Game Balancing
Ongoing coverage on Game Balancing.
Latest coverage
Terraria 1.4.5.7 is finally giving my favorite weapon type the love it's deserved for years
Re-Logic is preparing Terraria update 1.4.5.7, which will focus on significant weapon and class balancing, particularly for yoyos. Head of Business Strategy Ted Murphy discussed the upcoming patch, which is described as the largest hotfix in the game's history, and also touched upon ongoing crossplay development and future plans for the sandbox indie game.
Slay the Spire 2 patch adds a crowd-pleasing buff as fans say one card just became "busted," while Mega Crit…
The latest patch for Slay the Spire 2 introduces several changes, including buffs to cards like Monarch's Gaze and Juggernaut, and fixes for bugs and mod compatibility. The developers at Mega Crit have also made Vakuu's quote about player visits accurate. These updates are now live for players to experience in early access.
Buffs, Nerfs, and Bugs
Forza Horizon 6's challenging AI racers are under investigation for potential adjustments. The game's developer is looking into the AI's behavior to address player concerns about its difficulty.
Arc Raiders says our bad with those gun durability nerfs, reinforces a bunch of weapons by up to 54%
Embark Studios has released patch 1.29.0 for Arc Raiders, partially reversing recent weapon durability nerfs that were met with player frustration. Several common weapons, including the Renegade, Ferro, and Anvil, have had their durability increased by up to 54%. The update also introduces a new anti-ARC grenade launcher called the Rascal and various quality-of-life improvements.
Saros Patch is Here, Brings Balancing Changes, Fixes, and New UI Color Settings
Housemarque has released a new patch for their game Saros, introducing several balancing changes and fixes. The update includes adjustments to the Power Generator perk and Powered Dash artifact, improved bullet bounce accuracy, and UI enhancements such as new color settings for the HUD. Minor performance optimizations and bug fixes are also part of this patch.
Recent Arc Raiders Steam reviews hit 'mixed' for the first time since launch, and I can see why
Arc Raiders' Steam reviews have shifted to 'mixed' following the Riven Tides update, a stark contrast to its 'overwhelmingly positive' reception at launch. Players are expressing frustration with the new map and significant balancing issues, particularly concerning weapon degradation and constant weapon nerfs. The developers have acknowledged the feedback and are exploring adjustments to improve the player experience.
‘This is beyond frustrating’: ARC Raiders players are angry with nerfs in Riven Tides update
Players of ARC Raiders are expressing frustration with the recent Riven Tides update, particularly concerning significant nerfs to the Photoelectric Cloak and weapon durability. While the new map is well-received, the balancing changes have overshadowed positive aspects and led to community backlash, despite a temporary increase in active players on Steam.
Slay The Spire 2 Gets Major Update With Balancing Changes, Bug Fixes, And New Relics
Mega Crit Games has released the first major update for the early access title Slay the Spire 2. The update introduces balancing changes, bug fixes, improved controller support, and new in-game relics and cards. The developers emphasize that these changes are part of an ongoing development process towards the game's final build.
The first major update for Slay the Spire 2 is out now
Mega Crit has released the first major gameplay content update for their deck-builder Slay the Spire 2, following a beta period. The update includes significant balancing changes, reworks, new artwork, a new Badges system, revamped leaderboards, and numerous bug fixes. The developer also recently increased their direct support for the Godot Engine.
A 'free kit frenzy' mode for cheapskates arrives in Marathon this week
Bungie is launching an experimental playlist for Marathon called 'Dire Marsh - Sponsored Queue' starting April 15th. This mode will provide all players with a free sponsored kit, focusing on early gear progression and equalized gameplay. The experimental queue aims to gather data on the early gear ecosystem and will coincide with a significant balancing patch for the game.
Code Vein 2’s Patch 1.0.7 Brings Performance Fixes, Balancing Changes, and More
Code Vein 2 has received a significant patch, version 1.0.7, introducing performance optimizations across all platforms and balancing adjustments. The update enhances enemy difficulty and Haze rewards in additional playthroughs, adds a new Affinity System with three categories, and includes character creation and UI improvements.
Marathon Officially Adds Duos Queue in Season 2, New Experimental Playlist Coming Next Week
Marathon director Joe Ziegler announced that the experimental Duos queue is ending, but new experimental playlists are coming next week. Duos will be officially added in Season 2, with a new experimental queue launching on April 15th. Bungie is also working on game balancing, including nerfs to popular tactics, to improve the extraction shooter experience on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Marathon players are fiercely debating how to best change one of the game's most "present and dominant" weapon attachments
Marathon players are actively debating how to best adjust the game's thermal gun optics, which are considered overly dominant. Game director Joe Ziegler has acknowledged the issue, and the community has proposed ideas like scaling thermal clarity with player heat. These discussions highlight the ongoing challenges of balancing live service games.
Marathon Update Nerfs Bubble Shield, Knife Lunge Distance and Bonus Melee Damage Against Runners
Bungie has released a mid-season balancing update for Marathon, nerfing the Biotoxic Disinjector, Combat Knife, and Bubble Shield. The knife's lunge distance and targeting angle are reduced, and its bonus melee damage against Runners is capped at 50 percent. The Bubble Shield is now Superior rarity with reduced health but increased resistance to UESC damage.
GRIME 2 Gets First Patch Addressing Bugs, Progression Blockers, and Balancing Issues
GRIME 2 has received its first major patch, addressing critical bugs such as progression blockers and missing boss rewards. The update also includes significant game balancing adjustments to combat, healing, and player abilities. The developer is also considering the reintroduction of a boss rush feature.
Marathon’s Biotoxic Disinjector Gets A Major Nerf Over The Weekend
Marathon's director Joe Ziegler announced a significant nerf to the Biotoxic Disinjector weapon, reducing its damage by 35% to create a more balanced gameplay experience. While this specific damage reduction might be temporary, the developers at Bungie are continuing to adjust various game mechanics in their ongoing balancing efforts.
Dying Light: The Beast Restored Land Hotfix Makes Kyle Less Hangry, Addresses Multiple Issues
Techland has released a hotfix for Dying Light: The Beast - Restored Land, addressing numerous issues including hunger drain, vendor stock, and inventory management. The update also rebalances night chases and fixes crossplay connectivity between Steam and Epic Games Store versions. The hotfix aims to refine the player experience in the Castor Woods area.
The Last Faith Patch Overhauls NG+, Balancing, and Dungeon Mode
Playstack and Kumi Souls Games have released a significant patch for the metroidvania game The Last Faith. The update addresses player feedback from the Awakened Ancients DLC, introducing numerous changes to gameplay, New Game Plus, localization, and more. The patch also includes adjustments to enemy and boss scaling, weapon and skill damage, and various bug fixes across multiple platforms.
Screamer's racing action and storytelling are impressively unique, but the game needs balancing fast
Screamer offers a unique blend of racing action and storytelling that sets it apart from other titles in the genre. However, the game requires urgent balancing adjustments to fully realize its potential.
Survivor Mercs Returns with Major “Final Drill” Update, Introducing New Weapons, Improved Upgrades, and Extensive Balancing
Wolpertinger Games and Wandering Wizard have released the "Final Drill" Update 0.15 for their Early Access title Survivor Mercs. This major update introduces new weapons, overhauls progression systems, and implements extensive balancing changes across gameplay, UI, and performance. The update signifies the final phase of Early Access, with the full Version 1.0 release planned soon for Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.