founders starting on May 31st and will return to Steam Early Access on June 11th for $24.99.
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