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PlanetSide vs PlanetSide 2

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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PlanetSide
PlanetSideEngage in massive planetary warfare across ten continents on Auraxis.
PlanetSide 2
PlanetSide 2Massive sci‑fi battles across a persistent open world
Overview
Description

PlanetSide is a groundbreaking massively multiplayer online first-person shooter where players fight for territorial control across ten distinct continents on the planet Auraxis. Choosing one of three warring factions, soldiers can specialize in various roles ranging from frontline infantry and vehicle crewmen to invisible infiltrators and combat support. Featuring large-scale persistent battles that can involve hundreds of players simultaneously, the game emphasizes tactical coordination and territorial dominance. Originally released in 2003 by Sony Online Entertainment, the game later transitioned to a free-to-play model before its servers permanently shut down in July 2016.

PlanetSide 2 delivers relentless, large‑scale warfare where thousands of players clash in real time across three continents. The free‑to‑play shooter blends tactical squad combat with RPG progression, offering endless battles in a living, breathing sci‑fi universe.

Pricing
Paid (Subscription)
Category
First-Person Shooters
Co-op Shooters
Best for
Fans of massive multiplayer shooters and strategic warfare
Fans of massive MMO shooters
Specifications
Specifications
developer
Sony Online Entertainment, Rogue Planet Games
Rogue Planet Games
publisher
Sony Online Entertainment, Daybreak Game Company
Daybreak Game Company
age rating
PEGI 16, ESRB T
ESRB T, PEGI 16
multiplayer
Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
Multiplayer, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
critic score
75/100
83/100+11%
General
release date
2003-05-20
2012-11-20
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Unprecedented scale with hundreds of players in single battles
  • Deep role specialization and diverse combat support roles
  • Engaging three-faction territorial control mechanics
  • Pioneering massively multiplayer first-person shooter experience
  • Massive, seamless battles
  • Deep class and vehicle customization
  • Strong community and faction system
  • Free-to-play with regular content updates
Cons
  • Servers permanently shut down in July 2016
  • Requires significant team coordination to succeed effectively
  • Steeper learning curve for new players entering massive battles
  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Occasional server latency issues
  • Heavy reliance on teamwork can be frustrating solo
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

PlanetSide 2 is the safer default – it’s live, free‑to‑play, and supports up to 2,000 players, whereas the original PlanetSide is shut down.

Key differences

  • PlanetSide 2 is currently active and free‑to‑play; PlanetSide required a subscription and its servers closed in July 2016.
  • Maximum simultaneous players: up to 2,000 in PlanetSide 2 vs. hundreds in PlanetSide.
  • Class system: PlanetSide 2 offers eight distinct classes with deep RPG skill trees; PlanetSide lists broader role types without detailed class trees.
  • Map size: PlanetSide 2 features three massive continents; PlanetSide covered ten continents.
  • Content updates: PlanetSide 2 receives regular updates; PlanetSide received none after shutdown.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

PlanetSide 2 supports larger battles (2,000 players) and ongoing content, offering more dynamic fun.

PlanetSide 2

Platform availability

No platform information is provided for either title.

Tie

Price & value

PlanetSide 2 is free‑to‑play; PlanetSide required a paid subscription.

PlanetSide 2

Multiplayer / co‑op

PlanetSide 2’s 2,000‑player battles and active servers beat PlanetSide’s now‑defunct multiplayer.

PlanetSide 2

Content & replayability

Regular updates keep PlanetSide 2 fresh; PlanetSide stopped receiving content after server shutdown.

PlanetSide 2

Difficulty & accessibility

Both games have steep learning curves for new players.

Tie

Graphics & performance

No graphics or performance data is provided for either game.

Tie

Choose PlanetSide if…

None – the original PlanetSide is no longer playable after its 2016 server shutdown.

Choose PlanetSide 2 if…

Players who want live massive battles, free access, and ongoing updates.

Common questions

Is PlanetSide still playable?

No, its servers were permanently shut down in July 2016.

How much does PlanetSide 2 cost?

PlanetSide 2 is free‑to‑play.

Which game supports larger battles?

PlanetSide 2 supports up to 2,000 simultaneous players, compared to hundreds in the original PlanetSide.