Published in News on January 9th, 2025
Fen Research has finally announced the significant changes coming to Brighter Shores' combat progression system; aiming to simplify gameplay and make it more accessible to new players. Previously, each episode of the game had its own combat profession, which created confusion and led to imbalanced gameplay. The new system introduces a single combat profession that spans all episodes while maintaining progression and challenge.
In the updated system, monster levels will scale with each episode. Early episodes will feature lower-level monsters-Hopeport's enemies will range from level 0-30, while Hopeforest's will range from 30-60. Each new episode will increase the maximum monster level by 40. To maintain balance, players' combat levels will be capped at the maximum level for the latest episode they've unlocked. For example, a player who has reached Episode 3 will have a combat level cap of 100, matching that episode's monster levels. This change ensures that content remains challenging without allowing experienced players to overpower earlier episodes or trivialize newer content.
For players who reach the level cap of their current episode, the update introduces a new "end game" progression system. Once capped, players can continue to earn levels, which will instead be applied to an Obelisk specific to their current episode. Upgrading an Obelisk boosts combat stats within that episode, with some benefits carrying forward to the next episode. Players can also use Obelisk levels to advance monsters within an episode to more challenging versions, offering higher experience rates and better rewards.
Weapons and armor will also adapt to the new system. Items will drop within specific level ranges that match the episode they're from-for instance, Episode 1 monsters will drop level 0-30 gear. Advanced items will require players to meet tuning requirements tied to Obelisk upgrades, ensuring progression stays balanced. Crafted weapons will initially be untuned but can later be tuned to match Obelisks for enhanced bonuses. This system encourages players to engage with crafting and upgrading mechanics as they prepare for higher-level content.
The update also introduces combat upgrade trees, allowing players to tailor their combat abilities. Instead of gaining small, predefined stat increases with each level, players will now choose specific upgrades that suit their playstyle. Options include boosting max hitpoints, improving regeneration speed, enhancing specific types of damage, and many more. Each Obelisk will have its own upgrade tree, adding another layer of strategy to character progression. Players will have the option to respec their upgrade trees for a fee, allowing flexibility as they explore different builds.
To ensure a smooth transition to the new system, existing save files will be converted automatically. Players' current levels will be divided between their combat profession and Obelisks, maintaining their overall progress. Existing weapons will also be adjusted to include tuning levels where applicable. Leaderboards will shift to reflect the new system, with "per-episode" combat rankings replaced by Obelisk level rankings, and a new combined combat level leaderboard introduced.
While this overhaul focuses on unifying the combat system and addressing long-standing issues, Fen Research has hinted at future plans to make combat even more engaging. These updates include special attacks, group combat mechanics, raids, and more diverse enemies. For now, the focus remains on resolving the challenges posed by multiple combat professions and ensuring the game is more accessible for both new and returning players.
These changes mark a significant step forward for Brighter Shores, offering a streamlined, balanced, and customizable combat experience as the game continues to grow.
Summary of Brighter Shores' Upcoming Combat Changes Plan To Merge The Combat Professions Is Brighter Shores a Dead Game or Just Getting Started? Everything You Need to Know from the Brighter Shores AMA with Samuel Don't Miss This Saturday's Fen Research Community Q&A Bringing Brighter Shores Faction Symbols To Life In 3D Exploring the Possible Origins of Fen Research's Name Andrew Clarifies His Approach to Macros and Leaderboards
The Best Route to Level Forager Fast in Brighter Shores
Reaching Level 32 Carpenter Quickly For The Spider's Nest Quest
The Ultimate Guide to Merchant Leveling in Brighter Shores
Complete World Map for Brighter Shores — Episodes: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Everything To Know About Enchanting Tools In Brighter Shores
Welcome to our Brighter Shores fansite, a vibrant hub for adventurers to share secrets, strategies, and tales from Andrew Gower's award-winning MMORPG. Dive into a world of magic, mystery, and boundless exploration!
Frequently Asked Questions Detailed Guides & Tips Profession Leveling Calculators Latest Brighter Shores Videos
This site is a fan-made resource dedicated to Brighter Shores and is not affiliated with Fen Research or the official development team of Brighter Shores in any way. We provide news, guides, and tools purely for the enjoyment and benefit of the game's community. All content is created by fans for fans.
