The new alert type brings with it a range of possible unlocks that would normally be found in the depot, as well as some unique items that can only be earned from continent locking. We want players to feel the rush of a hard fought victory, and reward them for partaking in it. The new system intends to create a climactic end-of-continent encounter that challenges players not only as individuals, but as squads, platoons, and outfits. Prior to this update, locking a continent was not only confusing for many players, but also happened abruptly, and often times without direct influence from the players fighting on the front lines. One of the driving motivators of revitalizing the continent locking system is to encourage more strategy and competitive spirit in PlanetSide 2. If the triggering faction wins the alert, they will conquer the continent and call in an armada of Bastion Fleet Carriers to rain destruction upon their enemies. When one faction has refined enough cortium and controlled enough territory, that faction triggers an alert which signifies the impending domination of a continent. With the Critical Mass update comes a major revision of the way continents are fought over and conquered. It is certainly going to take a while to make adjustments to all of the changes, but it seems like the game is moving in a net positive direction. Huge changes to alerts as well as sweeping vehicle and weapon balance changes. The Planetside 2 update we have all been waiting for is finally here.

Planetside 2 analyst helmet