With the upcoming Soldiers Update 0.10, we want to introduce one of the biggest new features since our Early Access launch: an experience and skill system. Our goal is to expand the game with new possibilities, to make soldiers more individual and experienced as the war progresses, without being too ‘gamey’ and thus remaining in line with our concept so far.
Overview
Over time, soldiers will be able to
learn new traits (e.g. Dextrous, Trained in first aid)
lose negative traits (e.g. Slow, Inattentive)
unlock new, unique skills
Gain Experience
The system is based on hidden experience points, which soldiers can earn in several ways:
Passively, as long as they are part of the troop (i.e. not applicable to soldiers who are, for example, not in battle or have been sent to rest while in the trenches)
Actively, through projects (should soldiers gain experience by doing a task, it will be indicated)
rarely also in special situations (e.g. journal)
Traits Through Projects
The traits a soldier learns are closely related to the projects they are involved in. For example, those who spend time scouting in trenches or searching battlefields for equipment are more likely to develop the Attentive trait over time. Those who help out in the field hospital or treat wounds are more likely to become Trained in first aid.
This raises an additional consideration when assigning tasks: should I send the experienced medic, or give another soldier the chance to learn?
Important: Soldiers who start with a negative trait can never learn the corresponding positive counterpart.
Unique Skills
In order to unlock special skills, soldiers not only need sufficient experience, but also have to meet certain requirements: Specific traits or personalities are usually needed, however other attributes or special game situations may also be necessary.
Theoretically, a soldier can learn any number of skills, but this is limited by the conditions and experience points required. In addition, each skill is unique. Once one soldier has learned it, it is blocked for others. In rare cases, a skill can also be lost again.
At this point in time, there will be 13 unique abilities in the upcoming update. We will introduce a few of them in more detail in the next Dev Diary!