The new currency “Essence” in Paladins has caused upset among some players. Studio Hi-Rez responded and is adjusting the new system before patch OB 44 goes live.
Recently, Hi-Rez introduced its new patch OB44, which includes new cards for the champions. These new “Legendary Cards” bring significant changes to the gameplay, as they allow for even more customization of the characters. Each “Legendary Card” provides the champions with powerful attributes that add even more strategic decisions to the game.
Further changes to Paladins are associated with the legendary cards. In addition to the already existing currencies of Gold and Crystals, Paladins will add a third: Essence. The new currency will unlock cards for the loadout deck and legendary cards in the future.
Players fear too strong a grind for new players
The new system with Essence and Legendary Cards has been on the Paladins test server for a few days. Test players complained that the costs of Essence are far too high, making it difficult for new players to collect all the cards.
Essence can only be obtained on the test server by receiving duplicate cards from Radiant Chests. However, new players do not have many duplicates at the beginning and require more time than seasoned Paladins veterans to obtain Essence. This could frustrate new players and deter them from playing Paladins, according to the community. Radiant Chests are still unlocked with Gold but no longer give Gold.
Hi-Rez adjusts Essence and Legendary system
Studio Hi-Rez considers it one of its highest priorities to stay close to the community and take player feedback seriously. Therefore, a few adjustments have now been announced that mainly aim to balance the costs more.
Hi-Rez is adjusting this based on player feedback
- The Gold price for purchasing Radiant Chests is reduced from 3,000 to 2,500 Gold.
- The Gold earned for completing a weekly quest is increased from 800 to 1,000 Gold.
- The reward for the first 3 wins of the day is doubled from 150 to 300 Gold. This allows for a total of 900 Gold daily as a reward.
- Players now receive Radiant Chests when they reach Mastery Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 & 10. This applies to each individual champion. Players receive the Radiant Chests retroactively if the Mastery Levels were achieved before OB 44.
- Accounts created after OB44 will receive 36,000 Essence for completing the tutorial. Players who completed the tutorial before OB44 will also receive 36,000 Essence.
- Those who purchase the Founder‘s Pack will receive 72,000 Essence. Players who already own the Founder’s Pack will receive the 72,000 Essence retroactively.
Hi-Rez believes that the Legendary Cards are a strong expansion for Paladins and intends to further develop and improve them with additional patches. The studio will continue to closely monitor the test server. Before the patch actually goes live, adjustments may still be made.
The addition of Essence and the revision of Radiant Chests are intended to improve the experience of unlocking new ways to play a champion.
Community remains skeptical, but appreciates adjustments
The community is pleased that Hi-Rez is reworking its new system before it launches. The adjustments are generally seen as a significant improvement, and players are impressed by the studio’s quick response. However, players remain skeptical about a third currency, as it could make collecting all cards more difficult. The most critical issue remains the entry for new players. How it looks in practice must wait a few weeks when the patch is released.
Leya says: In the last few days, I have been hanging around on the test server, mainly to test the new Legendary Cards. The cost of Essence also seemed too high to me, which is why I consider the new adjustments justified. I will wait a few weeks to see how Essence and Legendary Cards develop before making a judgment. I am definitely pleased to see that Hi-Rez has taken the community’s feedback seriously and is trying to make the new system player-friendly.
For all other updates from OB44, such as the Survival Mode, you can find it here: Paladins OB44 Patch Highlights
What do you think of the community’s concerns and Essence?
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