You may wonder why we do rework/rebalance classes. With the following producer’s note we would like to provide some insights on why a class is being reworked, which problems have been identified, and how those are being solved.
Reworking the Druid
When looking at the druid and how this class is currently performing in the game, we had the feeling that this class is a bit underpowered in comparison to the other classes.
In the following passages, we discuss which problems have been identified and present the solutions which will make a difference after the druid is being reworked.
Problem:
The druid’s three forms are not unique and useful enough.
Solution:
We took the decision to overhaul all three forms to make them more diverse in comparison to their partnering class.
Here are some details:
The Bear Mask Will Become the Bear Form
The bear will still be able to block attacks but with a lesser chance than a warrior. To compensate this malus the bear will now be able to get angry and to deal more damage the more damage was dealt to itself.
The hit points scale and the max. damage avoidance will be comparable with a warrior.
These changes will reduce the bear’s survivability but strengthen its damage distribution so that the concept of the bear will better fit its theme.
The Cat Mask Will Become the Tiger Form
The tiger will have two different states, being hidden in the shadow and being in rage.
At the start of each fight, the tiger will be hidden in the shadow which enables the tiger to dodge attacks but with a lesser chance than a scout. After dodging an attack, the tiger will get in rage, loosing the chance to dodge attacks but the chance to deal critical damage will increase.
The hit points scale and the max. damage avoidance will be comparable with a scout.
With these changes the tiger form will be more close to the other forms as the changes will reduce its survivability but being more reliable regarding dealing critical damage at the same time.
Not Wearing a Mask Will Become the Eagle Form
This form haven’t had any benefits but was rather a penalization when being used. The druid will now take the eagle form and get a special attack.
Instead of a regular attack, the eagle will be able to perform a dive attack which will deal a significant amount of damage but the chance to perform a dive attack will decrease with each time a dive attack was performed.
Despite of that, the hit points scale and the max. damage avoidance will be comparable with a mage.
At the start of a fight, the chance to perform successful dive attacks will be quite high but the more often a dive attack was performed, the damage penalties will increase significantly as well with regular attacks.
This change is thought to be an additional and these changes should make the druid stronger and more interesting to be played.
Problem:
The druid’s class identifying feature, the masks, are distracting and most druids do look the same even if the character avatar itself was lovingly designed.
Solution:
The masks will no longer be a game feature but a claw fitting the chosen form will be displayed on the character screen.
Problem:
Each form has its benefits effecting the skill points in one or another way. Currently, the according information is being hidden in several tooltips.
Solution:
A screen will be introduced from which a form can be chosen. All necessary information will be displayed within this screen.
Problem:
Access to the druid’s masks have a level restriction, meaning, the advantages of the class are not available right from scratch.
Solution:
All forms will be available right from the start.