Tales of Arise receives a surprise DLC announcement at PlayStation’s State of Play and is scheduled to release in November of this year. 

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn DLC Announced For November 2023

Fans of the long-standing “Tales of” video game series should have felt a resurgence in excitement in yesterday’s PlayStation State of Play. Developers Bandai Namco have revealed the “Beyond the Dawn” DLC for Tales of Arise, seemingly out of nowhere. This expansion continues the story of our intrepid band of heroes a year after the “great conflict” was resolved from the main game (though funnily enough, the original was released two years ago). 

What’s in store for Alphen, Shionne, and the rest of the gang? How have they been holding up in a new world without barriers? Let’s find out! 

A New World Order

Beyond the Dawn is a direct sequel to Tales of Arise, and thus this article can and will contain spoilers for some major plot threads. You have been warned. 

We ushered in a new era of peace at the end of Arise, one that broke down the walls that divided the peoples of Dahna and Rena. This opened up ample opportunity for the people to embrace each others’ differences, and to work together toward a common good. 

The protagonists of Tales of Arise could not have been more different. Shionne and Alphen are literally two people from different races and quite the polar opposites of each other even in temperament. Over the course of the main story, the two have undergone significant growth and understanding toward the plight of the other, and eventually forming mutual bonds that flourish into great friendship. 

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn

The DLC will heavily feature the usual suspects: Alphen, Shionne, Rinwell, Law, Kisara, and Dohalim all make their return! Bandai Namco likens the title of the DLC to that of a continuation of the lives of each and every character after the main product is concluded. It also suggested that the title is a hopeful one about the future, and what comes after a great monumental event has shaken the foundation of the very world.

The new 20-hour epic will also include newcomer Nazamil and the enigmatic destiny that surrounds her. 

Nazamil is one such product of the union of the peoples, as she is a girl born of both Dahnan and Renan blood. She is hunted, however, by some Dahnans who believe that her creation is an abomination that should not be encouraged. Additionally, Nazamil is the daughter of a prominent Lord that our group has faced off against in the original Tales of Arise. Though who specifically is left up to speculation, at least for now. 

A New and Shiny Arisen

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn will still follow the usual formula that Arise players have become accustomed to. The game will still heavily feature wonderful “Atmospheric Shader” cel-shaded visuals, as well as deep storytelling with heavy interactions between the main cast. Bandai Namco takes pride in that the quality of the cutscenes, in particular, has been greatly improved. The final product even evokes feelings such as “watching a good movie”. 

Gameplay-wise, not much will change from the tried-and-tested formula already set by Tales of Arise. We can expect new things to be added, like new dungeons, enemies, weapons, and costumes, like any good DLC. 

However do note that the developers will not be carrying over items or skills from your previous save game, post-victory. They are cultivating an experience that will have its own specific challenges, and making sure that all players are on the same playing field will help people have that same experience. And to be fair, it has been a year since the heroes had some major action so things definitely have changed (or items lost and misplaced). 

Like a Phoenix, Arise!

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn has been announced to be released on November 9, 2023. No price has been confirmed just yet. The DLC will also be released on the Xbox consoles, and Steam as confirmed by the official Tales of Arise Japanse site. Tales of Arise is also one of the Best RPGs on the SteamDeck! Also, check out our review of the base game!

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