The superhero MMO DC Universe Online will receive the new Episode 41 in August. This will bring a few new contents, but mainly focus on the overhaul of old content. The aim is to make the game more interesting, especially for users without a subscription and newcomers.
What are the highlights of the update? Episode 41 will significantly change DC Universe. The biggest innovations are:
- A new headquarters will be introduced, a social hub where heroes and villains can meet, and which will be “tidier” than the previous hubs.
- Old content will be adjusted so that it can scale with difficulty in the future and always provide meaningful rewards. The so-called Combat Rating Relevancy will be removed, which prevents players with a too high item level from receiving loot in old areas.
- A completely new system will be introduced: the Allies. These are allies like Cyborg or Flash, who will accompany you in battle and can be leveled up by you.
- A group search tool will be introduced for old episodes and current events.
- All content episodes will be free, so you can play them without a subscription. In addition, further changes will be made to make it easier for Free2Play players.
Is there something for veterans as well? Yes, with Episode 41 new rewards will be introduced that veterans can earn through the new content “Save The Universe”.
In “Save The Universe”, old content will be highlighted for a certain time, fully adjusted to the current level, and equipped with a new currency. The content will be released in both a normal and an elite version.
As part of Episode 41, the contents of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman will be featured.
Free2Play players will greatly benefit from the update
What changes for players without a subscription? The biggest change is access to all episodes. Until now, players without a subscription could test new episodes for a short time, but could never play them permanently. That will change now.
Another innovation is the daily login rewards, which will now also be available for free players. Those who log in every day will be able to earn rewards worth about 20 dollars. Premium members, on the other hand, will receive additional rewards.
Additionally, the following changes will be made for free players:
- Increase the maximum money from 2,000 to 50,000 dollars
- 7 additional inventory slots
- Full access to the housing system and the utility belt (a bonus item for trinkets)
- The Promethium Lockboxes, which contain random loot and can only be opened with a special key, will be completely removed
The developers have stated that their goal for DC Universe is that players should never feel forced to take out a subscription. However, those who play regularly should feel “silly” for not taking one, as the offer is so good.
What changes for subscription players? Those who subscribe will also benefit from new features, including:
- Additional login rewards worth at least 60 dollars
- 7 additional inventory slots (28 total with the subscription)
- 8 additional bank slots (32 total with the subscription)
- 7 additional shared bank slots (7 total with the subscription)
In addition, subscription users will continue to receive the old rewards, including 10 additional character slots, some real money currency for the shop, and a 10% discount at the marketplace. However, there is no real gameplay advantage, such as additional XP or better equipment.
DC Universe plans further updates in the coming months
What happens with DCUO after Episode 41? The Episode 42 is planned for the fourth quarter of 2021. This should again be a “traditional” episode with more content for veterans. In addition, three events have already been announced:
- The autumn event
- Wonder Woman’s 80th
- A winter event around Christmas
For the first quarter of 2022, another 3 events are also planned. Furthermore, Episode 43 and a special version for the PS5 are set to be released in 2022.
DC Universe Online is one of the most important games from the developer Daybreak. At the end of 2020, the company revealed how many players log into their games each month. Almost 420,000 players are said to log into the MMORPG every month. This puts it well ahead of other titles such as Everquest, Dungeons & Dragons Online, or Lord of the Rings Online:
Company unexpectedly reveals player numbers for their MMOs and MMORPGs
