Throne and Liberty is currently undergoing a major transformation – and not just in the West. In a developer letter from NCSoft itself, it was confirmed that autoplay is being removed and even instanced dungeons for groups are set to arrive. Additionally, a short video showcasing the new combat system has been released.
What is happening with the game? Throne and Liberty received criticism after the beta test in May for several reasons. The combat system was too static, character progression was too slow, and autoplay wasn’t well-received in the West.
However, the latest changes all sound really good:
- The combat system will be much more dynamic. More abilities can be used while moving, and new ones are being introduced that require active aiming. Additionally, new abilities will be unlocked faster.
- Collision between characters will be disabled in the open world to allow for more freedom of movement. In conflict zones, such as larger PvP battles, the collision will be reactivated as a tactical aspect.
- The stats are being overhauled so that a specific attribute is not required for a specific weapon. This is intended to allow for more combinations when switching weapons.
- Autoplay and automove will be removed – even in Korea.
- The character development will be massively accelerated.
- Instanced dungeons for groups will come. These will likely be pure PvE content.
In line with this, the developers have released a short video that gives you a glimpse of the new combat system:
33% less time to level 30 and more options for leveling
How exactly is the character development changing? With the removal of autoplay, the developers are forced to overhaul the entire leveling phase.
Events and exploration in the game world will now grant significantly more experience than in the beta. Additionally, new “non-hunting” missions and new goals for exploration are to be introduced to provide more variety. Group dungeons are also expected to assist with leveling.
At the same time, the required number of experience points for level-ups is set to be reduced. Compared to the beta, players should reach level 30 33% faster and the max level 50 overall 10% faster.
To reduce the grind required for gear, the number of materials in the game will be increased.
What about PvP? Even in the last beta of Throne and Liberty, PvP in the open world was restricted. There will now only be three scenarios in which you can be involved in PvP:
- During special events. However, these are surrounded by a ring, so you know exactly at what point PvP will be activated.
- In conflict zones. Every 2-3 days, each area will become a conflict zone, where battles for area control will take place. However, this only happens in one zone at a time, so you can easily avoid it.
- In most dungeons in the open world. However, those who are not interested in that can go to the new instanced content.
Overall, Throne and Liberty is still meant to be a PvP game, as seen from the conflict zones and especially the large battle for the castle.
What criticisms still remain? The monetization. However, Amazon stated that there should be no pay-to-win in the western shop of Throne and Liberty.
What has TL done well from the start? The new MMORPG features really nice graphics, offers 9 diverse weapons and forgoes the need for gear to break or lose a level upon upgrade. Additionally, there is a strong weather system that affects the environment and the battles, as well as a cool system with shapeshifting.
What do you think about the development of Throne and Liberty? Does the new concept appeal to you? And how do you like the new combat system?
More about the combat system and the game’s launch can be found here: The MMORPG Throne and Liberty is revising its combat system, is it good now? I played for 30 minutes.
