Combat Progression Overhaul Coming to Brighter Shores
Combat Progression Overhaul Coming to Brighter Shores
Brighter Shores is planning a significant overhaul to its combat system by merging episode-specific combat professions into a single, unified progression path. This change aims to address feedback that the current per-episode combat system creates barriers for new players.
Single Combat Profession
The new system will implement a single combat profession that spans all episodes, with monster levels increasing gradually:
Episode 1: Monsters level 0-30
Episode 2: Monsters level 30-60
Episode 3: Monsters level 60-100
Episode 4: Monsters level 100-140
Future episodes: +40 levels each
Your maximum combat level will be capped based on the highest episode you've discovered, preventing players from becoming overpowered for new content while preserving progression.
End Game Obelisk System
Once reaching the combat level cap, excess levels will contribute to episode-specific obelisks:
Leveling obelisks boosts combat power within that episode
Some obelisk upgrades will apply to the next episode
Obelisks can be leveled extensively (460-470 levels per episode)
Higher obelisk levels allow advancing monsters to higher-level skins for better XP rates
Weapons and Armor Changes
Equipment will adapt to the new system:
Base level equipment requires matching combat level to wield
Advanced "tuned" equipment drops from higher-level monster variants
Tuned weapons receive boosts from their corresponding obelisk
Weapon crafting levels determine maximum craftable weapon level (crafting level + 60)
Crafted weapons start untuned but can be tuned to any obelisk
Level Scaling Implementation
To prevent trivializing earlier content with high-level gear:
Monsters scale up if you're more than 10 levels stronger
Quest bosses will never be weaker than the player
"Easy combat" penalty for fighting low-level monsters will be removed
Combat Upgrade Trees
The update introduces customizable skill trees:
Choose specializations when leveling up rather than receiving small increases across all stats
A character upgrade tree unlocks with combat level increases
Each obelisk has its own upgrade tree with additional bonuses
Potential upgrades include hitpoint regeneration, movement speed, special attacks, and more
Special "bonus" upgrades provide enhanced benefits
Players can respec trees at any time for a silver coin fee
Existing Save Conversion
Current progress will be preserved:
Per-episode combat levels will convert to the new system automatically
Existing weapons will receive appropriate level + tuning level values
Combat capes will become obelisk capes with equivalent requirements
Initial upgrades will be chosen to maintain current power levels
Free respecs available for the first few weeks after update
Leaderboards will be adjusted to reflect the new system
Future Combat Improvements
Developers have outlined additional combat enhancements planned for after this update, including special attacks, more varied opponents, group combat, and raids.