Hello, Milletians. Min Kyunghun of the Mabinogi team here.
Today, we're finally ready to share news about the NEW RISE update that many Milletians have been eagerly awaiting, along with a number of other upcoming changes.
The Mabinogi team has consistently striven to create an environment where all Milletians can settle in and grow smoothly. For example, we've significantly improved aspects of character growth like Skill Training and worked to make unlocking the level thresholds for Erg a bit more approachable.
As we implemented these improvements, more Milletians than ever before decided to visit Mabinogi, settle in, and grow along with us. However, even after significantly improving these elements, many Milletians agreed that "Mabinogi is a difficult game."
Seeing this, the Mabinogi team concluded that no matter how much we individually optimize each element of growth, it would be difficult to solve this fundamental problem while maintaining the game's current growth structure.
For that reason, we made the decision to completely change how characters grow and progress in Mabinogi. With this goal in mind, the team set to work on the overhauls that make up this winter's update, naming it "New Rise."
The New Rise update contains many changes, each implemented in the hopes that collectively, they will help Mabinogi be loved deeply for many years by Milletians everywhere.
[November]
Fully Revamped Combat Experience
Mabinogi features a variety of dungeons to sharpen the blades and magicks of Milletians. Each dungeon offers unique materials to obtain, and through collecting these materials to craft the next tier of equipment, players experience the fun and sense of accomplishment that comes with growth.
While working on this update, our primary focus was the question: "Is this process of character growth providing enough enjoyment for all Milletians?"
The six "core" dungeons of the game, from Uladh Advanced Hard Mode dungeons all the way up to Brí Leith, are what we consider Mabinogi's central battle content. To obtain equipment, players must gather materials from these dungeons to craft gear, forming the foundational step of one's growth.
However, in reality, the percentage of players who are progressing by actually crafting equipment directly from these dungeons is extremely low.
This indicates the system is already operating contrary to its intended purpose. In another sense, it also means Mabinogi is failing to provide Milletians with a natural and satisfying growth experience.
That's why, starting this winter, you will be able to acquire equipment more directly from playing content, and start using it immediately.
We're condensing the types of dungeons you'll have to go through as you progress your character to the six "core dungeons" previously mentioned. Within these dungeons, you'll be able to obtain the equipment and materials you need to grow stronger in the form of completed, non-tradable weapons and armor.
First, as you clear Uladh's Advanced Hard Mode dungeons, you'll obtain untradable Celtic weapons and Refined armor. In Tech Duinn, you'll be able to obtain untradable Perseus and Demolition weapons along with Ultimate Geas armor. The advanced difficulty of Rabbie Phantasm Dungeon, Crom Bás, and Glenn Bearna will each offer a low chance to drop untradable Nightbringer and Ruination weapons in their completed state.
With this framework in place, we've now established an environment where you can sequentially conquer dungeons all the way from Advanced Hard Mode to Crom Bás, acquiring stronger equipment to aid your natural growth and progression along the way. We hope this change will allow more Milletians to reach Glenn Bearna and Brí Leith naturally.
(Note: Rabbie Phantasm dungeon’s higher difficulty level, Temptation’s Path, will be available starting this December.)
Addition of Refined Armors
We've refined some of Mabinogi's classic armor sets into gear suitable for all Milletians to use.
While weapons have established progression stages, armor sets have faced challenges in establishing progression stages due to the existence of various set items.
To reduce the frustration Milletians who primarily use Arcana talents might experience when trying to choose armor that further enhances the performance of their Arcana skills, we've added set effects to the existing Refined armor series. This also establishes an intermediate tier for armor sets that was lacking before. On top of that, we've also introduced four new armor sets for the Combat, Magic, Alchemy, and Archery talents.
We expect these additions will improve the game's gear offerings to better suit current combat styles. With all Refined armor sets able to be obtained from Uladh Dungeons, they'll also be a very accessible option for players.
Existing Refined armor pieces you already possess will be automatically upgraded with the highest possible values for the newly added set effect range. The Sewing Patterns for the new Refined pieces will also be available from Uladh Dungeons, so we hope you'll look forward to crafting and wearing them.
Equipment Rarity Grade System
Through this overhaul of the dungeon experience, you can obtain all of the key items needed for growth by focusing on specific dungeons. While easier item acquisition is clearly a good thing, the introduction of "untradable complete equipment" may raise concerns about the effects this could have on the value of existing crafted gear, or whether it will be worthwhile to craft gear in the future.
As part of the changes we're making, the Mabinogi development team has added an equipment "rarity grade" system in order to create an environment where players can gradually improve their gear while still aiming for crafted equipment and the benefits it provides.
Equipment obtained in dungeons is divided into multiple grades and can drop as "completed" items, with performance based on the rarity. The equipment players have crafted up to now and will craft in the future will all be classified as "Masterwork", the highest tier. Stat equipment originally received from Gachapon boxes will also be classified as "Masterwork"-grade.
The varying grades of the non-tradable equipment obtainable in dungeons serve as a mechanism to smoothly bridge player progression that might otherwise feel disjointed during play. Therefore, equipment obtained in dungeons will never become stronger than crafted equipment. Equipment received through events will be classified as "Exquisite"-grade.
(Note: Items obtained in dungeons are granted a bonus damage value within a certain range, decided at random, so even if you obtain a Masterwork-grade piece of gear, it will never be stronger than crafted equipment, as the crafted equipment would possess the maximum possible bonus damage value.)
With the introduction of equipment rarity grades, the performance of existing gear will also change. Based on the weapon types you currently use, the new scaling will render them more powerful than before, while untradable equipment will help fill in the gaps in your arsenal. Consequently, even if you obtain lower-tier gear, the environment is structured so that you can progress toward a goal of having crafted equipment.
The new rarity grade system also allows us to make recommendations on average gear levels for specific dungeons--something that was previously difficult to standardize. This will provide Milletians with more intuitive guidance on when they're ready to challenge the next tier of dungeons.
In essence, by linking dungeons and crafting, we've naturally established a framework for step-by-step progression.
That said... The Soul Liberator series, the current highest tier, best-in-slot weapons, will only be obtainable through crafting. To be worthy of being the highest tier, they will also be given additional advantages over other weapons.
Step 8 Special Upgrade
Soul Liberator weapons and the Soluna Blade will be able to perform a Special Upgrade beyond the usual limit, up to Level 8. We believe this will further solidify these weapons' merits as the highest-tier equipment currently available, distinct from any other weapon class. The Special Upgrade Stones required to reach Level 8 can be obtained from Brí Leith.
Nightbringer Axe and Healing Wand
Two new weapons are joining the Nightbringer series this winter: a one-handed Axe and a Healing Wand. We expect these weapons to become the goal of many players looking to gear up for the Sacred Guardian and Harmonic Saint Arcanas.
Dungeon Difficulty and Reward Overhaul
Each dungeon you see now was previously available in multiple difficulty levels, but with this update, we have restructured them into fewer difficulty levels to improve accessibility.
Tech Duinn Missions have been condensed into a single difficulty level, suitable for even solo play. Crom Bas is being changed from its present state to two difficulty levels, 'Basic' and 'Normal'.
Additionally, we've reduced the amount of unnecessary gimmicks within dungeons. The length of Uladh's Advanced Hard Mode dungeons have been shortened significantly. The zombie corridors in Feth Fiada and the long corridor in Crom Bás have been removed. For the Glenn Bearna Dungeon, some mechanics have been altered to allow solo play on the Basic difficulty.
For the Glenn Bearna Dungeon, the original narrative structure required another team to navigate the day and night timelines together. We've now changed this to a format where our friend Merlin assists you. Thanks to these changes, the time required to clear the dungeon has also been significantly reduced compared to before.
Our goal with these changes was to adjust the difficulty and mechanics so that Uladh dungeons and Tech Duinn Missions can be cleared within 5 minutes, and Crom Bás and Glenn Bearna within 10 minutes.
We balanced around these timeframes so that players who meet the recommended specs will be able to comfortably achieve them--not just endgame players. This will reduce the burden of combat and make dungeons more approachable for players.
We've also minimized the dungeon entry restrictions. Uladh Advanced Hard Mode dungeons can be entered without having to use a pass, and the weekly entry limit for Tech Duinn Missions has been removed.
However, if there were no limits at all on how many times someone could run content, players capable of clearing dungeons faster and more frequently could, over time, exert a negative impact on the game's economy. Conversely, we felt that imposing a weekly limit would slow the growth pace of newer Milletians. That's why we're introducing a new reward enhancement item called 'Neartite' to help separate growth from loot acquisition.
Neartite is a reward buff item similar in function to Shadow Crystals. Using Neartite when opening dungeon reward chests allows players to obtain special rewards such as Broken Magic Essence. Neartite is obtainable in limited quantities per account each week, and the amount given is intended to be used within that week.
Simply put, equipment and enhancement effects needed for growth can be obtained without limit in a non-tradable form, while rewards with market value require Neartite to obtain. We believe this approach maintains the joy of finding new gear and continuing to advance.
Additionally, missions and quests for which we have determined the current rewards are inadequate relative to their entry requirements and difficulty may undergo adjustments. Further details regarding such changes will be provided separately at a later date.
The core Gaelic word, "Neár" (pronounced "nyaar") or "Neart/Neartglas", refers to a power or force, in this case sealed within the stone. Lore-wise, Neartite's description suggests that some believe these stones to be the crystallized tears of Morrighan. They're shaped like a stone heart with a glowy crystal in the center.
Shineseeker Orb Dungeon
Our development team believes that new Milletians need growth goals to look forward to in order to truly thrive. To that end, we are introducing the new Shineseeker Dungeon, where Milletians can aim for significant boosts to their progression--albeit at a low chance.
The Shineseeker Dungeon is a treasure vault-themed dungeon where Fomors once hoarded gold and valuables in preparation for the descent of Glas Ghaibhleann.
Players can receive a set number of Shineseeker Orbs each day, and these orbs are also available as rewards from dungeon chests when Neartite is used. Additional Shineseeker Orbs can also be purchased with the material obtained by disassembling untradable weapons acquired from dungeons.
Offering these Shineseeker Orbs on the altar in the lobby of the Alby Dungeon grants you entry to the Shineseeker Dungeon. We designed it so that Milletians with reasonably good gear can clear it within 5 minutes without much difficulty.
In the Shineseeker Dungeon, you may obtain key untradable equipment items with low drop rates. Since these core rewards are difficult to obtain, the loot table even includes things like Fleur's Grass Tiara and Void Robes, allowing you to feel a significant boost in your growth if you're lucky enough to find such treasures.
While untradable Void Robes cannot be upgraded into higher-tier robes, we determined that obtaining this robe during your growth journey alone would be sufficient to offer a clear sense of progression.
Ultimately, our hope for the Shineseeker Dungeon is that it will be an appealing dungeon where you have a chance to obtain useful items that boost your character's gear progression while reducing the burden of combat. We encourage all Milletians to challenge it consistently to take their growth to the next level.
Dungeon Guide Revamp
Along with these changes, we've also revamped the Dungeon Guide to make it easier to view where each dungeon's challenge level sits after the overhaul. New additions like the Shineseeker Dungeon are also shown here, offering players a more organized and convenient place to view content progression.
While some elements like the shop have been retired with this change, we've improved the guide to ensure you can still use the "Favorites" and teleportation features that players have long found helpful.
Enhancement Inheritance System
For years, our Development Team has been trying different approaches, hoping to solve the problem of equipment upgrades being an obstacle for players. The growth structure made it disadvantageous to start using gear until it had been upgraded past the point of your existing gear.
In our search for answers, we determined a more fundamental overhaul was necessary, and decided to add a system that allows players to transfer equipment enhancements, including Reforging attributes.
No matter how much gear we provide through events or content, or how many experienced Milletians help new players get started with solid weapons and armor, there's inevitably a bottleneck in progression when they reach the point where they need to obtain a stronger weapon. To eliminate this bottleneck, we determined that the item farming structure, in which players need to re-enhance their gear every time they change to a new weapon or piece of armor, needed improvement.
Our answer to this problem is the addition of a system where you can select gear you own that has already been enhanced and a new piece of gear that you'd like to "inherit" the enhancements from the first piece of gear. You'll be able to select which enhancements you'd like to carry over before you proceed with the transfer.
The inheritance process will consume materials and Gold based on the type and level of the enhancements being transferred. Considering the impact this inheritance system will have on the value of current item crafting and dungeon rewards, the equipment from which the enhancements are transferred will be consumed and the equipment that receives the enhancements will become permanently untradable.
Milletians who wish to carry over enhancements from previous equipment despite the tradability restriction can utilize the inheritance system. Those who wish to keep their equipment tradable can choose to enhance it themselves or purchase it, just as they've done before.
We expect the inheritance system to alleviate some of the burden on player progression, especially the hesitation to trade up to new gear due to the cost of enhancement.
Addressing Reforging Difficulty
To further alleviate the burden of enhancement, the untradable equipment that drops in dungeons will come with Reforging attributes.
The Reforging attributes will range from one to three lines, up to a maximum of level 20. Our intention is to provide an environment where Milletians can obtain Reforged equipment solely through playing the game.
We hope this change makes running dungeons more enjoyable and helps reduce the perception that Reforging is a difficult and arduous enhancement process.
Currently, when using Reforging Tools to add Reforging attributes to a piece of equipment, you need to increase the Reforging Rank and enable three lines before you start trying for strong Reforges. Moving forward, Reforging Tools will always grant items Rank 1 and 3 attribute lines.
The 3 Line/Rank 1 improvement is another of the changes that are coming with this winter's update, and is applicable to any piece of equipment that can be Reforged, as long as you use a Reforging Tool on it.
Because of this change, all Hope Gems will be converted back into Hope Essences. Journeyman's Reforging Tools are being retired and will no longer be obtainable, and we also plan to refund you Gold for any Basic Reforging Tools currently in your possession.
These Reforging changes will impact many aspects of Mabinogi, including revenue. We didn't reach such a decision lightly. However, we are confident that these changes, alongside the others going live this winter, will help Mabinogi establish a more sustainable foundation for long-term growth. That, in turn, will make it a more enjoyable game for all.
Removal of Unnecessary Growth Elements
With this update, we've also aimed to reduce the number of growth elements that are not essential to Mabinogi in its present state. This includes things like weapon Signet enhancements, Special Unit Command Level stats, the Renown and Potential systems, and bonus Ego Points for Spirit Weapons.
Over the life of the game, Mabinogi has accumulated a multitude of systems and elements aimed at increasing a character's overall strength, and we've kept piling on more without ever really changing our direction.
However, after some review, we've determined that these long-standing growth elements no longer contribute to Mabinogi's fun or value. Therefore, to prevent these accumulating elements from becoming a burden to players, we plan to gradually remove them starting now.
The bonuses you gain through these growth elements won't disappear entirely. Weapon Signet effects will be integrated into applicable weapons as part of their basic features, while elements like Renown and Potential will be reassigned to more naturally available elements, such as the Shine of Eweca passive buff.
For stats gained from Special Unit Command Levels, don't worry--you won't lose access to the Squires like Kanna and Logan. Instead, we plan to redistribute the stats previously gained from raising your Special Unit Command Level to other areas.
Regarding Ego Points for Spirit Weapons, we know there have been situations where players accidentally leveled a Spirit without maxing out their Spirit Bond, permanently missing out on bonus Ego Points. In answer to this problem, we're completely removing Bonus Ego Points as a mechanic: all Spirit Weapons (including those with missing points) will have the maximum number of points for their level applied going forward.
Improvements to Skill Training and Racial Stats
Many players likely still feel a significant burden regarding skill training, to the extent that "Reaching Rank 1 is only the beginning of Mabinogi" remains a popular sentiment among Milletians. While we've significantly and continuously reduced the difficulty of training skills compared to where we were years ago, the requirement to train every skill to Rank 1 remains a major barrier.
To address the situation where those wanting to grow in combat must train up all their Life skills for stats, we determined that something more than just simplifying skill training was needed.
Going forward, our plan is to change things so that those who want to grow in combat can focus solely on combat skills, while those who want to grow in crafting and gathering can focus solely on life skills, allowing everyone to make sufficient progress in their desired direction.
As we were doing this, we also made further improvements to existing skill training hurdles. When training skills, there were situations where players couldn't use Ability Points (AP) for AP Training due to minimum Training EXP requirements, so we have eased these AP training conditions. We've also eased the difficulty of acquiring hard-to-learn skills, most notably Bachram Explosion, making it easier for players to access a wider variety of skills.
Additionally, we plan to eliminate the racial disparities in stats between the races, and improve the stat caps uniformly for all.
While racial traits are an important factor that can help shape one's playstyle, we believe sufficient differentiation already exists through skills and other features.Therefore, our aim was to create an environment where characters could grow equally regardless of their race--at least in terms of stats.
This means all races will now be able to raise all stats to their current maximum values. Additionally, age-based stats, talent bonuses, and Arcana level bonuses will also be normalized so all races gain the same values from them.
Hitstun System Improvement
Though Milletians can fight on equal footing with gods, getting hit by an ambitious pack of rats leaves them stunned, unable to act. That...doesn't seem right, does it?
That's why, going forward, when taking hits that deal damage lower than a certain percentage of your health, you will no longer be stunned by the attack.
We expect this change to make combat easier when you increase your Defense and Protection. However, skills like Smash that specifically cause knockback will still fill your Knockdown gauge if you get hit multiple times, even if you don't take much damage. Thus, quickly taking care of enemies will remain a crucial combat strategy.
Interaction Key
We're adding a new feature that allows you to interact with surrounding objects or NPCs using a keyboard shortcut instead of mouse clicks.
This is an attempt to reduce dependency on computer mice during play. When you approach things like sheep or cows that can be interacted with, or doors that require clicking to enter, an interaction key will appear above the object. This shortcut can be set to any key you like. We hope it'll make your day-to-day life in Erinn that much more convenient.
Improvements to Switching Between Arcana
The AP cost for switching from one Arcana Talent to another will be reduced to 10% of the current cost (from 100 AP down to 10 AP), and you will now be able to switch your Arcana Talent anytime, anywhere through the UI, as long as you're out of combat.
We've made these adjustments to ease the burden for Milletians who need to switch between multiple Arcana Talents while leveling up new ones this winter. Milletians who need to juggle multiple Arcana should now be able to switch between them more freely than ever before, enjoying the game without added stress.
[December]
New Arcana - Forbidden Alchemist
Following on the heels of the New Rise update, two new Arcana Talents will be added: Forbidden Alchemist and Arsenal Gunner, adding even more color and variety to your combat options.
As its name suggests, Forbidden Alchemist is an Arcana whose core talent is Battle Alchemy. It combines Battle Alchemy with a Life skill talent, Medicine--the first Arcana to do so.
Forbidden Alchemist allows you to directly adjust the ratio of elemental Alchemy Crystals and Herbs used by each skill. Its defining feature is that additional effects can be activated based on how these combinations are configured.
Depending on the type and quantity of Alchemy Crystals used and which Herb is chosen as the catalyst, you can focus on a single effect or apply multiple effects simultaneously. This allows Milletians to freely choose their preferred approach to any combat scenario.
Furthermore, the current alchemy damage formula was deemed to have a structure that makes it difficult to perceive growth. Therefore, alongside the launch of Forbidden Alchemist, the alchemy formula itself is also receiving a comprehensive overhaul.
The core skill rotation for Forbidden Alchemist is expected to involve using Fangs of Stone to pull enemies within a specific range to a single point and hold them in place, then finishing off the crowd controlled (CC'd) enemies with Chemical Carnival, which deals immense damage in a narrow area.
Depending on how you've configured your Chemical Carnival setup, you can widen the attack range or amplify the damage to a single target even more, allowing players to enhance it to align best with their preferred strategy.
Furthermore, upon reaching the pinnacle of alchemy, it becomes possible to recreate the form of the legendary Uroborus. This unlocks the powerful skill Serpentcall, capable of devastating the battlefield.
The Talent features several other skills, including Elemental Infusion, which further enhances existing the power of your Battle Alchemy skills. We look forward to bringing greater enjoyment and new possibilities to all alchemy-loving Milletians.
As you set out on your Forbidden Alchemist journey, you'll also meet a new character tied to the Arcana named Taise, who has her own unique sort of charm.
Taise, the first person to manifest the Forbidden Alchemist Arcana, is a girl genius with extraordinary talent in alchemy. She is naturally timid, and the reason for her timidity is rooted in her childhood.
Raised by a strict alchemist mother, Taise grew up hearing the rules of alchemical experimentation told to her in the fashion of horror stories. Consequently, she sees the world as a terrifying and dangerous place, leading her to possess a cautious and even fearful view of all things.
Taise came to feel that she needed some means of protecting herself from this world filled with terrifying tales. Utilizing her alchemical genius, she immersed herself in Herbalism to seek the 'ultimate mandrake' that could protect her, coming to excel in both alchemy and herbalism.
In her quest to find this special mandrake, she will meet the Milletians and members of the Arcana Association. We hope you'll give Taise a warm welcome when she arrives this winter.
New Arcana - Arsenal Gunner
As its name suggests, the Arsenal Gunner's core talent is Gunslinger, while its secondary talent is Transmutation.
The Arsenal Gunner's defining feature is its ability to reshape the barrels of their dual guns through transmutation, transforming them into everything from a sniper rifle to flame-belching cannon as needed. Through wielding special attack skills beyond what handguns are capable of, players will experience a new combat style that transcends the limitations of the Gunslinger talent.
Arsenal Gunners can also charge special energy rounds using the power of Transmutation, further enhancing the potency of their Arcana skills or normal attacks. Key skills include Bullet Barrage, which conjures a pair of multi-barreled gatling guns to unleash a hail of gunfire on enemies, Heavy Artillery, which fires powerful explosive mortars, and Detonation Field, which amplifies the effects of the Arcana's other skills.
True to its name, the Arsenal Gunner boasts a diverse array of firearms capable of handling any situation. Detonation Field, in particular, is a skill meant to be combined with other Arsenal Gunner skills. Its effects vary depending on the follow-up skill you use. For example, it's capable of pulling in enemies within range, or triggering an additional attack against enemies within the field. This allows for a wide range of combat strategies based on skill combinations and application methods.
Whenever we design an Arcana, we constantly ponder how to create moments where your combat instincts truly shine. We expect that Arsenal Gunner will grant Milletians many such opportunities.
Along with Taise, you'll also meet Micheil, the first person to manifest the Arsenal Gunner Arcana.
Micheil, who stands out from the crowd with his eye-catching fashion sense, has a respectable and stable job despite his appearances. He is employed by the Kingdom of Aliech as a Royal Alchemist.
Talented in his studies, he was appointed as a Royal Alchemist through hard work. While he usually presents a very neat and professional "office worker" image, Micheil's sole hobby is firearms research. He spends his nights studying his beloved dual guns, striving to develop his own unique firearms (the dark circles under Micheil's eyes are from the accumulated fatigue of his frequent all-nighters).
Micheil manifests the Arsenal Gunner Arcana through his knowledge of alchemy as a Royal Alchemist and his passion for dual guns. He is willing to leave even his stable job behind and join the Arcana Association to pursue his unique dream.
This winter's Arcana update will also feature an exciting story revealing more about Taise and Micheil, so we hope you'll enjoy learning more about both of these talented alchemists.
New Difficulty for Rabbie Phantasm Dungeon
With the shuffling of dungeon difficulties and the alteration of the game's progression path, the Mabinogi team determined that a dungeon was needed to "bridge" the relatively wide gap between Crom Bás and Glenn Bearna's Basic and Normal difficulty modes. This is essential for Milletians who are making progress toward late-game and endgame content.
To address this need, we are introducing a higher difficulty mode for the Rabbie Phantasm Dungeon, offering a challenge for players that will help acclimate them to the kind of gameplay they can expect on the Normal difficulties of Crom Bás and Glenn Bearna.
Rabbie Phantasm's new difficulty is an "alternate-path" dungeon where you enter a more challenging branch of the dungeon by performing specific actions within the existing Rabbie Phantasm instance, similar to Glenn Bearna's "Primeval Winter" difficulty.
Because we set it up like this, you can enter this mode with a normal Rabbie Phantasm Dungeon Pass without any restrictions on entry. Potential rewards from this new mode include Nightbringer and Ruination weapons, Blacksmith Manuals for Refined armor, Erg materials, and Additional Entry Passes for Crom Bás, Glenn Bearna, and Brí Leith.
Ideally, this new difficulty level will establish itself as a pathway to obtaining essential gear for growth, additional opportunities to play higher-tier dungeons, and a source of tradable rewards.
Furthermore, as the Rabbie Phantasm Dungeon is expected to become a dungeon Milletians visit as they grow and progress through the game, the number of Restorative Potions required to craft Rabbie Phantasm Passes will be reduced from the current amount. We hope you'll enjoy what this new dungeon has in store for you.
Enhanced Style Content - Personal Shop Mannequin
A fashion-related change is the addition of Mannequins to Personal Shops. As you might guess, this allows you to set up a mannequin at your personal shop, which you can dress in an outfit.
Outfits displayed on these mannequins can be sold or purchased as a set, and also offer an option to grant potential buyers a rental period, too. We look forward to seeing you put your fashion design skills on display by styling mannequins with your outfits and selling or renting them out.
[The First Half of 2026]
Echostone Improvements
We're finally adding Echostones to the Extra Equipment Slots, and failed attempts at Echostone advancement will no longer lower the stone's grade. In addition, awakening will only take a fixed amount of AP, and a feature to access the Music Box area immediately without completing the dungeon will be added to make it easier to advance and awaken Echostones.
Advancements will cost Gold, but clearing the dungeon will still provide 5 free advancement attempts, just as before, so we hope you'll enjoy being able to choose whichever method best suits your preferences.
Adding Sources of Stat Equipment
With the New Rise update, we've made many improvements to the game's step-by-step growth structure and expanded rewards, so everyone can experience the joy of growth and accomplishment by playing diligently.
In keeping with this direction, we're changing stat equipment, which serves as a key component of character growth, to be more broadly acquirable through gameplay.
This will make it so that stat equipment that was previously only available through gachapon boxes can be acquired through different means via gameplay. We're currently working on implementing this, and hope to roll it out sometime in the first half of next year. We'll share more details with you in the future.
This change is not simply an adjustment to expand the number of ways you can get these items--we see it as an important step toward realizing the philosophy of "step-by-step growth" and "expanding rewards" central to the design philosophy of the New Rise update. Our continued efforts here seek to help players feel a greater sense of accomplishment over the course of their progression.
We'll continue doing our best to provide a healthy, sustainable environment for Mabinogi where everyone can consistently challenge themselves and achieve success.
In this overview, I've covered many of the changes coming to you this winter, in both the New Rise update, the rest of winter, and into 2026. We hope that, in aggregate, the work we're doing will help you, our beloved Milletians, experience a renewed joy in living out your Fantasy Life in Erinn.
Thank you very much.
Min Kyunghun, Executive Director of Mabinogi