Content Update: Panda Secret

This update continues the expansion of the new class system, which requires extensive server-side reconstruction to support the new ideas. In addition, the patch introduces Panda Secret. This hidden location brings various new items, including pieces of the Lotus Set and the return of the classic Panda Suit. For the first time, a male version of the Panda Suit will also become available.

Let's look into the details below:

Panda Secret is a newly introduced area that can be accessed through a short transportation quest. Once inside, players will find a small town offering new shops, crafting opportunities, and the Panda Chest. The area also brings back several nostalgia items, including the Lotus Armor, Lotus Boots, Lotus Helmet, and the Panda Suit in both male and female versions.

In the future, Panda Secret may also serve as a minor quest hub, once there is time to develop a dedicated quest pack for this area.

where: somewhere Aeven North
access: everyone

A new chest has been added to the game: the Panda Chest. Similar to the Devil and Turtle Chests, this chest provides an additional option for players seeking rewards. However, to introduce variation, the Panda Chest functions differently.

Unlike the other chests, the Panda Chest has a relative higher chance of success (5%), but it can only be attempted once per week. This limitation ensures that the chest remains distinct in its mechanics while still providing a meaningful new opportunity for those who find it.

where: The Panda Chest is located in Panda Secret Village.
when: Players at Level 30 or higher will be able to try once weekly.

After careful consideration, the class system has been slightly adjusted to provide full flexibility while maintaining sufficient depth. The system is now divided into three main components: main level, class training, and class knowledge. The main level now allows players to switch between classes and immediately gain access to all the skills unlocked through the character's main level.

The main level, representing the overall experience of the character, will also be the overall class level that unlock skills**. For example, a level 20 player will be a level 20 priest, level 20 warrior, or level 20 paladin, depending on your activated class*

This design offers the best and most flexible solution in the long run. Switching players (for example because of class shortage on the server) will unlock the other class skills isntantly to solve the class-shortage situation. This design will probably make most players happy, as it provides immediate access to the needed skills to actually play another class.

The Training Level is tracked individually per class and progresses through gameplay***. It automatically increases by killing monsters, using specific skills, or engaging in class-related activities. This adds depth to the system, providing players with completion goals and a sense of growth unique to each class. The Training Level can be used to slightly improve skills or serve as an additional requirement to unlock specialized abilities.

The Knowledge Level is tracked individually per class and is gained by reading knowledge books**** (items). These books can be obtained through NPC drops, boss drops, quests, coins, and other means. The Knowledge Level can be used to slightly improve skills or serve as an additional requirement to unlock specialized abilities.

An improvement to the Defeated System in Survival Mode was made to help prevent unfair defeats caused by severe lag or abnormal disconnections. Here is how it works:

• On default, the player's undefeated status is immediately removed.
• A brief period follows during which the server checks all connections for any server-wide issues or disruptions.
• If severe disruptions are detected, the defeat is reversed, when the player logs in within 30 minutes of disconnection.
• If not, back luck, the player lost the status.

To enhance protection against automation, the EO client has been enhanced with advanced memory obfuscation. These measures could include techniques such as randomizing in-game mechanisms to disrupt scanners from obtaining critical information used for scripting. By combining memory protection with the already in-place detection systems, the game can better prevent automated activities, aiming for a more fair gameplay experience.

New Quest: Lost Axehead (L30)

Quest Giver: Woodcutter
Map: Hallodale
Rule: Find the lost axehead
Reward: 96,000 EXP + 3 Logs
Repeat: N/A

The Woodcutter in Hallodale North needs help finding a lost axehead. It is somewhere near Hallodale west by the train station, north by the Woodcutter, or east near Beverdam. Return the lost axehead to the Woodcutter to receive 96,000 experience points and 3 logs.

New Quest: Ant Trouble (L40)

Quest Giver: Woodcutter
Map: Hallodale North
Rule: Kill 60 ants
Reward: 102,000 EXP + 600 Eons
Repeat: N/A

This quest is a follow-up quest to Lost Axehead. The Woodcutter in Hallodale North needs help with a problem. The ants keep attacking whenever they try to find trees to cut. Once the 60 ants are dealt with, return to the Woodcutter for a reward of 102,000 experience points and 600 Eons.

New Quest: Lumber Numbers (L40)

Quest Giver: Woodcutter, Hallodale North
Map: Hallodale
Rule: Count log piles
Reward: 80,000 EXP + 400 Eons

Trying a different kind of quest.. The Woodcutter in Hallodale North needs help counting the log piles at several locations around Hallodale. Report back to the foreman to receive your reward of 80,000 experience points and 400 Eons.
Part of the quest chain: Lost Axehead -> Ant Trouble -> Lumber Numbers.

New Quest: Panda Secret (L30+)

Quest Giver: Peekaboo Panda
Map: Panda Secret
Rule: Discover the Panda Secret
Reward: Panda Suit
Repeat: Weekly

The Peekaboo Panda has a secret to share. A hidden chest called the Panda Secret exists, but few have seen what is inside. It can only be accessed once a week. If you are ready for the journey, follow the Peekaboo Panda to uncover the mystery.

New Quest: Panda Anundo Express

Quest Giver: Panda Express
Map: Panda Secret
Cost: 3 Ancient Coins
Reward: Safe passage to Anundo

The transport quest at Panda Place includes an extra travel option. Instead of heading back, players can choose to embark to Anundo. Anundo is far, and crossing the mountains takes effort.. But for 3 Ancient Coins, the express pandas are willing to help!

The range of bows has been increased for the first time, allowing archers to attack from greater distances using the (+2 range) Lotus Longbow. To keep combat fair between melee and ranged playstyles, a general damage drop-off has been added for ranged (bow/crossbow) weapons. This means hits from farther away will gradually deal less damage.

The balance between swords and bows is still under review, with further adjustments planned. Ranged magic skills are also in development, and all ranged combat should be carefully tuned to keep gameplay balanced and variated.

As discussed in the devpost 4.39 the map compression is being implemented to the mapfiles. Optimizing map storage is crucial for performance and scalability. Compression certain layers of the map will reduce file sizes, speed up loading, and keep memory usage low.

• Smaller Files: Saves storage and loads faster.
• More Map Content: Compression helps stay under the 64K protocol limit.

The current compression is fairly weak, but the chosen data format allows future enhancements or additional methods to improve efficiency.