At the Black Desert FESTA 2018, developer Pearl Abyss announced the complete removal of the controversial Renown System. This gives casual players a chance to participate in PvP again.
The Renown System was intended to make both long-term players and newcomers stronger. However, with the introduction of Caphras Stones, the gap between casual and long-term players widened.
The Renown Score was supposed to make everyone stronger
What is the Renown Score? The Renown Score was introduced at the beginning of the year and was meant to bring newcomers and veterans together and reduce the distance between them. The system was intended to increase players’ attack power at lower levels to speed up gameplay, and at higher levels, to improve defense to prevent 1-shots from other players. Thus, the Renown System was supposed to strengthen all types of players equally.
However, at release, the system already caused problems. Weaker players had no chance in PvP after the adjustment, while long-term players could easily defeat them. The gap between newcomers and long-term players grew ever wider. Therefore, the system was repeatedly criticized by Black Desert players.
Caphras Stones worsened the problem
In Black Desert, equipment must be improved through a random process, which can also fail. Especially at the highest enhancement levels TRI, TET, or PEN, players have to farm for improvement materials for a very long time, and a failed enhancement attempt can nullify months of gameplay.
What are Caphras Stones? The Caphras Stones were supposed to ensure that players could gradually maximize their equipment without relying on the random enhancement system. Equipment can be infused with these stones, increasing the enhancement level. Once the enhancement level reaches 20, the weapon can be upgraded to the next higher tier with a 100% probability. The enhancement levels also increase the attack power and accuracy that the weapon provides.
In combination with the bonuses from the Renown Score, long-term players could overwhelm casual players in PvP.
Black Desert removes the Renown System but retains the Caphras Stones
To solve this problem, developer Pearl Abyss announced at the Black Desert FESTA 2018 the complete removal of the Renown System from the game. At the same time, Pearl Abyss intends to make adjustments to players’ defensive values to create a more balanced PvP experience.
Here’s how players are reacting: The announcement generates excitement among Black Desert players. They praise that by abolishing it, the build diversity in the game will increase again, making PvP more enjoyable.
In addition to the removal of the Renown System, the announcement of the new class Archer also generated excitement. Black Desert: Hooray, the new class is coming immediately to Europe.
