Anthem's journey ends as servers close in 2026

Electronic Arts and BioWare have announced that the servers for Anthem, their ambitious online multiplayer action RPG, will shut down on January 12, 2026, rendering the game unplayable due to its online-only design. As of July 3, 2025, in-game premium currency purchases have been discontinued, though players can still spend existing balances until the shutdown. Anthem will also be removed from EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on August 15, 2025, limiting access for subscribers. EA has confirmed no layoffs at BioWare will result from this decision, and the game remains downloadable for those who own it until the final date. This news, shared via EA's official site, has reignited discussions about digital ownership and game preservation, especially alongside the Stop Killing Games campaign, which has garnered over 1 million signatures to advocate for offline playability.

What went wrong?

Anthem, released in 2019, was a bold departure for BioWare, known for narrative-driven RPGs like Mass Effect. Set on an alien planet, players pilot customizable exosuits called Javelins, engaging in cooperative missions and dynamic world events. The game's standout feature is its fluid flight mechanics, allowing players to soar through vibrant environments and engage in fast-paced, third-person combat. Despite its stunning visuals and satisfying traversal, Anthem struggled with a lackluster story, repetitive gameplay, and insufficient endgame content, leading to mixed reviews and the cancellation of a planned overhaul, Anthem NEXT, in 2021.

For fans seeking a similar experience, Destiny 2 offers a compelling alternative. Like Anthem, it's a looter-shooter with cooperative multiplayer and a sci-fi setting, but it boasts a richer narrative, diverse missions, and ongoing updates, ensuring longevity. While Anthem's unique Javelin flight mechanics remain unmatched, Destiny 2 captures a similar thrill of team-based exploration and combat, making it a worthy successor for displaced Freelancers.

As Anthem's servers prepare to go dark, its passionate community mourns the loss of a game with unrealized potential, sparking renewed calls for preserving digital games for future generations. Find the best prices for Anthem using our price comparison tool.