NCSoft has introduced a new rune system for the Korean version of Throne and Liberty that revives the old Pay2Win discussions. MeinMMO summarizes the key points of this feature for you.
What is this new feature? After the comprehensive ‘Leap’ update of the Korean version of the MMORPG from July, the developers of Throne and Liberty have now introduced the content of the August patch. Included: a new rune system. Here’s how it works:
- The new dungeon challenge “Dimensional Challenge” (comparable to Mythic Plus dungeons from WoW, which also offer increasing difficulty) rewards with jewels that can be socketed into gear to enhance attack, defense, or support values.
- There are exactly these three types of runes: red attack runes, blue defense runes, and yellow support runes.
- Runes that offer the same value can be fused into stronger versions of the runes.
- Synergy effects can be activated based on the type of runes used.
- By gradually upgrading runes, even less experienced players should have the chance to farm high-level runes by completing the first eleven levels of the “Dimensional Challenge” (which are said to be relatively accessible).
- Runes should also be earnable in other ways, such as through world events.
- Runes can be destroyed, yielding rune fragments (a level 1 rune gives about one to three fragments). With 100 fragments, one can craft a rune hammer.
- A rune hammer is needed to unlock sockets on gear (for weapons, two rune hammers per socket are required). The factor of chance decides which type of rune can be placed in each socket.
- By investing additional rune hammers, one can re-roll the type of socket, with costs depending on the number of reset attempts (so you’ll need more rune hammers to reset).
The Guitarist562 shows in a video on YouTube how the system works in practice.
The release date trailer prepares you for the launch of Throne and Liberty:
Worried glance to Korea
How does the community react to this system? On Reddit, the community is already extensively discussing the new system. Two areas of the feature are viewed particularly critically:
- The potential Pay2Win/Pay2Progress factor: Rune hammers can be purchased through the in-game shop. Those who invest real money are expected to reach their goals much faster.
- The randomness factor: Those who want to use the best possible rune combinations and synergies on their gear must obtain numerous rune hammers and even more runes. Those who have bad luck can become frustrated quickly.
Some players of the Korean version have reportedly spent hundreds of dollars on rune hammers in streams, with widely varying results for character progression. Those who don’t spend money on the shop and have bad luck with unlocking sockets will alternatively spend a lot of time in the new “Dimensional Challenge” dungeons.
How does MeinMMO editor Karsten Scholz evaluate the new feature? If the rune system is implemented in exactly this form in the Western version of Throne and Liberty, criticism from my perspective is absolutely justified. Once the factor of chance affects character strength and also involves real-money investments, developers cross a line.
However, I would like to emphasize that Amazon Games has already adjusted various critical mechanics and systems from the Korean version of the MMORPG for the Western port. In the open beta, the payment model of Throne and Liberty was relatively fair. Therefore, I expect that there will be corresponding adjustments to the rune system for the West as well.
What do I need to know about Throne and Liberty? On September 17, 2024, the new MMORPG from NCSoft, Throne and Liberty, will be released. The launch in the West will be handled – as already indicated – by Amazon Games, who have gained experience with New World and Lost Ark.
You can expect an online RPG that aims to focus on the “massively” in “Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game.” Aside from the usual quests, there will primarily be huge PvP battles, sieges, and guild activities. More details can be found here: Throne and Liberty – All important information on release, classes, gameplay, crossplay, payment model, early access, platforms
