Gamers across the globe might have heard ofCrystal of Atlan, as it has a pretty persistent online presence on YouTube and website banner ads recently. The game is yet another spin at the free-to-play (F2P) Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Game (MMORPG) for multiple platforms like mobile, PC, and PlayStation 5. There’s a lot that the average MMORPG enthusiast will like about this game, like its diverse class system, various ability combos, a PvP system, and most importantly, a skip button for long stretches of in-game dialogue. However, these positive features might be overshadowed by one polarizing feature built intoCrystal of Atlan’s gameplay.
Crystal of Atlanis officially classified as a “Magicpunk” MMO Action RPG, which likely refers to its aesthetics that combine gritty steampunk and whimsical high-fantasy elements. Such a style can be seen in games and shows likeLeague of Legendsand its TV seriesArcane,Bioshock, andFinal Fantasy. Its developer, Nuverse, is known for its hit cross-platform games based on existing media, like the CCGMarvel Snap.Crystal of Atlanwas initially released two years ago in China, and it was only launched globally on July 12, 2025. Audiences and critics enjoy the game’s smooth action gameplay, which requires players to pay attention to their air and ground combos while dodging enemy attacks. Though it has received some criticism for one of its major features.
Crystal of Atlan’s Energy System is a Polarizing Feature Among Fans
When players progress throughCrystal of Atlan’s adventure modeor farm equipment, they may notice that their account consumes a number next to different-colored battery icons. These are Character and Account Energy, which are limited resources that the game replenishes to their maximum level every day at 6:00 UTC+8. Here’s what each one does:
Why Some Players Dislike Crystal of Atlan’s Energy System
When players run out of account and character energy, they won’t be able to challenge any dungeons to farm for EXP and equipment. They canreplenish their Character Energy by using Batteries, which one can acquire through rewards or by purchasing Resource Packs with real money. Buying the premium Phantasium Pass also rewards players with a +20 Character Energy cap and +120 Account Energy cap.
This is a bummer for some, as there are players who are willing to put in the time to grind for their levels and farm for their ideal pieces. The Energy system feels like a restriction to these types of players. Plus, dungeons are part ofCrystal of Atlan’s story progression. This limits the core experience of arole-playing gameand prevents fans from playing the game the way they want, which may cause some of them to turn away.
Why Some Fans Prefer Having Limited Energy in Crystal of Atlan
The other side of theCOAEnergy debate prefers having a limited resource for various reasons. However, the most significant one would probably be a better game-life balance. Players who have trouble balancing their gaming with their everyday life duties may benefit from having this restriction. They can hop in, do their farming and leveling, and log out to do more important things once their energy is depleted. Preventing long hours of farming and grinding could also lessen the burnout that some hardcore MMO players often get.
Crystal of Atlan’s Energy System is part of a trend of stamina-powered gameplay across different online games. The game could use a higher cap, and it should untether Energy from the main storyline, similar toHonkai: Star Rail’s Trailblaze Powersystem. This way, players can pace the game’s main quest however they want while also limiting burnout from level and equipment farming.
