Ithy - Exploring the World of Etheria: Restart

Etheria: Restart is an upcoming free-to-play turn-based strategy RPG developed by XD Entertainment. Set in a neo-contemporary virtual city called Etheria, the game transports players to a future where humanity has transferred their consciousness into this digital realm to escape a devastating global freeze.

Key Highlights of Etheria: Restart

Genre and Setting: A turn-based strategy RPG with gacha elements, set in a futuristic virtual world.
Narrative Premise: Humanity escapes a global freezing catastrophe by transferring consciousness into the virtual world Etheria.
Core Gameplay: Strategic turn-based combat featuring a diverse roster of characters known as Animus.

The Genesis of Etheria

The world of Etheria: Restart is born out of necessity. Facing an apocalyptic global freeze, the United Government initiates the [Cryosleep Initiative]. This involves the construction and experimentation of Etheria, a virtual world designed to preserve human consciousness and legacy. In November 2174, qualified individuals enter hibernation zones and undergo Etherization, converting their minds, consciousness, and memories into Etheron Data, which is then stored and linked to Etheria. This sets the stage for a narrative that explores the intersection of reality and a meticulously constructed virtual existence.

Within Etheria, humans coexist with beings called Animus, who possess unique Anima Power. Initially, this coexistence is harmonious. However, a disaster known as "Genesis" corrupts some Animus, causing them to become berserk and threaten the human inhabitants of Etheria.

Gameplay Mechanics: Turn-Based Strategy with a Twist

At its core, Etheria: Restart offers a turn-based battle experience. Players take on the role of a Hyperlinker, entering the virtual world to uncover its hidden truths and confront the threats posed by the corrupted Animus. The combat system emphasizes strategic thinking and team composition.

Forming Your Team: The Animus

A central element of the gameplay is collecting and utilizing Animus characters. These characters come with varying rarities, skills, and roles, each contributing uniquely to the battlefield. Players will encounter hundreds of distinct Animus, from a dual-wielding grim reaper to a punk genius hacker and a metropolitan empress. Building a balanced team with synergistic abilities is crucial for success in both PvE and PvP battles.

The gacha system is the primary method for acquiring new Animus. The game features banners with specific rates for obtaining characters of different rarities. Understanding the pity system and guaranteed pulls is essential for players looking to optimize their character acquisition.

Here is a basic overview of character roles:

Role	Description	Example (from available sources)
Damage Dealer (DPS)	Focuses on inflicting high amounts of damage to enemies.	Lian (Considered a strong DPS)
Healer	Restores the health of injured allies.	Dorothy (Cited as a good healer for beginners)
Tank	Absorbs damage and protects allies.	(Specific examples not explicitly detailed in sources, but a common RPG role)
Support	Provides buffs to allies or debuffs to enemies.	(Specific examples not explicitly detailed in sources, but a common RPG role)

Strategic Combat and Real-Time Control

While the core combat is turn-based, Etheria: Restart aims to offer a refreshing experience by incorporating diverse strategic mechanics and sandbox exploration. The game allows players to issue real-time combat commands and freely control each Animus in battle, adding a layer of tactical depth beyond traditional turn-based systems.

The game also features Shells, which are items equipped to Animus to provide stat boosts and passive bonuses, further enhancing their power and allowing for extensive customization and theorycrafting.

Visuals and Presentation

Etheria: Restart is built with Unreal Engine, promising breathtaking 3D visuals with realistic lighting details and real-time rendered in-game cutscenes. This aims to create a cinematic and immersive experience for players. Each character also boasts exclusive battle animations, adding to the visual flair of the combat.

Etheria: Restart Gameplay Screenshot — A glimpse of the strategic combat in Etheria: Restart.

Exploring Etheria: The Virtual City

The setting of Etheria is a futuristic metropolis, a virtual safe haven built to preserve humanity. Within this digital city, humans rediscover aspects of their former lives, engaging in entertainment, work, socialization, and relationships. However, this seemingly idyllic existence is threatened by the Genesis disaster and the corrupted Animus.

The virtual city encompasses various areas, from towering skyscrapers and bustling entertainment districts to city parks. The environment is depicted with beams of light and glowing data stripes, creating a unique visual style that blends urban landscapes with digital elements.

Etheria: Restart City Art — Artistic rendering of the futuristic virtual city of Etheria.

Release and Availability

Etheria: Restart is scheduled for a global release in 2025, although a solid release date has not been confirmed. The game will be available on PC (via Steam), iOS, and Android, with cross-progression support planned.

Closed beta tests have been conducted to refine the game before its official launch. These tests have provided players with early access to the game and helped the developers gather feedback on gameplay mechanics, performance, and content.

Pre-registration and Beta Tests

Pre-registration for Etheria: Restart has been available, allowing interested players to sign up and potentially receive rewards upon the game's launch. Closed beta tests, such as the one held in January 2025, have allowed players to experience the game firsthand and provide valuable input.

Here is a video discussing the gacha system in Etheria: Restart, which is a core component of the game's character acquisition and progression:

This video provides insights into the mechanics of pulling for characters in the game, including banner details, rates, and the pity system. Understanding the gacha system is important for players who plan to engage with this aspect of Etheria: Restart.

Community and Reception

Etheria: Restart has generated discussion within the gacha gaming community, with some players comparing it to titles like Honkai Star Rail and Persona due to its turn-based RPG nature and anime-inspired aesthetic. Feedback from closed beta tests has been varied, with some praising the visuals and strategic potential while others have commented on aspects like dialogue length and camera issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms will Etheria: Restart be available on?

Etheria: Restart is planned for release on PC (Steam), iOS, and Android.

Is Etheria: Restart a free-to-play game?

Yes, Etheria: Restart is a free-to-play game with gacha elements.

What is the release date for Etheria: Restart?

The game is scheduled for release in 2025, but a specific date has not yet been announced.

What kind of gameplay can I expect in Etheria: Restart?

Etheria: Restart features turn-based strategic combat, character collection through a gacha system, and exploration within a futuristic virtual city.

Are there different character rarities in Etheria: Restart?

Yes, characters in Etheria: Restart have different rarities, which influence their strength and usefulness in battle.

Exploring the World of Etheria: Restart

A Deep Dive into the Futuristic Virtual RPG