Since release we’ve been constantly gathering feedback from every front available to us. A noticeable recurring theme has been a somewhat volatile progression experience while surmounting various challenges in the game mostly deriving from a lacking reward system. This update introduces a feature that will provide players with a consistent feedback loop in the form of a traditional leveling system. The previous gear upgrading system has been slightly tweaked to make room for this new change. We’ve been thoroughly testing the player experience with the addition of this new system and the feedback has been extremely positive.

This change will also provide a more intuitive way to grow and surmount challenges as they come your way, while de-prioritizing micromanagement of less obvious resources and mechanics. And finally, with the addition of a levelling system we've even further emphasized the player's ability to build the playstyle that fits them most.


Experience System:

- A total of 25 levels in NG, and an additional level cap for NG+.
- Additional increase of 5 level per instance of NG+ up to a total of 40 levels maximum.
- Attributes are now obtained either via leveling system or from accessories (Rings, Amulets, Capes)
- Anomalous crystals give new bonuses.
- XP is obtained from killing enemies, completing objectives, discovering new locations, discovering new NPCs and from loot.
- XP from killed enemies diminishes based on the player's level.
- XP is instance based for Co-Op.
- There is no confirmation window currently, and existing inventory will confirm assigned attributes.
- Handler can craft "Basilisk Hack" that resets your assigned attributes. Used from inventory.
- Handler can craft "Experience Concoction" that increases your XP gain by 10% for 10 minutes.
- Iron Helmet received a passive ability: "Up to 20% increase to XP gain based on missing health."
- Characters from before the XP patch will be boosted to their adequate level based on the progression and amount of bosses killed.
- Exclamation mark appears if there are any points remaining for attribute assignment.

Changes:

- The Handler no longer locks players in forced UI.
- If the Handler has something to say, interact will play that dialogue, otherwise it will open the manufacturing screen.
- The Handler can now be found near most of the checkpoints. (must first be discovered and cleared)
- There is now a small notice in the inventory panel if a Handler Echo is available for use.
- Major overhauls to Monastery, Blok6147, Rain District, Desert, and Uranopolis zones. (more zone improvements coming soon)
- Asklepios can now be looted from the Rain District.
- New Concoction: "Mystery Concoction", recipe unlocked from the start. Can only be crafted by handler.
- More responsive archery locomotion.
- More responsive crouch locomotion.
- Gates that are locked now have a "Locked" Interact UI, so players know which gates can be opened.
- "Continue" button in the main menu now loads previously played characters.
- New button in the main menu: "Load Game" performs the same task as the "Continue" button previously performed.

Balancing:

- It is now harder to be stunlocked as there is now an internal cooldown between two staggers.

Fixes:

- Blocking after a dash that interrupted an attack is no longer delayed.
- Fixed incorrect spine bend on some animations.
- Fixed sliding after a roll if movement speed is above 95%.
- Fixed sliding if the dash was interrupted by switching weapons.
- Spamming interacts after falling off ladders no longer stucks characters in perpetual falling animation.
- Spamming interact after canceling fast travel no longer keeps fast travel UI active.
- Fixed being able to place down homunculus while staggered.
- Removed visible debug box from shield bash ability.
- Fixed remaining Revenant collision after death.
- Interact UI is no longer visible from certain angles in the inventory.
- Interact UI will now auto close if it stays active due to a glitch.
- Fast travel will now properly rotate the player and the camera.