Here’s a look at Minecraft Legends’ cross-platform PVP mode

Today’s Xbox Developer_Direct Showcase debuted footage of Minecraft Legends PVP multiplayer, which will be included at launch as a separate part of the game distinct from its campaign.

In Minecraft Legends, PVP is a cross-platform affair for up to eight players, divided into two teams. The goal of each team is to capture and destroy the opponent’s base while building a defense around their own.

As in Legends’ main campaign, PVP areas are procedurally generated – a nod to vanilla Minecraft. Also included are the Piglins, PVE enemies that act as a third faction to frustrate both sides.

Each side’s army and resources are shared among players on that team, which is handy for groups of players who like to share responsibilities. Maybe you prefer building your base? Or explore and collect resources?

The second phase of each game begins when players decide to attack their opponent – potentially leading to a cat-and-mouse game, and players attempt to further expand their base to repel attacks or build more offensive capabilities (eg e.g. a Redstone Siege Cannon). ) against which the opponent has to defend himself.

“We’re aiming for a 20-30 minute gameplay experience, but because it’s a procedurally generated world, it will change based on the custom world being created, the teams in it, and the people’s strategy,” the executive told me Producer Lee Pederson during a chat about the game’s PVP mode. “But that’s what we’re aiming for, and there’s a progressive experience, so as the piglins ramp up later in the game, it gets more complex the further you go to help shape that timeframe.”

You’re unlikely to roll over your opponent, Pederson says, but players can sometimes find they have a slight advantage from time to time based on world generation. This has been offset by development, with a more vulnerable base location also potentially offering greater access to resources.

“We’ve scaled back a certain level of weirdness when we look at our ruleset,” Pederson continues, “but not so much that it’s ever repetitive or boring.”

Minecraft Legends is scheduled for release on April 18th for PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, including PVP mode.