Hello, Adventurers. This is the Elsword director, Lee Dong-shin.

In the second half of 2024, we wrapped up ElStar 2, Hyper Punch Master Event, new Mod skills, new raids, new weapon and balance patches.
After the new content was added, we carefully examined your feedback as you played.
We tried to quickly apply improvements where needed, but there are still parts that are lacking and unsatisfactory.
In the future, we will strive to improve based on your feedback, aiming to deliver more satisfying updates.

While preparing this update, we strongly felt a need to change the gameplay flow of Elsword.
The game has been centered around party-based instances. We’ve worked hard to deliver the fun of various party experiences and implemented systems to alleviate the difficulties of forming parties.
However, certain aspects of party play have caused more stress than enjoyment.

Outside of party content, the overly repetitive quests felt like a chore rather than fun. Because of this, we've been occasionally receiving suggestions regarding solo content.
While we fundamentally agreed with the feedback, we were worried about changing Elsword at its core once again.
Nevertheless, we've recognized the need for a change and added solo Secret Dungeons, and we also changed how the new raid's main rewards are obtained to reduce repetitiveness.

However, as more and more endgame content was being added, the existing gameplay flow has increasingly become stressful, especially in the character progression department.
Therefore, we are preparing a rework that will help newer players grow during the early to midgame phase.

Here's what we're going to do:

• Party play will remain the default gameplay flow for endgame content.

• Older dungeons will be nerfed and adjusted so that they can be enjoyed through solo play.

Raid Solo Mode

Solo Mode will be added to Varnimyr, Berthe and Abyss raids.

These modes will have adjusted difficulty when clearing as one person, and they will provide the same rewards as when played with a party.
Additionally, the existing Abyss Raid will be changed to allow entry with a 4-member party rather than a striker party.

Heroes Assemble Buff Revamp

After the update, even if you use "Start with the current members" while entering dungeons up to Tirnog, a separate buff will be provided to smooth out the play experience.
In addition, early to midgame dungeons that force at least 3 party members on entry will be changed to at least 1 member.
We also plan to improve repetitive dungeons and some stressful patterns.

Prof. Pho's Growth Guide Changes

The fifth Prof. Pho's Growth Guide will be added. Existing lessons will also be reworked to provide key items needed to progress.
The new guide will include items aiming to significantly improve growth:

• Vestige of Soul - Weapon of Requiem

• Tenebrous Exclusive Enhancement Amulet Lv.10

• Tenebrous Shadow Effect Selector

Reforge Cost Reduction & Circuit Dismantle Improvement

The ED fee required to reforge Amethystine Prophecy and Tenebrous will be reduced.
Amethystine Prophecy, Tenebrous and Exascale "Specific Skill Damage Increase", which we deemed inconvenient, will be changed to "All Skill Damage Increase". Its values will be adjusted accordingly.
Additionally, due to the increasing amount of Circuit drops, a dedicated dismantle system will be added to streamline their management.

Title Requirement Reduction

To help players acquire essential titles during endgame gameplay, count requirements for unlocking and obtaining certain titles will be significantly reduced. This applies to titles from regular dungeons, raids and giant bosses.

These changes are scheduled to be released on Thursday, April 24.
We’ll continue to listen to your feedback during and after the rework process to make Elsword more enjoyable.

We are also preparing a new event this year, so stay tuned!
Until now, Epic Quests have focused mostly on adventure and combat, leaving little room to showcase different sides of the characters.
We aim to highlight their everyday lives outside of battle through a new format called Story Events.
The first Story Event will be released on Thursday, April 10, so please look forward to it.