Brighter Shores, the MMORPG that has been building a loyal player base, is on the brink of receiving exciting new updates. Recently, Andrew, one of the game’s developers, shared detailed plans about its future, including combat improvements, cooperative content expansion, profession changes, and much more. Below, we’ve gathered all the shared information so you can stay up to date on everything that’s coming.
Combat System Improvements: Making the Game More Versatile
One of the areas set to receive significant attention in the coming months is the combat system. According to Andrew, the goal is to eliminate the need for a separate combat profession for each episode, a practice that wasn’t well-received by the community. This change will allow players to maintain their progress without splitting it across episodes, even with future updates. To ensure a smooth transition, the team is designing ways to migrate existing saved games without players losing any progress.
Moreover, the new combat system will be highly customizable, catering to different playstyles:
- More AFK mode: For casual players who want a passive approach to leveling up.
- Semi-AFK mode: Perfect for those who want to be present in the game but interact less frequently (inspired by existing mechanics like crime dens).
- Active mode: For players who enjoy directly engaging in combat.
These changes will also depend on the type of monster being fought and the episode the player is in, ensuring a dynamic and adaptable experience. Combat skills and spells in Brighter Shores will be tied to specific weapons, adding strategic depth to equipment usage.
More Accessible PvP: League System
The PvP system is also being redesigned to make it enjoyable for players at all combat levels. Reaching the maximum combat level can be a challenging task, and the developers don’t want this to be a barrier for players to participate in PvP. As a result, they plan to introduce a league system for the upcoming PvP features. This system will allow players to engage in PvP across different categories without the need to reach level 500 or dedicate all their time to competing.
The idea is to make PvP accessible to both newcomers and endgame players while maintaining a balanced learning curve and progression. The PvP system in Brighter Shores will be wager-based, allowing players to choose what they want to risk, and it will be possible to engage in PvP anywhere on the map, but always consensually (opt-in).
Group System and Cooperative Content
Another major addition on the horizon is the implementation of a group system. Originally planned for the game’s launch, it was delayed but remains a priority. Once implemented, this system will allow players to form teams and face challenges together, fostering a more social and collaborative experience. Procedural content generation was also hinted at in this context.
In addition, the developers want to expand cooperative content with ideas such as:
- Raids and repeatable bosses: Challenges that require coordination among players.
- Interconnected mini-games: Activities that involve multiple professions simultaneously, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
- Procedurally generated content: Offering varied and unpredictable challenges to keep players engaged in the long term.
More Integrated and Relevant Professions
The Brighter Shores development team understands the need for professions to feel more connected to one another, and this is reflected in future content plans. The goal is for new features, like raids and mini-games, to require players to utilize multiple professions collaboratively. This will not only add depth to the game but also make each profession feel more meaningful.
Additionally, to ensure the crafting profession remains relevant, Andrew assured players that it will never be overshadowed by other mechanics. For instance, even if unique items are obtained from bosses, crafting will still play a critical role by allowing players to enhance and improve these items.
Updates to the Ranking System
The ranking system will also be revised to offer more clarity and competitiveness. Currently, the system does not show anonymous players, making it harder to understand one’s exact position. The team plans to change this, allowing players to see exactly where they stand compared to their competitors, even if some remain anonymous. For example, if you are ranked 37, you’ll be able to see that there are two anonymous players between you and rank 34.
Direct Trades and the Builder Profession’s Future
In terms of trading, the developers plan to allow direct player-to-player trades (p2p) between banks, provided the transaction takes place in the marketplace area. This change aims to facilitate player trading and improve the in-game economy.
As for the builder profession, it was clarified that it is not related to player housing, at least for now. While the idea of player housing might be explored in the future, it is not part of the team’s immediate plans.
Buff Mechanics
Another feature mentioned was the expansion of ways to improve equipment. The developers are exploring various methods to buff weapons and armor, although this functionality is still in the early stages of design. The goal is to offer more options for players to customize and optimize their gear.
A Game in Constant Evolution
More transmog (cosmetic) options will be released in the future, and new side quests are being planned — including one for Episode 1 — aimed at filling gaps at lower levels while also providing high-level content.
Finally, Andrew highlighted that the team’s biggest challenge is prioritizing the countless ideas and improvements that could be implemented. The developers’ commitment is clear: they plan to continue working on Brighter Shores for many years, refining and expanding the game based on community feedback.
Conclusion: Get Ready for the Future
Brighter Shores is evolving quickly, with significant changes on the way. Whether you’re an active player, a semi-AFK adventurer, or someone looking forward to PvP, there’s something for everyone on the horizon. With redesigned systems, cooperative content, and profession improvements, the game is set to become even more engaging.
Stay tuned to our blog for the latest news and guides about Brighter Shores. Share this article with fellow players and let us know in the comments: which of these updates are you most excited about?