 | Digital Release | PlayStation 4, Xbox One February 10, 2015 (AU, EU, NA) March 04, 2015 (JP) Steam February 10, 2015 (later as Legacy Evolve) July 07, 2016 (as Stage 2) |
| Delisting | Early July 2018 – Removed from Sale July 02, 2018 – In-Game Purchases Disabled September 03, 2018 – Server Shutdown (Dedicated) Early 2022 – Peer-to-peer Matchmaking (See Below) July 06, 2023 – Server Shutdown (All) |
|
| Developer | Turtle Rock Studios | |
| Publisher | 2K Games | |
| Available On | Retail PC PlayStation 4 Xbox One |
|
| Links | 2K Games page SteamDB page Xbox.com page |
Delisting
The original or “Legacy” release of Evolve as well as its free-to-play “Stage 2” incarnation were most likely delisted on Steam, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on or near July 5th, 2018. On Steam its “isfreeapp” flag was removed on July 5th implying that the game was no longer available to download. An Archive.org capture of the game’s xbox.com page showed it was last available to purchase on June 16th with no subsequent captures for comparison.
Those who had previously purchased the game were able to play online matches through September 3rd, 2018 when the dedicated online servers were shut down. After that date only single-player and peer-to-peer multiplayer modes remained available in Legacy Evolve until early in 2022 when this functionality was temporarily lost in the PC versions of the game. More on that further below. The original announcement made by “2K Mike” from publisher 2K Games on June 1st, 2018 follows:
Evolve’s dedicated servers will be shutting down on September 3, 2018. This means several game features will no longer be available, such as Hunt (Ranked), leaderboards, and the in-game store. Stage 2 will no longer be available on PC, and players will have plenty of opportunity to spend their in-game and virtual currency before the store is removed. Peer-to-peer multiplayer will still be available in Legacy Evolve on PC and console, and we’d like to stress that all players will retain all purchased DLC content, such as Hunters, Monsters, and skins.
Here’s a timeline of the planned server shutdown
July 2, 2018: Virtual currency bundles removed from Evolve Stage 2 and will no longer be available for purchase
September 3, 2018: Dedicated servers shut down, Evolve Stage 2 no longer available, in-game store no longer available
2K Support – June 01, 2018
The same support page where the above announcement was made also offered a detailed FAQ (with updates) on how items purchased in-game with real money would be handled and what features would remain available in the game after September 3rd. According a Twitter response we received in early September of 2018, Evolve could no longer be re-downloaded on Xbox from the Purchase History, at least if it was received as part of the Games with Gold program. The game was offered to Xbox Live Gold subscribers in March of 2017.
In early 2022 the game’s remaining fan-base, now largely gathered on the Evolve: Reunited Discord server, discovered that the peer-to-peer multiplayer mode had become inaccessible in Legacy Evolve. After contacting 2K Support the issue was reportedly resolved in July of 2022 and peer-to-peer multiplayer was re-enabled in both Legacy Evolve and Evolve Stage 2. It was also reported that 2K had even reinstituted daily login bonuses and provided free Steam keys to members of the Evolve: Reunited server.
2K Support then announced on March 9th, 2023 that the remaining online functionality of Evolve (both Legacy and Stage 2) would be fully retired by July 6th, 2023. The announcement and timeline follow:
Starting on June 5, 2023 we will be scaling back support for Evolve and begin the process of sunsetting the servers.
For one month, from June 5 to July 6, Stage 2 Multiplayer will be offline but you will still be able to engage in Peer to Peer Multiplayer. On July 6, 2023 we will bring the Evolve servers completely down for a final time and the game will no longer be playable.
The support and enthusiasm of the Evolve community over the last several months is much appreciated, but the time has come to dedicate our resources to other projects.
2K Support – March 09, 2023
About the Game
STAGE 2
Evolve is the winner of over 60 awards, and now you can play it free with Evolve Stage 2! In a savage world of man vs nature, are you the hunter or the hunted? Turtle Rock delivers Evolve Stage 2, the next-generation free multiplayer shooter that pits four hunters against a single, player-controlled monster.
Prove you’re the apex predator in unique 4v1 matches, progress your account and characters, and dominate the far-off world of Shear.
All content is available in-game and can be unlocked through play, for free. No buy in or box required. Evolve Stage 2 is ready for everyone.
Key Features and New Features:
Stage 2: We’ve made improvements across-the-board including improved matchmaking, enhancements to all characters, visual improvements to maps, optimized performance, and improved player experiences. It’s a free game, but it’s also a much better game.
4v1: Grab three friends and hunt a monster or stalk lowly humans as an ever-evolving beast. Whichever side you choose, you have access to powerful weapons and abilities that deliver balanced, competitive gameplay.
Hunt Together or Die Alone: Choose a hunter that fits your play style. Whether you play as the Trapper, Support, Assault, or Medic, every role is vital and teamwork is key in surviving an encounter with the monster.
Beast of Prey: As the monster – the lone predator – you are the boss battle. Use savage abilities and an animalistic sense to wreak havoc, kill the humans, and prove you are the dominant species.
Savage Planet: Neither flora nor fauna are friendly on planet Shear. Fall victim to natural hazards or use them strategically against your prey.
Character Customization: Level up to unlock new upgrades, skins and perks for your favorite class: hunter or monster. Earn your infamy on the leaderboards and become the apex predator
Thanks to an anonymous reader for submitting this game to the site