Gameloft has revealed details about Asphalt 9's upcoming expansion, Asphalt Legends Unite. Expect new multiplayer features, a co-op game mode, and an overhaul to the current UI. Here are all the details about this expansion.
Asphalt 9's is headed towards a massive new update in the form of the Asphalt Legends Unite expansion. The developers describe it as a "bold leap forward in the Asphalt franchise" and will bring various technical updates that will "set the base for the future."
Asphalt Legends Unite is notably the first-ever expansion and so, represents an evolutionary step for the five-year-old game. With new features and improvements to the current build, it's unsurprising that many players can't contain their excitement about its release.
But, as alluded to earlier, this is merely the beginning for the Asphalt 9 team. They consider this a milestone for the game, but now firmly have their eyes set on the next expansion which may include more social features, a seamless multiplayer progression system, a novel vanity system, and a packed esports calendar.
Asphalt Legends Unite Expansion Release Date
The Asphalt Legends Unite expansion will be released to Asphalt 9 on July 17, 2024.
Asphalt Legends Unite will be arriving to Asphalt 9: Legends on July 17th. This will be the first step in the evolution of the series and the first expansion in its history.Check out the trailer and stay tuned for more news tomorrow!#AsphaltLegendsUnite pic.twitter.com/ipt29AiThb
— Asphalt (@asphalt) March 26, 2024
When the update is launched, you can expect the game's servers to go offline for some time. As this is the first expansion for Asphalt 9, it's unclear how long this maintenance break will take. It could take anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours.
Gameloft will celebrate the expansion's launch by releasing a 'Supercharged' edition of the game for the PS5 and Nintendo Switch. In it, you can receive rewards such as classic cards, resources, and an exclusive PlayStation decal for the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4. The added rewards for the PS5 are because Asphalt 9 will finally be available on the platform.
Developers Will Unite Players With Cross-Play & Private Lobbies
The developers recognize that multiplayer is a massive feature in Asphalt 9, and in this expansion, they hope to expand on ways that players can play together.
Starting with cross-play, this would allow you to play with and against other players regardless of the platform you choose. This means that mobile players can jump into races with PC and Nintendo Switch players.
Private Lobbies are also a novel feature that will enable you to directly challenge your friends in competitive races. An improved Friends List is also in the works.
Gameloft has made it clear that cross-play will be available immediately after the expansion's launch. However, Private Lobbies and the Friends List are still a work in progress and may be released in updates following the expansion's release.
A Co-Op Game Mode Will Be Introduced
Keeping in line with their move to champion multiplayer in Asphalt 9, the developers will also introduce a new co-op game mode. It will see two teams go against one another in a competitive police car chase.
Gameloft describes this game mode as follows:
A team of 5 Syndicate drivers will be chased down by 3 Security cars, in a brand-new game mode that will have you barreling down challenging tracks and trying to either take down your foes or make your escape!
It was revealed that discourse within the Asphalt 9 community served as the inspiration for the game mode.
Experience Asphalt 9 With A Better Game Engine
A custom graphics engine will be launched in the Asphalt Legends Unite expansion. This package will "bring more realism" to races, offer players higher fidelity visuals, and introduce dynamic lighting and reflections on the tracks.
In addition to this, this revamped graphics engine will provide the developers with the space needed to add more details to the game's many cars. This will result in better car paint reflections and the addition of headlight lighting effects.
A Massive UI & HUD Overhaul Is On Its Way
Impressive as the new additions may be, there is nothing quite as impressive as the coming changes to the UI for both menus and the in-game HUD. It aims to make navigating the various game menus easier. From the first look alone, the layout appears better as it looks modern, polished, and less cluttered than the current UI.
Moreover, a new 'Garage' feature promises to make browsing your car collection and customizing your cars far more seamless.