Eve of the Apocalypse: Twilight

1.13e will have a new batch of shield items available. However their scaling will work a bit differently than other items.

First, there will be fewer upgrade ranks of shields, something along the lines of +0, +3, and +5 only.

Second, all shields will have a self targetted active ability. This will not scale with item level.

Third, costs will scale differently because of the unscaling ability. The result is shields will have a fairly high initial cost, but their final cost will be a bit lower than normal equipment. Technically these items will be more cost efficient for stats with more upgrades, but that's only because a portion of the cost goes to the non-upgrading active ability.

DarnYak

Currently Shields upgrade as +0, +3, +5. I'm wondering, are people ok with that naming convention, or is it confusing ("wtf why did it skip 3 levels this is a bug")

DarnYak

Might be better if they're just +1 +2 +3

Currently Shields upgrade as +0, +3, +5. I'm wondering, are people ok with that naming convention, or is it confusing ("wtf why did it skip 3 levels this is a bug")

Might be better if they're just +1 +2 +3

This could be confusing to some players. Probably scale it like Zdig suggested.

It was confusing at first, but it does let the player know that the shield can't be upgraded beyond +5 like with the other items.
If you did change it, I would still start with +0 though.

you could also just make the initial item as +3 then the upgrades +4 and +5

The current 0/3/5 levels is because that's their equivalent power levels. I was hoping to avoid people thinking a +2 shield caps out much lower than a +5 anything else.

DarnYak

They can see from the stats how good it is.

DarnYak wrote:The current 0/3/5 levels is because that's their equivalent power levels. I was hoping to avoid people thinking a +2 shield caps out much lower than a +5 anything else.

DarnYak

I would like it if the phrase 'power levels' was used more frequently in EotA.

DarnYak wrote:The current 0/3/5 levels is because that's their equivalent power levels. I was hoping to avoid people thinking a +2 shield caps out much lower than a +5 anything else.

DarnYak

^ thats why I was suggesting that the items could just be bought at +3, then you can upgrade twice, +4, +5 so no confusion on power levels

How isn't that confusing when the +3 would be equivalent to other +0's?

DarnYak

Maybe put something in the tooltip in a different color saying that it can only be upgraded a certain number of times.

DarnYak wrote:How isn't that confusing when the +3 would be equivalent to other +0's?

DarnYak

but they're not equivalent, even at the base level the passives are very strong, and im sure once all the actives work they'll be even better.

Keep in mind they are proportionally more expensive per upgrade, as well as the initial cost being higher. That, and you can only buy one of each.

How about adding 5 upgrade levels to them if everything else is so confusing.

Dekar wrote:How about adding 5 upgrade levels to them if everything else is so confusing.

Well in an ideal world i would spend a week stripping out the existing intermediate upgrades so everything only has 3 levels.

On a related note, are there any major complaints with only having 3 levels?

DarnYak

Honestly, people will figure it out quick enough when they go to temper it. It shouldn't be a huge issue. I'd say leave the 3 tier upgrade scale.

Will shields be fully functional in the next version?

Well, yea. Orbs have been upgraded similarly as well. Helms are next in line but thier getting a different setup completely.

DarnYak

Are all the items getting active/passive skills?

No. Helms are going to vary widely (some active, most not), gloves might follow the same. Armor definitely not.

DarnYak

Are artifacts going to get a buff now that a ton of other items are getting active abilities as well?

The ones that need it, yea. Probably 2-3 new artifacts too.

DarnYak

The ones that need it, yea. Probably 2-3 new artifacts too.

You scrapped the fury orb