Meta Progression Update 0.2.6

A new progression layer has arrived. This update introduces the first version of our Meta Progression system, plus major UI improvements, balance changes, enemy updates, and co-op restrictions for healthier runs.

META SYSTEM

• Meta Progression is now live in the hub. Unlock Crystals to augment future runs.
• Added 20+ unlockable Crystals that affect upcoming runs.
• Overhauled stat tracking with 100+ new keys to support achievements, quests, and long-term progression.
• Added more hub mobility and restored hub NPC presence.

UI AND CLARITY

• Improved placement of multiple UI elements.
• Moved the Secondary Stats button to a better location.
• Secondary Stats now fit in a single window.
• Ability tooltips now render above all other UI.
• Tooltip stat colors now remain consistent.
• Pressing ESC now opens the main menu.

INPUT AND FEEDBACK

• Migrated to the new Unity Input System.
• Added basic controller support (inventory navigation improvements are still in progress).
• Added a Disable Screen Shake option in the menu.
• Screen shake no longer triggers when melee attacks miss.
• Overhauled floating damage numbers with improved feel and spawn offsets.

COMBAT AND BALANCE

• Magic Missiles now spawn additional projectiles based on Intellect.
• Reduced overall Intellect scaling.
• Mana regeneration is back and now scales from Intellect.
• All enemy attacks now deal more damage.
• Removed Arc Blade from the loot pool.

POTIONS, LOOT, AND ITEMIZATION

• Potions are now limited to 3 maximum.
• Potion cooldowns are now longer.
• Only 1-2 potions can be purchased per safe zone visit.
• Removed keys from the loot pool.
• Centralized stat assignment for weapons and armor.
• Armor rolls are now fully random (no preferred bias).
• Enemies are now more likely to drop better loot.

WORLD, RAID FLOW, AND SYSTEMS

• Added dungeon cleanup procedures for unlooted corpses.
• Player health, mana, and stamina now reset when entering a raid from the hub.
• Reworked interaction handling to update-based checks instead of trigger-enter dependency.

CO-OP AND LOBBIES

• Lobbies are now limited to 6 players.
• Late joiners can no longer enter lobbies that are already in a Raid.

AI AND ENEMY UPDATES

• Added more randomness to enemy spawns.
• Blighted Sentinel recovers faster after attacks.
• Blighted Scavenger is much faster.
• Blighted Soldier is much faster.
• Added new enemy: Sickly Boar.
• Added new enemy: Blighted Bat.

Thanks for playing and helping shape Plagueborn. Keep the feedback coming.