Our first Dev Blog is here. As promised, we’re going to be releasing information
about our latest improvements to the game, as well as exciting new content.
We’ll also be addressing some of the topics that we’ve seen asked in the community,
and share our current vision of the game.
Today, we’re introducing updates to game modes, enhancements to the matchmaking system, improvements to the early game experience, and an exclusive first look at our newest Stalker, "Shinobu."
1. Major Changes to Game Modes
We're planning to simplify the current, somewhat complex game modes for a more enjoyable experience.
We'll introduce three main modes: “Quick Battle Mode” for combat enjoyment and a more relaxed combat experience, “Competitive Match Mode” for a more competitive experience, and “Adventure Mode” focused on dungeon exploration.
*Note: Names are not yet finalized, and are subject to change.
1) Quick Battle Mode
This mode supports both 3-player party and solo play.
The biggest change is that, even if you die in a match,
you won’t lose any equipped gear (though items found and stored in your bag
that aren’t equipped will be lost if you fail to escape).
Quick Battle Mode reduces the anxiety of losing equipped items,
encouraging players to try different strategies and enjoy dungeon exploration
and combat to the fullest.
2) Competitive Match Mode
Competitive Match Mode applies extraction rules similar to the Prison Dungeon Mode
from previous tests—fail to escape, and you’ll lose everything.
Compete under high tension and climb the ranks for superior rewards
and honor compared to Quick Battle Mode.
You can also secure a leaderboard position for yourself and your allies,
receiving rank-based rewards each season.
3) Adventure Mode (PvE)
Similar to Co-Op mode in previous tests, Adventure Mode focuses on PvE dungeon exploration.
Based on feedback from the 3rd test,
we’re working on introducing dungeons with various difficulty levels.
Once plans are finalized, we’ll provide more details.
We hope you’re looking forward to these revamped game modes.
2. Matchmaking System Improvements
1) Enhancements to the Matching Process
The matchmaking process has been enhanced to create better-balanced parties
by considering both players’ skill levels and gear ratings in random matches.
Player skill will be evaluated based on indicator-driven metrics,
and all equipped gear levels will also factor into matchmaking.
Ultimately, the goal is to reduce skill disparities between parties,
making for a more enjoyable gameplay experience.
Additionally, you can now preview information about party members who join during matchmaking,
allowing for better communication in the lobby.
We’ve also added a feature to let you change your chosen Stalker before entering the dungeon,
allowing for more strategic coordination among teammates to maximize team potential.
Other quality-of-life improvements include the ability to keep parties intact after a game
and easily send friend requests from the party screen,
making dungeon exploration even more enjoyable.
2) Improved Tutorials and AI Matches for New Players
We recognize the challenge of introducing new players to the extraction genre.
To make it easier for newcomers to enjoy and get accustomed to the game,
we’re enhancing the tutorial by adding practical tutorials,
such as those covering the Combination System, which can be directly applied in gameplay.
Moreover, for new users who complete the tutorial, we will allow them to engage in quick matches against AI opponents before fully diving into the game.
This will provide an opportunity to experience the fun of the extraction genre,
helping them adapt to the game rather than facing the frustration of an overwhelming defeat.
3. New Stalker ‘Shinobu’
"Hi there! I'm Shinobu, and it's a pleasure to meet you!"
She is a ninja from the mysterious Eastern land of Kayoku,
striving to earn the title “Hanzo,” the greatest ninja.
She also wishes to reunite with her younger brother,
whom she was separated from at a young age. Shinobu fearlessly faces any danger.
Shinobu specializes in close combat with her dagger but also utilizes throwing stars to target enemies from a distance.
Her unique ninja skills in martial arts and stealth are designed to disrupt and assassinate her targets.
More detailed information on Shinobu will be revealed soon, so stay tuned!
To wrap up, we’ll answer some questions that you’ve shared through our official Discord.
l Q&A Corner
Q. Will you be revealing more about the story in the future?
I’m very interested in the story beyond the battles in Dungeon Stalkers.
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author:
A. We appreciate the interest many Stalkers have shown in the story,
and we plan to convey the background of Dungeon Stalkers in various ways.
We expect to share the background story through a variety of game trailers,
and as the seasons progress, we will gradually reveal the story of the dungeon
and the witch through season trailers and boss battles.
A. We appreciate the interest many Stalkers have shown in the story,
and we plan to convey the background of Dungeon Stalkers in various ways.
We expect to share the background story through a variety of game trailers,
and as the seasons progress, we will gradually reveal the story of the dungeon
and the witch through season trailers and boss battles.
Q. In previous tests, even though each character had multiple skills,
there were specific skills that proved to be more efficient,
leading to players mostly using the same skills.
Are there plans to adjust character skills to increase variety in skill usage?
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A. Yes, skill balancing, which plays a significant role in combat, is one of the areas the development team is closely monitoring.
We plan to adjust each Stalker's skills to create better synergy with different gear combinations.
This will also involve substantial changes,
such as improvements to the ultimate ability system and redesigns of certain Stalkers’ ultimates.
We’ll keep you updated on these changes as they develop.
A. Yes, skill balancing, which plays a significant role in combat, is one of the areas the development team is closely monitoring.
We plan to adjust each Stalker's skills to create better synergy with different gear combinations.
This will also involve substantial changes,
such as improvements to the ultimate ability system and redesigns of certain Stalkers’ ultimates.
We’ll keep you updated on these changes as they develop.
Q. I would love to see a variety of cosmetic costumes.
It would be great to have awesome designs for weapons,
as well as options to change hairstyles and other customization elements
beyond just character outfits.
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A. We’re aiming to offer a broader range of skins
and emotes by the time we launch Early Access.
We’ll continue to share previews of new skins in developer notes
and monthly updates as they become available.
A. We’re aiming to offer a broader range of skins
and emotes by the time we launch Early Access.
We’ll continue to share previews of new skins in developer notes
and monthly updates as they become available.
Q. I hope for consistent communication from the developers.
Are there plans for ongoing developer communication content in the future?
I'm curious about what information will be shared.
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author:
A. Alongside today’s Dev Blog, we’ll continue to provide monthly updates
to share the details of ongoing development as transparently as possible.
We’re also preparing various forms of content to keep the lines of communication open.
A. Alongside today’s Dev Blog, we’ll continue to provide monthly updates
to share the details of ongoing development as transparently as possible.
We’re also preparing various forms of content to keep the lines of communication open.
Q. It would be more exciting if rare items dropped with a visual effect, like a light beam,
or if defeated characters emitted light. Is this improvement planned?
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author:
A. Enhancing the “item drop excitement” is an area we’re focusing on,
and we’re working on visual improvements one step at a time.
The community’s suggestion to add visual effects for higher-grade item drops is
definitely in our upcoming plans.
A. Enhancing the “item drop excitement” is an area we’re focusing on,
and we’re working on visual improvements one step at a time.
The community’s suggestion to add visual effects for higher-grade item drops is
definitely in our upcoming plans.
Q. Will the issue of Rene's summoned elemental attacking allies be improved?
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author:
A. “Friendly fire” was a topic of much feedback during past tests.
While it adds strategic depth and tension to combat,
it can unintentionally harm team cohesion and be challenging for new players.
After careful consideration, we’ve decided to improve gameplay
by removing friendly fire to make Dungeon Stalkers more accessible and enjoyable for all.
A. “Friendly fire” was a topic of much feedback during past tests.
While it adds strategic depth and tension to combat,
it can unintentionally harm team cohesion and be challenging for new players.
After careful consideration, we’ve decided to improve gameplay
by removing friendly fire to make Dungeon Stalkers more accessible and enjoyable for all.
Q. Many improvements are planned, but is there another test on the horizon?
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author:
A. The current improvements and new content we are focusing on will bring
significant changes to the existing game,
so we are exploring various options for showcasing them before the early access release.
We are also working on strengthening server stability and are considering whether technical testing is necessary.
We believe that conducting tests while listening to the community’s feedback is a proactive way to communicate.
Once the testing plans are finalized, we will share the news first through the Dev Blog.
A. The current improvements and new content we are focusing on will bring
significant changes to the existing game,
so we are exploring various options for showcasing them before the early access release.
We are also working on strengthening server stability and are considering whether technical testing is necessary.
We believe that conducting tests while listening to the community’s feedback is a proactive way to communicate.
Once the testing plans are finalized, we will share the news first through the Dev Blog.
Our development team is committed to enhancing the game overall and adding new content to
make Dungeon Stalkers a long-lasting, beloved experience.
We’ll continue to share development updates and keep the conversation going
through the Dev Blog, so please stay tuned and keep the feedback coming.
Thank you!
