Hey everyone!
Here we are again, with a hefty March update for Drowning Ashes! I know I'm falling into the habit of saying this every release, but version 0.2.0.1 might just be the biggest update yet! Kind of. Let's get into it...
Housekeeping
Once again, I think it's important to set some expectations for the latest update, and explain some of the decisions behind it. This release does not include any new quests or areas, but represents the first phase of a massive overhaul to many of the game's core systems. Some of those changes will be obvious, while others are mostly under-the-hood tweaks to enable future updates.
It's important to note that most of these systems and changes are works-in-progress, and may change significantly between now and full release. I am extremely eager for any and all feedback as I work to refine these systems in the coming months. It also bears mentioning that such a significant overhaul of the game brings an increased risk of bugs. I'm not expecting anything game-breaking, but a forum post documenting any oddness you encounter is always very much appreciated!
For the time being, the plan is to alternate between new content and system changes like in this update. That may change in the future, but I think for the time being alternating will keep a relatively-consistent flow of interesting new features and content coming each month.
If you're wondering how many of the changes from this update you'll actually see, don't worry! There's plenty here to warrant a new playthrough, or another run through the game with your current team!
Magician Overhaul
For those of you excited about the upcoming Magician overhaul... rejoice! The moment has come (at least for the first iteration)! This update brings a rework of the Magician intended to focus on the two new elements (more details below), as a master of Ice and Thunder.
This new version of the Magician focuses on slowing and weakening enemies with Frostbite, stunning them with Lightning damage, and reflecting enemy spells. The Magician's kit should give him some pretty great options against both groups and single targets, as well as some useful support and protection for his team.
I'm very curious to hear what you all make of the reworked Magician, so please keep the feedback flowing on the forums!
Ice & Thunder
Thunder damage was introduced in the last major update, but has been tweaked and expanded going into version 0.2.0.1, with updates to enemy abilities and resistances. Thunder damage now also has a small chance to Stun any creature it hits, potentially making it very powerful.
A new element has also been added in the form of Ice! Ice skills still inflict the deadly Frostbite status, slowing and weakening enemies, but no longer use the Water damage type, and enemy resistances have been updated accordingly.
Expect to see more fiends making use of these new elements in future updates!
Evolution!
Fiend evolution is now a thing! While not as common as in some other creature-collecting titles, fiends in Drowning Ashes can now (rarely, and only under the right conditions) evolve. Evolution is not intended as a core feature, but more as a hidden bonus for players who are willing to hunt down the requirements.
This update introduces a total of four evolutions for existing fiends, though tracking them down won't be easy. There will, of course, be clues waiting for those who take the time to look. Happy hunting!
You can expect to see tweaks and adjustments to the evolution system, as well as more possible evolutions, as we move closer to full release.
Traits
Version 0.2.0.1 brings a new kind of skill to Drowning Ashes - Traits! Traits are passive abilities that can affect all kinds of things, from a character's elemental weaknesses, to their susceptibility to certain status effects, to even how they use certain kinds of equipment (more on that below). You can view a character's traits from the main menu by selecting Skills > Traits.
The goal of the Trait system is to further differentiate existing recruitable fiends, and create interesting new ways for future recruits to change up how your team plays.
Quite a number of existing fiends already have new Traits, and you can expect more to come in future updates!
Weapons Overhaul
Weapons have also undergone significant changes in the 0.2.0.1 release. The system has become a little more nuanced, but should hopefully make sense once you get used to the changes. I'll cover the basics below:
One-Handed Weapons:
In the past, one-handed weapons left your off-hand free, allowing the use of a shield or other piece of equipment. This is still the case, but now if your off-hand is free while wielding a one-handed weapon, you will assume a two-handed grip, increasing the weapon's power and potentially gaining access to new or improved abilities.
Shields and off-hand equipment still provide significant advantages, but they're no longer always strictly better than keeping a hand free.
Two-Handed Weapons:
Two-Handed weapons still require both hands to wield, and grant an additional bonus to your attack for being wielded as such... except when they don't. Certain fiends now have Traits that allow them to wield a two-handed weapon in one hand, which opens up some interesting new build options.
Keeping the off-hand free will still allow a fiend with these traits to benefit from the bonus damage that comes with wielding a weapon in two hands, but they can also forego that extra damage to carry a shield for a little extra defense or some useful Skills.
Dual-Wielding
Dual-wielding weapons such as the Vermin Sickles and Rhapsody & Rhyme no longer count as two-handed weapons, and can now be wielded in one hand, though they will lose access to their signature Attack options when used in this way.
Some fiends are too clumsy to wield a weapon in each hand though, so be sure to check a fiend's Traits when equipping a Dual-Wielding weapon.
Additional Proficiencies
Some Trinkets have been added to the game that grant additional proficiencies with various weapon types. This can open up some interesting new builds, and allow some fiends that normally only use Glyphs to equip a weapon.
Not every kind of fiend can benefit from additional proficiencies, though, so keep an eye on those Traits! A slime isn't going to be swinging a sword around, no matter what Trinket you give it!
Bug Fixes & Miscellaneous Changes
In addition to a host of smaller tweaks and adjustments, the following changes have been made to existing content:
Added breakable pots and barrels to the Brigand Stronghold and King's Tower maps.
Added several new proficiency-granting Trinkets hidden throughout the ruins of the Capital.
Fixed a major bug where bosses could get an extra turn by scoring a critical hit or exploiting an elemental weakness with their ultimate ability.
Whew, that was a long one! Well, you've heard enough of my rambling for now. I hope you enjoy the version 0.2.0.1 release of Drowning Ashes, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the forums! I'll see you in the next one, when we finally venture into the flooded halls of the Queen's Sepulcher.
Until next time, may your adventures in the ruins of the Capital be Glorious!
-Daniel