Welcome to Anthem, a sci-fi action shooter where you suit up in powerful Javelins to explore a vast open world and battle threats to humanity. As a Freelancer, you'll take on contracts and faction missions, mastering flight and advanced combat to overcome challenges like reaching the Shaper Relic and confronting the formidable Ash Titan. This is a story-rich, co-op experience that blends exploration with intense firefights.
This guide is your essential companion for navigating the treacherous world of Anthem. We cover everything from installation and initial launch to advanced combat techniques and crucial mission walkthroughs. Get expert tips on mastering your Javelin, understanding unique game mechanics, and completing challenging objectives. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you conquer every contract and emerge victorious.
Basic Information
Learn the basics of Anthem, including the four Javelin types (Ranger, Storm, Colossus, Interceptor) and how to navigate the game's menus for missions, challenges, and customization.
In Anthem, you are a Freelancer, with access to your choice of four metal suits (think of Iron Man), called Javelins, each with different abilities and powers.
After completing the tutorial missions of the game, you'll reach Level 2 and have your choice of the four Javelins: Ranger, Storm, Colossus, and Interceptor. Each Javelin has a different use and skill (for example, the Storm Javelin can harness elemental attacks, and the Colossus Javelin leans on brute strength [like the Hulkbuster armor]).
Throughout the game, you'll eventually earn access to all four Javelins. After making your first choice at Level 2, you get to pick another one at Level 8. Once you hit Level 16, you get your pick of a third Javelin, and when you reach Level 26, you receive your final Javelin.
When picking which Javelin you want to start with, just keep in mind that they are all equally capable of taking on any challenges you will face. So the choice is ENTIRELY yours. Whichever style of fighting sounds like a good fit for you, choose that one. If you don't like it, just work your way to Level 8 and make another choice. It isn't very hard to level up in Anthem (at least, not at the beginning).
Whether you play on a PlayStation 4, an Xbox One, or on the PC, the basics are pretty much the same.
To navigate the game use the menus. These will show you everything, including your current missions, the map, your squad, weapons, etc.
One menu shows you the following tabs: (I'm not sure how accessing these differentiates between consoles. For the PS4, hit the 'Options' button to access this menu.)
| Journal | Shows the most recent things that happened to you. These can be completed quests, or 'Feats'. Feats are basically side challenges/objectives you can attempt while on a mission. |
| Challenges | This tab shows a large list of additional challenges and objectives you should attempt throughout the game, as well as what rewards you will receive for doing so. |
| Library | Basic history involving your recent finds, people, geography, etc. |
| Armory | Shows your weapons, armor, and blueprints to craft additional items. |
| Mailbox | Basically the E-mail of the world of Anthem. You'll get random updates of the goings-on of the cities, as well as other miscellaneous information. You'll even get spam mail and chain emails! |
| Tutorials | This tab contains Tutorials on the things you have already learned. |
The other menu shows you the following: (For the PS4, hit the touchpad to access this menu.)
| Map | A map of the surrounding area, including a legend. |
| Featured | The in-game store, which allows you to spend Coin to customize your Javelins. |
| Social | Allows you to Squad Up with your friends. |
| Settings | Allows you access to your average gameplay settings. Controls, Audion, HUD, etc. |
Game Modes
Explore Anthem's game modes: Missions, Freeplay, Strongholds, and Quickplay. Learn how to unlock Freeplay and Strongholds.
- Freeplay is unlocked after finishing the 'Lost Arcanist' Mission.
- Strongholds are unlocked after finishing the 'Finding Old Friends' Mission.
Game Modes:
- Mission: Proceed with your selected Mission.
- Freeplay: Explore the world on your own terms to collect items and fight monsters.
- Strongholds: Engage in challenging activities unlocked after a specific mission.
- Quickplay: Randomly selects an open mission for you to join, allowing you to help other players.
- Freeplay allows you to explore the world at your own pace, collecting items and fighting monsters.
- Quickplay is a great way to assist other players by joining their open missions.
Game Modes (2)
Explore Anthem's game modes: Missions, Freeplay, Strongholds, and Quickplay. Learn how to unlock Freeplay and Strongholds.
- To unlock Freeplay, you must finish the 'Lost Arcanist' Mission.
- To unlock Strongholds, you must finish the 'Finding Old Friends' Mission.
- 1Mission: Proceed with your selected Mission.
- 2Freeplay: Explore the world on your own terms to collect items and fight monsters. This mode is unlocked after completing the 'Lost Arcanist' Mission.
- 3Strongholds: This mode is unlocked after completing the 'Finding Old Friends' Mission.
- 4Quickplay: This mode randomly selects an open mission for you to join, allowing you to help out other players.
- Freeplay allows for exploration and combat outside of structured missions.
- Quickplay is a good way to assist other players and experience different missions.
Basic Information (2)
Learn how to unlock all four Javelins in Anthem by leveling up. Discover how to navigate the game's menus, including Journal, Challenges, Armory, Map, and Store.
In Anthem, you are a Freelancer, with access to your choice of four metal suits (think of Iron Man), called Javelins, each with different abilities and powers.
After completing the tutorial missions of the game, you'll reach Level 2 and have your choice of the four Javelins: Ranger, Storm, Colossus, and Interceptor. Each Javelin has a different use and skill (for example, the Storm Javelin can harness elemental attacks, and the Colossus Javelin takes advantage of brute strength [like the Hulkbuster armor]).
Throughout the game, you'll eventually earn access to all four Javelins. After making your first choice at Level 2, you get to pick another one at Level 8. Once you hit Level 16, you get your pick of a third Javelin, and when you reach Level 26, you receive your final Javelin.
When picking which Javelin you want to start with, just keep in mind that they are all equally capable of taking on any challenges you will face. So the choice is ENTIRELY yours. Whichever style of fighting sounds like a good fit for you, choose that one. If you don't like it, just work your way to Level 8 and make another choice. It isn't very hard to level up in Anthem (at least, not at the beginning).
Whether you play on a PlayStation 4, an Xbox One, or on the PC, the basics are pretty much the same.
To navigate the game use the menus. These will show you everything, including your current missions, the map, your squad, weapons, etc.
Main Menu Tabs
One menu shows you the following tabs: (I'm not sure how accessing these differentiates between consoles. For the PS4, hit the 'Options' button to access this menu.)
| Tab | Description |
|---|---|
| Journal | Shows the most recent things that happened to you. These can be completed quests, or 'Feats'. Feats are basically side challenges/objectives you can attempt while on a mission. |
| Challenges | This tab shows a large list of additional challenges and objectives you should attempt throughout the game, as well as what rewards you will receive for doing so. |
| Library | Basic history involving your recent finds, people, geography, etc. |
| Armory | Shows your weapons, armor, and blueprints to craft additional items. |
| Mailbox | Basically the E-mail of the world of Anthem. You'll get random updates of the goings-on of the cities, as well as other miscellaneous information. You'll even get spam mail and chain emails! |
| Tutorials | This tab contains Tutorials on the things you have already learned. |
Other Menu Tabs
The other menu shows you the following: (For the PS4, hit the touchpad to access this menu.)
| Tab | Description |
|---|---|
| Map | A map of the surrounding area, including a legend. |
| Featured | The in-game store, which allows you to spend Coin to customize your Javelins. |
| Social | Allows you to Squad Up with your friends. |
| Settings | Allows you access to your average gameplay settings. Controls, Audion, HUD, etc. |
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