Dev Q&A Recap - Sorcerer Class, TCG Game? New Map, Sockets, Swimming And MORE!

Summary

In this update, Onepeg discusses exciting changes coming with the December 18th wipe, including a continuous dungeon feature, new sorcerer class, and an overhaul of map and game mechanics. The continuous dungeon will allow players to join raids in progress, while the randomizer mechanic adds variety to CPS. Social spaces are also being revamped with plans for a tavern, in-game trading card games, and training dummies. Other changes include a new socketing system for gear, updates to the arena mode, and fixes for balance issues with cleric healing and shields. Fans can look forward to more dynamic content and gameplay improvements!

Takeaways

• 😀 The December 18th wipe introduces the 'continuous dungeon' feature where players can enter dungeons in progress and exit via portals or red stairs.
• 😀 The new 'infill mechanic' allows players to join ongoing raids, with the duration for joining still undecided and subject to balance needs.
• 😀 The dungeon's layout will be randomized with about 50-60 modules, creating a dynamic 4x4 grid; this randomization will eventually extend to other maps.
• 😀 A fog of war mechanic will be added, limiting visibility to only the current area and previously explored sections, similar to games like The Binding of Isaac.
• 😀 Map rotation is being removed, allowing players to choose the map and team size for queueing, with a system that joins players to ongoing or new maps.
• 😀 Arena mode is about 80% complete, with plans for additional maps, refined MMR, and potential new modes like 1v1 or 2v2. A water world map with swimming mechanics is in the works, but will not be available at launch.
• 😀 A new class, the Sorcerer, will be available on the December 18th wipe, offering spellcasting with unique cooldown mechanics and hand-based casting. The class will have tuning issues at launch.
• 😀 The December 18th wipe will also introduce a socketing system, allowing players to overwrite random modifiers on gear using specific gems to adjust stats like movement speed.
• 😀 Social features are being revamped, with the removal of the Gathering Hall and Otto, and the introduction of an in-game card game to encourage social interactions.
• 😀 Shields are currently facing issues with animation and connection problems, and once the team works on other content, they will address these issues.
• 😀 Cleric class is considered strong in healing but limited by low movement speed and may be subject to future balancing changes as the movement speed meta is adjusted.

Q & A

What is the major new feature being added for the December 18th wipe?

The major new feature is the Continuous Dungeon, which allows players to enter a dungeon with open doors and the option to join even if the raid is already in progress. Players can leave via blue portals or red stairs, and the dungeon won't have respawns.

How will the infill mechanic work in the Continuous Dungeon?

The infill mechanic allows players to join a dungeon even if it's already started, with the system placing them into a queue or matching them with others already in progress. The exact time window for joining has not yet been finalized.

What changes are being made to the dungeon layouts?

Dungeons will be randomized, with CPS starting with a 4x4 grid of modules, eventually expanding to randomize the entire dungeon's size and shape. There will also be a fog of war mechanic that only reveals areas the player has already explored.

Can players still choose which dungeon map they want to queue for after the update?

Yes, players will be able to choose the map they want to queue for, and the system will match them with other players, either in progress or waiting in the queue for that map.

What is the current status of the Arena feature in the game?

The Arena feature is about 80% complete, with plans for more maps, a refined MMR system, and potential modes like 1v1 or 2v2 in the future. The current focus is on the 3v3 mode.

What is the new Water World map, and when will it be available?

The Water World map is a new biome with a swimming mechanic. It will not be available at the December 18th wipe but is expected to be added in season six. Swimming will be retroactively added to maps with deep enough water.

What is the new Sorcerer class, and how will it differ from the Wizard?

The Sorcerer is a new spellcasting class that will have individual spell cooldowns and unique mechanics, including the ability to cast spells with each hand. It will differ significantly from the Wizard's playstyle.

What does the new socketing system entail?

The socketing system allows players to overwrite random modifiers on their gear using specific gems. The system will provide more control over item stats by enabling players to choose which modifiers to add, based on the rarity of the item and gem.

What changes are being made to social systems within the game?

The developers are planning to replace the Gathering Hall with a new social space, possibly including an in-game trading card game. The aim is to create a more interactive social experience for players.

Are there any plans to address issues with shields and clerics?

Yes, the developers are aware of bugs affecting shields, such as issues with shield block animations and disconnects. They're also addressing balance concerns regarding the Cleric, particularly its healing abilities in team compositions.

Is there going to be an end-of-wipe event?

The developers are considering an end-of-wipe event, which may involve making items cost one gold or unlocking all traders for a day. However, nothing specific has been confirmed yet.