As BioWare's fascinating yet ultimately flawed live-service game Anthem prepares to shut down its servers permanently on January 12, 2026, players are flocking back for one last flight. Many are rushing to unlock the elusive platinum trophy before it becomes an impossibility. While Anthem's combat, especially its unique Javelin flight system, has garnered praise, its storytelling struggled to measure up against the studio’s legendary titles like Mass Effect. Despite its rough launch and mixed reception, players reminisce fondly about their experiences and explore community efforts to create custom servers. As the clock ticks down, gamers are capturing memories and celebrating the game one last time, reflecting on its potential and their time spent in Bastion.

What happened to Anthem and why are players returning?

Anthem is shutting down its servers on January 12, 2026, which will render the game unplayable. Players are returning to relive their experiences, unlock achievements, and simply say goodbye before the servers are permanently taken offline.

Anthem, released in February 2019, was developed by BioWare and aimed to blend exhilarating flight mechanics and cooperative gameplay in a vibrant open world. However, the game faced significant critique for its lack of depth in storytelling and persistent issues post-launch, which led to its struggle in the crowded live-service market dominated by games like Destiny 2. Players are now reminiscing as they prepare for the game's inevitable shutdown, highlighting both the highs and lows of their adventure as Freelancers in Anthem’s unique universe.