The millennia-old Terran Republic discovered a new planet beyond a recently-charted wormhole. Since the Republic bases its stability on continuing expansion and acquisition of new worlds, they immediately sent a large expeditionary force through the wormhole to colonize the planet.

Upon its arrival, the expeditionary force deployed orbital platforms, and proceeded to build numerous support facilities across the planet's surface. This expansion was difficult due to hostile environments and indigeneous lifeforms. However, traces of alien technology were unearthed on the planet, leading to one of the greatest discoveries - matrixing technology. With the discovery of this ability to store a matrix of any individual, the population stabilizes and the colonization effort continues.

During the latter stages of the colonization, the wormhole mysteriously collapses (possibly due to continued travel stress), stranding the expeditionary force on the planet. Cutoff from the main Terran Republic government, the expeditionary force splits into three Empires - those still allied with the Terran Republic, the New Conglomerate that wants a freer society, and the Vanu Sovereignty, which wants to monopolize the alien technology found on the planet.

Each side claims an orbital platform and a main base on the planet, and a war that is seemingly endless ensues.

The story of PlanetSide revolves around the war between three Empires, all battling to take control of the planet. Each Empire is expected to have their own aims, unique equipment, uniform styling and specialise in a certain field. All three Empires will have main bases, which also act as safe zones for members of that Empire, where helmets are removed and no weaponary can be used.

On your first visit PlanetSide, you will join one of these factions, inheriting their reasons for their endeavor to take control of the game world; their own specific resources, such as weapons, vehicles, that are unique to that Empire; and the missions and goals that will help increase the Empire's hold of the planet. There is also the possibility of going it alone in the game, giving full freedom to the player, but would place them in greater danger.

Equipment from different Empires can be stolen from an enemy when they're killed. There will also be a default set of weaponary and vehicles etc that are available to all Empires.

Leadership of Empires is a position expected to be filled by Verant staff members, if there is a time when an leader is necessary. In the situation that one Emipre becomes more powerful than another, their will be certain incentives for switching Empires. It will also be possible to switch Empires for your own reasons, but there will be certain penalties for this process.

	Terran Republic At the very core of the planet, humans have always strived for it's exploitation and control. But now, they must face new enemies for their survival. New technologies are being devlopped and the Terrans are getting ready for the ultimate battle. Every ounce of genius and skill will be cautiously distilled in order to maximize their strategic advantage.
	VANU Sovereignty Not much is known about this organization. The VANU specie have been shrouded in secrecy ever since they appeared on the planet. It has been heard that the VANU possesses the most advanced technology and implants mankind has ever seen. We will try and get more information and pictures as soon as we can.
	New Conglomerate The New Conglomerate appeared much after the Terrans and immediately engaged battle with them in order to gain planetary control. They fight with no mercy and have very distinctive weaponry and highly advanced technology. Be sure to count the NC empire in as a very aggressive competitor in the fight for PlanetSide.