It’s time for a Maelstrom update!
WHAT’S NEXT?
To begin, let’s talk about short-term stuff that’s coming in the next patches or two.
The gameplay has proven out and having that base established means we can add more layers on top of it to make matches more engaging and less predictable.
EMERGENT SYSTEMS
One of the biggest pieces that we’re working on is what we call “Emergent Systems.” We want to make each match played feel more unique and dynamic by introducing variable elements that impact the map and the way it’s played when they show up. We’re currently finishing the first batch of these systems:
For example there’s a storm mechanic that will cause brooding storm clouds to appear over time, making the sea much choppier and reducing sightlines. Another is Maelstroms now begin at different locations throughout the map instead of it being just a static element. Currents have also been touched and now have varying paths, and directions. There are also invasion events that may occur during matches, more on those later.
BRINEMAW
We recently reworked Brinemaw’s AI and he now patrols the waters, but we want him to do more. We’ve added a new attack where Brinemaw will pick up a nearby ship and literally bite it in half. We are also upgrading the AI so that we have more levers to adjust when and how he decides to attack players. These upgrades also lay the foundation for the new sea monster we’re adding in the near future.
DEAD WATERS
The Dead Waters mechanic is also getting an overhaul. It will now close in a circular pattern, which should provide a more predictable and more consistent experience in the end-game and avoiding the strange shapes that sometimes occur now. We are also playing with different display options for the mechanic on the minimap, as we know that some players have a hard time seeing when/where the Dead Waters are occuring.
MATES
We are also in the middle of a Mates review, focusing particularly on Defensive Mates. We know that some Mate types are much more useful than other and want to increase the variety and options that player have.
LOOKING AHEAD
In the longer term, we have a lot of exciting stuff. It’d be too much to go through everything now, but here are some highlights:
GAMEPLAY
We’ve mentioned some examples of some Emergent Systems stuff that we are already working on, but we have a lot of more of these planned and hope you will have fun discovering and seeing them for yourselves in game! Look for things like dynamic weather effects such as lightning strikes, water spouts, as well as more involved things such as NPC Treasure fleets.
We are also working on new Sea Monsters to cause further mayhem.
SHIP CUSTOMIZATION
One of the most requested features by players is the ability to customize ships. We are doing it! We won’t give too much away, but in addition to ship skins, look forward to decals, adornments, and more fanfare that occurs when you sink an enemy ship! Oh, and lifeboats with cannons and taunts, because who doesn’t want to be able to fire offal and curse at the gloating sea-flea that sunk your ship and sailed off with all those hard earned boons?
MEDALS
We have also been working on a Medal system designed to give reward players with shiny things to show off when players achieve cool/epic moments during matches.
Examples:
- Tenacious: Sink the last 5 enemy ships and win
- Double Strike: Sink 2 enemy ships with the same volley
- Opportunistic: Sink an enemy ship by causing them in fall into the Maelstrom
EVENTS
We will also be introducing Events. These will be limited time Quests with their own reward tables for completing the objectives.
Example:
Bourgan the Dwarven Merchant loves trout above all other food, and will handsomely reward anyone who collects enough trout for him.
Trout will randomly spawn on the maps during matches. Collect them by sailing to them. Be careful, however, as all other players will be competing for the same fish!
Rewards
- Collect 50 Fish for the Title, “The Fisherman”
- Collect 200 Fish for the Lifeboat Skin: “Dwarven Fishing Boat”
- Collect 500 Fish for the Unique 5-Star Mate: “Bourgan”
EPIC QUESTS
For those who love the chase, we have designed Epic Quests. These will be a sequence of increasingly more difficult tasks that lead to an exclusive reward. More details to come.
THANK YOU
Finally, we want to thank every one of you that’s shown us love and support as we grow Maelstrom and march it towards full release. There’s lots of fun to come and we’re so glad you’re on board for the ride!
Your Maelstrom team <3