In Black Desert, the players are once again voicing Pay2Win accusations. The introduction of a previously banned item and a purchasable protective item is causing frustration among players. What happened?
Why is Kakao Games being criticized? The important item Cron Stone is supposed to be purchasable with real money with the upcoming patch. Moreover, the item Valk’s Cry is finally making its way to Black Desert, even though Kakao Games stated two years ago that the item would have no place in the EU and NA versions.
According to a study, enhancement is too infrequent: Kakao Games justifies the decision by saying that players in the NA and EU regions enhance their equipment less frequently than players in other regions. The two items are supposed to increase the number of enhancements. However, this announcement is not well received by the players.
Pay2Win is often discussed
Players discuss features: The topic of Pay2Win frequently arises among Black Desert players. Features are repeatedly introduced, leading to discussions about whether Black Desert is now Pay2Win.
- A €50 tent allows players to repair equipment directly in the field
- The benefit package provides certain advantages
- The Blessing of Kamasilve improves the loot found. It has an impact on progression in the game
This has even led to returning or new players in forums asking whether Black Desert is actually Pay2Win now. The responses vary:
- Some players believe Black Desert is more of a Pay2Progress game. Players who pay advance faster in the game
- Others believe that Black Desert certainly has elements of Pay2Win
Valk’s Cry and Cron Stones are coming to Black Desert
How does Valk’s Cry work? When you use the item, your current chance to successfully enhance an item increases by up to +10.
Valk’s Cry can be obtained through various means:
- Players receive 100 loyalty each day when they log in. This 100 loyalty can be used to obtain a Valk’s Cry for 100 loyalty up to five times a week
- You can extract Valk’s Cry and Cron Stones from pearl outfits. Just visit a Blacksmith or Armor Dealer for this. The process works with all pearl outfits, even those purchased from the Auction House
How do Cron Stones work? Cron Stones “protect” an item from being downgraded. When players want to upgrade an item to one of the highest levels, such an item is practically essential. Cron Stones can also be obtained through events or purchased from the Blacksmith for 1 million silver each.
Pay-To-Win is favored
Many players oppose this: In the Black Desert community, the announcement that Valk’s Cry and the ability to extract Cron Stones will be implemented with the next patch is causing discomfort.
- They feel betrayed by Kakao Games. Just in 2016, the publisher had announced that they would not implement Valk’s Cry in the game, and now they are doing it anyway
- Valk’s Cry can be acquired by extracting pearl outfits. Players will therefore be encouraged to spend many euros in the cash shop to “buy” fully enhanced equipment
- Because Cron Stones can now be indirectly obtained through pearl outfits, players can purchase protected enhancements. According to one player, a protected attempt on the second-highest enhancement level TET would cost €60. There are certainly players who will invest thousands of euros in costumes because of this
Some players are asking Kakao Games to reconsider and think about whether they really want to implement Valk’s Cry and the ability to extract Cron Stones.
Kakao Games responds to criticism
We didn’t want this: In the Spanish forum of Black Desert, a member of Kakao Games responds to the players’ accusations.
- Pearl Abyss, the developer of Black Desert, makes all decisions regarding what happens in the game
- Pearl Abyss decided some time ago that there should be a global version of Black Desert
- The team at Kakao Games has opposed the implementation of Valk’s Cry. They proposed the item Blessing of the Fairy. This item is supposed to work just like Valk’s Cry
- Therefore, Pearl Abyss additionally implemented the item Blessing of the Fairy.
The item Blessing of the Fairy works exactly like Valk’s Cry. To obtain it, you need to exchange 10 Laila’s Petals at the Fairy Queen Theiah or Ceilyn. You can obtain the petals by defeating monsters, fishing, and gathering. It is therefore possible to get a sort of Valk’s Cry through grinding.
