Translator Notes
Welcome to the official Q&A for Elsword of 2023.
Keep in mind that some of the questions will be skipped, as they don't interest overseas players as much, and are closely related to the Korean servers.
Enjoy!
Q&A Content
Q: Do you have any plans for hiring more people with a good understanding of the game to communicate with customers and solve current issues between you and us?
A: We will build a skilled personnel with a high level of understanding the game to be in charge of directly communicating with adventurers.
As it is an old game, there might be a gap between the personnel and the players, but we will take all efforts to decrease it.
Q: I wonder why a lot of bug reports are replied with an explanation that the situation is normal
A: It usually happens when the behavior in question is intended. However, we will try to explain it more as to why we decide things.
Q: Could you please specify reasons for carrying out specific changes in balance patches, rather than making a recap of what was done?
A: Previously, comments were made based on the overall direction of the patch.
Please note that it is difficult to explain each change separately, albeit we will explain in detail when changes that might have a bigger impact on gameplay are announced.
Q: Currently, classes in Elsword are divided to certain roles, but the role changes depending on content. Can you explain the intended role for each class?
A: It's true that classes have a more-or-less defined role in the game. However, due to the variety of characters, it is impossible to make a clear judgement and assign them a single purpose, as Elsword's universe is very diverse. In the upcoming balance patches, we will try to focus on character roles and balance the game in order to reflect them clearly. We will also attempt to match intended roles to jobs.
Q: Even though the balance patch cycle is 2 months, only a few characters are patched. Are there any plans to reduce the cycle?
A: The existing gap between balance patches was introduced to reduce the delay between changes being made. Instead of releasing a lot of new content that could have a big impact on the game, we tried to do it in small batches for better analysis of problems.
We think that the existing gap is difficult for us to proceed, and also doesn't match the players' expectations, so we are reviewing it.
Q: I would like to know why fixed Attack passives are different for each character. Is it possible to change all passives to give the same values?
A: Each character passives are balanced based on the class's kit and concept. Therefore, it's considered that unifying them between classes might cause confusion in balance.
Q: Even before 4th Path updates there was a significant gap between new and old characters. But as the new classes kept releasing, it became higher and higher. I'm curious if there are any plans to reboot the game.
A: We are currently not considering it.
Specific character changes will continue to be carried out through regular balance patches.
Q: Why are some skills affected by Action Speed, and some are not?
A: It depends on the skill's concept. Some skills might not be possible to apply it due to how they work.
Q: As Challenge Mode is the hardest content available, why are balance patches not directed towards it?
A: Challenge Modes are considered additional, not mandatory content. Therefore, balance patches are carried out with Abyss Raid in mind and this is not subject to change.
Q: Please let us know about the details of the PvP related balance patch.
A: It will be announced on June 22. Suggestions are welcome in the balance forum.
Q: In Challenge Mode, there is no room for dealing damage. Therefore, characters with freezing skills are preferred. Are there any improvement suggestions?
A: We are preparing improvements.
Q: At the stage of character development, do you focus on PvE or PvP?
A: We consider both instances.
Q: The last meeting mentioned Awakening time stops being unified. However, it appears not to be true.
A: The time stop is indeed the same for all characters. Please understand that the actual time may differ depending on the model's animation.
Q: Please add the actual number of hits in skill descriptions.
A: Since the number of hits may vary depending on various factors such as the map, enemy size/position, etc., it is difficult to display them collectively.
Q: Damage dealers who benefit from debuffs have a very hard time when Hyper Armor (purple border) comes into play. Is it possible to remove it?
A: Through the Summer Update, many improvements will be made to monsters that keep Hyper Armor for long periods.
Q: The Master Skill Cooldown Decrease stat doesn't have a limit in the European servers. Can you also remove it in the Korean server?
A: Please note that each server might have a different schedule of carrying out updates.
Q: Why is drag switching not possible? We can switch titles and passive force skills without a cooldown.
A: In the case of title or force switching, there are not many possible desync issues to happen, as the difference in statistics is minimal.
However, when equipment is changed, a lot of statistics also change, so there is a cooldown. We are currently reviewing it to minimize the inconvenience coming from the cooldown.
Q: Currently, there are many bugs in Pruinaum Challenge Mode, such as Hadron not getting frozen or shocked when he is supposed to be, or Haivan's Carpet Bombing hitting differently for each character. I wonder why these errors are not getting fixed.
A: In the case of Hadron, there is a desynchronization error, where the boss turns debuff immune after a phase change too early or too late, and it is different between clients.
That part is being in process to get corrected.
In the case of Haivan, each character has a different model hitbox and motion, so it might hit differently.
Regardless, we will do our best to ease the inconvenience of playing Challenge Modes.
Q: I wonder why you didn't improve the part where multiple patterns appear at the same time in Pruinaum Challenge Mode and why you didn't lower the bomb HP and the boss.
Is it correct that you directly cleared the challenge mode and measured its difficulty?
A: The bomb HP was lowered during the maintenance on May 25.
Other patterns will be reviewed and improved based on what adventurers report to us.
Q: Unlike other games where the PvP system relies on player abilities, Elsword PvP relies on item strength. What do you think about this?
A: In the case of Elsword PvP, it is recommended to play using basic gear and items.
However, the excessive importance of gear and items in PvP is a problem that we tried to mitigate with the new Duelist Equipment. We plan to continue maintaining it in the current direction.
Q: Why does each game mode have a different FPS cap?
A: We put these restrictions for optimization, where for example a lot of characters are displayed together.
Q: What is the reason of giving us Magic Wardrobe tickets to compensate for the EXP/ED issues?
A: It was given away as a compensation for not fixing very old problems, not as a direct compensation of said issues, because it was impossible to determine a proper compensation for each player.
Q: In many cases, the intention of patches is unclear. Please explain the intention of each patch through a live broadcast every Wednesday.
A: We will provide detailed explanations about issues with a great impact. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the lack of them regarding updates and patches.
Q: New PvP maps have ceilings. Why?
A: Ceiling restrictions were not applied in the previous versions of Elsword. We will make efforts to introduce them in the old ones, too.
Q: It takes too long to develop the Abyss Raid weapon. What was the intention for it taking so much time?
A: We set the period in accordance to raid lifecycle. The method of obtaining the weapon was also different than previously, so changes were unenviable.
Q: Why was the patch that made you unable check team character names in official PvP matches reverted?
A: It was confirmed that the activity of illegal programs and abusive behaviors had increased back then.
Q: Why don't you include Unlimited Stamina events?
A: Due to reward balance and overinflation, we are not planning to increase the frequency of Unlimited Stamina events.
Q: Challenge Mode rewards are too low and the difficulty is too high. Many players don't bother clearing it.
A: As the Challenge Mode was released as optional content, we are not planning to increase the rewards. Their role is purely symbolic.
Instead, we are planning to decrease the difficulty of the mode.
Q: Why are weapons locked behind Raid?
A: Weapon is the most important item, so they are designed to be acquired during party play in Raids.
Q: The official PvP queue system is controversial. Any plans to change it?
A: It was removed in the past, but we received a lot of criticism, so it was brought back. We are not planning to do anything with it at the moment.
Q: What does Force [A] stand for? Are there B, C, D, E versions?
A: "A" stands for "Another". In the case of Master Class items, "M" stands for "Master".
Q: What do you think about selling promo sets in the Cash Shop?
A: We won't do it.
Q: Why aren't you releasing motion avatars?
A: These avatars are tied to partnership, so it's difficult to proceed. However, possibilities are open.
Q: Are there any plans to re-release ElStar, contest, collab etc. sets? Will limited accessories and custom motion also be re-released?
A: Affiliate avatars cannot be re-released due to the contracts. However, all other scheduled items will be constantly re-released in the long term. After the main resale is over, an additional resale is planned.
Q: Raise the Premium Pass rewards to make it worth the price.
A: The rewards are balanced for the current content and situation. We will try to keep them at an appropriate level.
Q: Please let us save line identifications when re-rolling with Blessed Time & Space Scrolls.
A: We think that it doesn't match the concept and would be difficult to implement.
Q: Can you include El House Furniture in new event dungeons?
A: We will think about it when making new event dungeons.
Q: Can you make EP account wide? Also, since there are not many useful items in the EP shop, is it possible to add a trade for Blessed Chlorite Ore?
A: The system is intended to be bound to the character. No changes are planned at this time.
Q: When will you improve Fighter Potion buff visibility?
A: We are preparing this improvement and it will be announced when it is ready.
Q: Is it possible to add Synergy, Customization and Pet Presets?
A: Summer update will introduce Synergy and Customization presets. Pets are not included in it.
Q: There are still a lot of outdated UIs.
A: We want to update all of them, and the improvements are in process.
Q: Fused Elixirs are not craftable. Will it ever change?
A: They will keep being distributed as Event items.
Q: Since Rigomor is old by now, are there any plans to reduce price of the color change tickets and the reforge transfer tickets?
Q: Can you combine the effects of Code of Honor and Engine Cooling System, as the switching is inconvenient?
Q: Are there any plans to make Master Artifact bankshareable?
Q: Can you make EXP increases affect Artifact EXP, since it takes a long time to level it up?
Q: Can you make Glaciem exchangeable to Blessed Chlorite Ore?
Q: Will there be a weekly Tirnog quest?
Q: Is it possible to make options be extracted either by using Tasma or Tenebrous Aura?
Q: Can you make us able to extract or share pets across the account?
A: There are no plans for it.
Q: Can you lower the fee for imprinting?
A: It is being applied on the Summer Update.
Q: I would like you to add an option to censor user nicknames when recording Elsword.
A: It might be difficult to implement. However, if there are many requests, we will review it.
Q: Will the favourites section on Character Selection be increased? It will be difficult to play after the server merge. Any other customization features coming?
A: The favourites will be increased from 3 to 7. There is no data about any other features for customization in that area.
Q: It would be nice if Normal/Active damage pets were released more often. They tend to have absurd prices.
A: We will try to release various styles of pets.
Q: Will we ever be able to change the location of bound shortcuts on the keyboard?
A: Keyboard keys are used for multiple actions. Considering the inconvenience, we will review the keys that can be changed.
Q: Will there be any El Resonance reorganization?
A: Not for now, but we are reviewing it in the long term. It is content that requires a lot of planning.
Q: Can you change the way you get drop badges or sell them for badge points?
A: Since it is a reward unique to the guild expedition, other acquisition methods are not considered.
Q: Will you abolish the current 3v3 matches as they are not played often? Maybe release 3v3, 4v4 content as event modes?
A: Currently, we're not considering it.
Q: Can you improve the fishing EXP potion so that it can be applied in batches?
A: Not possible due to item structure. We'll look for improvements in the long run.
Q: Combat Power is the most inconsistent and meaningless system in Elsword.
A: We're aware that Combat Power is unable to reflect your actual power in 100%. However, no suitable alternatives were found. We're still looking for them.
Q: Do you have plans to continue making videos that appeared when you cleared an area in the past?
A: Currently, we're not considering it.
Q: It takes about 1 minute to wait for the boss at Hamel's Ancient Waterway in Hero Dungeon. Do you have any plans to make this shorter?
A: It's difficult to modify.
Q: Can you decrease queue time in El Rider from 3 minutes to 1 minute?
A: We will consider this when revamping said system.
Q: Are you planning to release a Drabaki Challenge Mode?
A: It's judged that it doesn't require one.
Q: Can you increase the drop rate of Artifact Accessories, Artifact Equipment and the craft requirements?
Q: When entering Dungeon/PvP, can you reset all skill/consumable cooldown?
Q: During the Story reorganization, many old dungeons were deleted. Can you bring them back, perhaps as events?
Q: Small guilds can't make good use of Guild Fountain because it's too expensive.
Q: Can you add a Trading Board to the Guild Base?
Q: Is it possible to raise the supply of Guild Coins?
Q: Will there be more useful consumables or other items acquired from Guild?
Q: Can you improve Guild games so that they can entered with the current amount of people in party?
Q: Are there plans to expand the size of Guild Storage?
Q: Will you add a sorting function to the Guild Storage?
A: Currently, we're not considering it.
Q: Can you increase Guild Fountain buff from 1 week to 2 weeks?
A: There are no plans for it, but if repeated suggestions are received, we will review it.
Q: The Guild Storage logs are unclear and sometimes not all information can be checked.
A: We are preparing a special function to view who donated Guild Coins exactly.
Q: Will you separate 1v1 and 2v2 ranks?
A: We do not think that it's appropriate to separate them.
Q: Will the current Duellist equipment stay meta?
Are there plans for any new gear?
A: Currently, we're not planning it.
Q: Switching gear is a chore now after the drag switching fix. Are there any plans for Equipment page preset system?
A: It is not planned, but we are considering to minimize the switch delay.
Q: It's difficult to obtain Rosso raid accessories and weapon.
A: We are increasing the rates of Weapon acquisition during Summer Update.
Besides, accessory supply will be innately increased when more weapons drop.
Q: Why can't you reset the Ereda rank?
A: Currently, it's considered troublesome to play. We need to collect more data from adventurers to proceed.
Q: Cores are useless by the end of Stage 5 Ran Raid weapon.
A: It's not possible to stop them from dropping due to how it is designed. However, we are planning to add exchanges to other items.
Q: Contrary to other games, In Elsword, raids have very low rewards.
A: Elsword raids (excl. Challenge Mode) reward you with top-notch weapons and accessories. Therefore, we don't think more rewards are needed.
Q: Since Force Skills might drop at random in Challenge Modes once they are cleared, do you think they should be craftable instead?
A: They were designed exactly like this, so there won't be any change in that regard.
Q: Do you plan to bring back old Raids like Perkisas/Eltrion Mk2?
A: We thought about it, but came to a consensus that they wouldn't be fun anymore, so we did not proceed.
Q: Do you have plans to make weapons come +9 automatically?
A: It is a part of the Summer Update.
Q: LuCiel can stack HP on both characters. Can you also fix it?
A: It's intended, so we won't be changing it.
Q: Will there be any new dungeons for supplying goods such as tickets, reforge mats etc.?
A: Yes, we will make sure to include such dungeons.
Q: I'm curious about the update schedule for the second half of 2023. Can you disclose it?
A: We will inform you through a separate notice later.
Q: Are you willing to revamp Achievement point benefits?
A: Currently, there are no plans for it.
Q: Will there be any offline PvP events?
A: No for now, but we will hold several online PvP events.
Q: More than half Elsword OSTs have purchased external copyrights. Why is it like that?
A: We are trying to compose songs by ourselves (including character theme songs), since we know that YouTube keeps adding copyright strikes to Elsword in-game recordings with the original sound.
Q: Will there be any more Elsword Offline events such as the Hologram Contest?
A: Always under consideration.
Q: Please shorten the Punching Event progress cycle so that new users can overcome the entry barrier more easily.
A: We will take efforts to improve the utilization of Punch Master Events.
Q: I would like to receive more meaningful items through progression.
A: We are planning to add Prof. Pho's Third Progression Guide during the Summer Update. We will continue to support adventurers through this system.
Q: Please increase the drop chance for "first drop on the account" for Berthe Raid weapons.
A: We are improving the chances with the Summer Update.
Q: Laby and Noah can more easily unlock Transcendence skills. Elsword to Ain suffer in that regard.
A: The Summer Update will resolve this issue.
Q: Are there plans to add a single player story mode for Raids?
A: Not quite, but we'll be adding Abyss Raid Story Mode.
Q: It's difficult to grow 56 characters for the El Party Collection.
A: We will continue supporting you through Prof. Pho and events, and also ease progression through this Summer Update.
Q: I am really curious why the +11 Amulet isn't being given out during events. The standard for enhancement has increased, but the events do not reflect it well.
A: Considering the compensation balance and possible abuse, we do not give away anything higher than Lv. 10 amulet.
Q: I understand that the Powerful Punch Master event allows new users to settle in, giving out 900 Mystic Stones. However, the amount of ED required to imbue them on gear is enormous for a new player - about 180 million. As the Epic Quests do not reward you well with ED anymore, it's hard to get that amount for a new player. Older players can just send ED over from another character or shared bank.
With that being said, what do you think about this and what improvements could be made?
A: In the case of the Mystic Stones, they were never intended to use all at once.
Rewards from the Punch event are balanced separately for each period, and we will continue doing so.
Q: In-game optimization is poor, and lags are severe even when a high-end PC is used. In an 8-man dungeon, it's impossible to play without frame rate drops. I would like you to optimize the game.
A: Optimization is in process.
Q: Can you add a feature that allows you to view how hairs look like without physically owning the item?
A: Since the system relies on the proper item being there, it is difficult to release this feature.
Q: Is it possible to add a pity system to hair dyes or adding guaranteed color items to the Cash Shop?
Q: Will you make basic character avatar as an item?
A: We are not planning it.
Q: I think the Magic Wardrobe tickets are lacking options to pick from.
A: Magic Wardrobe Tickets are constantly changing. It is also not possible to include rare costumes and accessories in consideration of their value. The target is limited to generic avatars.
Q: Laby and Noah are lacking some old avatars, so there is always a problem with Magic Wardrobe Tickets that don't have them for these characters. Is re-releasing the free goodies for new players a possibility?
A: It is currently not planned.
Q: Are you going to add a Master Class portrait to the customization window?
A: As Master Class portraits were released with the intention of Cut Ins in mind, it is difficult to apply them as the general portraits.
Q: Are there any plans for redrawing old portraits of characters or adding Awakening versions for Add/Ara/Ain/Chung in the case of Master Class Cut Ins?
A: There are no plans for it.
Q: Characters after Ain change their facial expression once advanced. Do you plan to add it to old characters as well?
A: No additions are being considered as of now.
Q: Previously, avatars were more diverse and each character was getting something unique in them. If it's a possibility, you could increase the gap between releasing them and increase their quality.
A: The avatar cycle will stay intact. We will try to introduce a bit more variety into avatars.
Q: During the 2021 meeting, it was mentioned that some character models can't be changed because of their incompatible bone structure. I wonder if it could be possible to release them with a new bone structure with the use of AI.
A: It's very difficult to apply AI technologies to Elsword modelling techniques as of right now.
Q: Face accessories of early characters (Elsword~Chung) appear too small. Is it possible to change them?
A: It is difficult to apply improvements collectively. Instead, we will constantly improve parts that can be changed individually.
Q: Are you aware of the lack of content?
A: We admit it and are making efforts to mitigate it by hiring more manpower.
Q: I wonder if there will be new Mod skills after the 4th Path Mod Skill Update.
A: They are not scheduled at this time.
Q: Do you think that Tenebrous equipment fulfils its role of an endgame equipment well? Please, tell me if you are adding set effects.
A: It is the armor of the highest strength as of now. About the set options, we have received a lot of feedback, and will be applying them during the Summer Update.
Q: We're asking you to reveal the odds of non-cash items, such as Mysterious El Flask/Sphere, Advanced Adventurer Cube, etc.
A: We will let you know. If so, they will be posted on the official page.
Q: Some of the Ice Burner loot, such as Boss Cubes, are not being used too much. Can you revamp the Ice Burner loot lists?
A: Currently, we aren't planning to change Ice Burner drops.
Q: Can you disclose the exact amount of elixirs/consumables that provide buff effect? Ex: How much speed Ventus Wings Elixir gives.
A: Newly added items inform about their values on the tooltips.
In the case of older items, we will continue making improvements so that adventurers can clearly see the values.
Some items, such as the Ventus Wings Elixir, will be prioritized during the June update.
Q: The overall quality of content has been lowered during the 4th Path Update. Designs, skills and illustrations are considered to be very unsatisfactory. Please disclose the exact development time and how long it took to develop the first 4th Path, Genesis.
A: The decision to develop 4th Paths was made in September 2020, and the Elsword 4th Path was released in July 2021.
Character development usually takes about a year.
Q: I wonder if there is a separate storywriter.
A: There is a scenario manager responsible for the entire lore of Elsword.