Dungeon Defenders: Awakened News

[p]Greetings Defenders,[/p][p]This update focuses on Crystal Core transmogs, crash compensation, expanded transmog support, rune fixes, tower balance adjustments, loot updates, and corrected weapon roll pools.[/p][p][/p][p]Crystal Core Transmog Updates[/p][p]• Chromatic Core renamed to Striking Chromatic Core[/p][p]The following Crystal Core transmogs were granted to players as compensation for the Alchemical Labs crash:[/p][p] • Lapis Chromatic Core
• Topaz Chromatic Core
• Speedy Chromatic Core
• Sturdy Chromatic Core
• Powerful Chromatic Core
• Obsidian Gemstone
• President’s Day skins from Dungeon Defenders 1[/p][p][/p][p]Newly Added Crystal Core Transmogs to Come at Later Date[/p][p]• Donkey in a Jar
• Juice in a Jar
• Blacksmith
• Fairy in a Jar
• Fused Fairy in a Jar
• Golden Fairy in a Jar
• Gold Chromatic Gemstone
• Rift Chromatic Gemstone
• Corgi in a Jar
• Rifted Corgi in a Jar
• Treasure Chest
• Armor Statue
• Royal Throne Core
• Donkey
• Turkey in a Jar
• Floating Castle
• Creepy Doll
• PC Core
• Original Crystal Core
• 2L Soda Core
• Menorah Core
• Christmas Core
• Pumpkin Core
• Kwanza Core
• Heart Core
• OG Logo Core
• DD:A Logo Core
• Pot of Gold Core
• Fusion Core
• Bio-Container Core
• Sky City Core
• Obelisk Core
• King’s Crown
• Horned
• Skulltacular
• Urn
• Book of Souls
• Pandora’s Box
• Goblet
• Fantasy
• Western
• Eastern
• Waterfall
• Landscaped
• Cell
• Molecular
• Runic
• Mystical
• Geode
• Crystalline
• Prop Cat in a Jar
• Rifted Prop Cat in a Jar
• Golden Prop Cat in a Jar
• Waffle in a Jar
• Fused Waffle in a Jar
• Seahorse in a Jar
• Sea Turtle in a Jar
• Santa Core
• Mrs. Claus Core
• Fused Training Core[/p][p][/p][p]Accessory Transmog Updates[/p][p] • Traffic Cone added
• Rifted Traffic Cone added
• Kringler’s Cap added
• Fused Kringler’s Cap added
• Fused Sapphire Brooch added
• Fused Ancient Monocle added
• Fused Soldier’s Bracers added
• Fused King’s Face added[/p][p][/p][p]Weapon Transmog Updates[/p][p]Swords
• Floppy Fish
• Fused Floppy Fish
• Meat Sword
• Fused Meat Sword[/p][p]Crossbows[/p][p] • Fused Leafy Piercer
• Bubble Blaster 9000
• Fused Bubble Blaster 9000
• Balasticus
• Fused Balasticus[/p][p][/p][p]Pet Transmog Updates[/p][p] • Fused Happy Hera now properly appears
• Summoner Action Figure added
• Guardian Action Figure added[/p][p][/p][p]Rune Drop Update[/p][p]• Runes now properly drop upon completing Wave 5 of Campaign maps instead of Wave 4[/p][p][/p][p]Tower Changes[/p][p]Warden[/p][p]Wisp Den:
• Attack rate hero stat exponent increased from 0.5 to 0.7
• Attack rate base value reduced from 7 to 4
• Tower damage hero stat exponent increased from 1.2 to 1.3[/p][p][/p][p]Shroomy Geyser: [/p][p] • Mortar toss arc adjusted from 0.45 to 0.75 [/p][p] • Attack rate base increased from 7 to 10 seconds [/p][p] • Tower damage exponent reduced from 1.15 to 1.1 [/p][p]• Tower damage base reduced from 750 to 300[/p][p][/p][p]Sludge Launcher: [/p][p]• AoE range increased from 280 to 325 [/p][p]• Sludge duration increased from 2.5 seconds to 3.5 seconds [/p][p]• DU cost decreased to 5 [/p][p]• Attack rate base set to 9.5 seconds [/p][p]• Attack rate exponent increased from 0.77 to 0.85[/p][p][/p][p]Summoner[/p][p]Mage Minion:
• Heal cooldown reduced from 10 to 7 seconds
• Heal threshold increased from 75 percent to 85 percent
• Heal targeting range increased from 375 to 425
• Heal validity range increased from 375 to 425
• Attack range increased from 375 to 425
• Can now heal Auras when rune equipped
• Can now heal Traps when rune equipped[/p][p][/p][p]Squire[/p][p]Bowling Ball Tower
• AoE properly set to 600[/p][p]Harpoon Tower
• Tower damage increased by 10 percent[/p][p]Sniper Cannon
• Attack rate exponent increased from 0.77 to 0.85[/p][p][/p][p]Apprentice[/p][p]Deadly Striker Tower
• Attack rate base reduced from 11.24 to 9.75 seconds
• Results in approximately 0.35 second attack rate at 20k stat[/p][p][/p][p]Pet Updates[/p][p]• All melee pets now prioritize bosses[/p][p][/p][p]Loot Updates[/p][p]• Castle Armory Pure Strategy loot scaling increased to match Forsaken Temple[/p][p][/p][p]Weapon Stat Updates[/p][p]Comically Large Weapons
• Staff stat scalars increased from 0.9 to 1.8
• Bow stat scalars increased from 0.9 to 1.8
• Polearm stat scalars increased from 0.9 to 1.8[/p][p]Note: All stat scalars on the other tower weapons remain 0.9. Ability roll scalar remains 1.5.[/p][p][/p][p]Updated Weapon Roll Pools[/p][p] • Spire Blade now rolls with Tower Damage, Tower Range, Tower Speed
• Oak Heart now rolls with Tower Range, Tower Health, Tower Damage
• Fused Fidget Spinner now rolls with Tower Health, Tower Damage, Tower Speed
• Fused Spire Blade now rolls with Tower Damage, Tower Range, Tower Speed
• Tsuda’s Final Creation now rolls with Tower Speed, Tower Damage, Tower Range
• Scarlet Prism now rolls with Tower Range, Tower Health, Tower Damage
• Oak shade now rolls with Tower Damage, Tower Speed, Tower Health
• Fused Astralune now rolls with Tower Health, Tower Speed, Tower Damage
• Fused Oak shade now rolls with Tower Damage, Tower Speed, Tower Range
• Crystal Polearm now rolls with Tower Range, Tower Damage, Tower Speed
• Talonheart now rolls with Tower Range, Tower Damage, Tower Health
• Ankhfeather now rolls with Tower Speed, Tower Damage, Tower Health
• Fused Oak spike now rolls with Tower Health, Tower Speed, Tower Range
• Fused War fang now rolls with Tower Health, Tower Damage, Tower Speed
• Fused Thrustworthy now rolls with Tower Damage, Tower Range, Tower Speed
• Hen Blaster 9000 now rolls with Tower Speed, Tower Range, Tower Damage
• Crystal Bow now rolls with Tower Health, Tower Damage, Tower Range
• Fragmenter now rolls with Tower Speed, Tower Range, Tower Damage
• Fused Scorcher now rolls with Tower Speed, Tower Range, Tower Damage
• Fused Paint storm now rolls with Tower Speed, Tower Range, Tower Damage
• Fused Oak bolt now rolls with Tower Range, Tower Speed, Tower Health[/p][p][/p][p]Closing[/p][p]This update continues our focus on tightening up systems, correcting unintended behavior, and improving overall balance. The tower adjustments in this patch were made intentionally to bring underperforming defenses more in line with the top-performing towers, so more options feel viable and rewarding to use. We are continuing to focus on stability, clarity, and long-term balance. Thank you again for the reports, testing, and thoughtful feedback. It genuinely helps us shape each update and keep the game moving in the right direction.[/p][p]Happy Defending,
The Community Development Team[/p][p]
[/p]

[p]Greetings Defenders,[/p][p]We’ve pushed out a new hotfix addressing a crash issue, some reward corrections, and a few gameplay adjustments.[/p][p]First, we want to sincerely apologize for the crash on Alchemical Laboratory in Rift Mode when reaching the boss wave. Unfortunately, this issue made it into the live build and remained there for about a week. We know how frustrating that can be, especially for players progressing and deeper survival runs, and we truly appreciate your patience while we tracked it down and resolved it. The fix is now live, and we’re back on track.[/p][h3]Stability Fixes[/h3]

• [p]Fixed a crash on Alchemical Laboratory (Rift Mode) that occurred when transitioning into the boss wave.
  
  [/p]

[h3]UI Updates[/h3]

• [p]Removed Bonus Difficulty options from areas of the UI where they cannot be toggled. This should reduce confusion and clean up the interface.
  
  [/p]

[h3]Reward Changes[/h3]

• [p]Sirloin no longer drops at Wave 250 on Summit Survival. To make up for this change, Gold Gemstones are now a guaranteed drop at Wave 250.
  
  [/p]
• [p]The Assault Challenge now properly awards a Victory Chest when played with Bonus Difficulty enabled. (As a result we are extending the Assault Speed Run Event Until 2/28.
  
  [/p]

[h3]Pure Strategy Changes[/h3]

• [p]Increased Ogre spawns in Alchemical Laboratory (Pure Strategy – Massacre) from 5 per lane to 9 per lane for better scaling and pressure.
  
  [/p]

[h3]Copter Ogre Targeting Adjustment[/h3][p]We’ve adjusted Copter Ogre target priorities to improve counterplay once they are dropped off. Previously, Copter Ogres heavily favored towers after landing, which often left little room for reaction or counterplay when a goblin copter goes through a rift portal. This change should result in Copter Ogres focusing players more often instead of immediately locking onto towers.[/p][p][/p][p]Old Target Desirability[/p]

• [p]Player: 2[/p]
• [p]Core: 0.5[/p]
• [p]Tower: 10[/p]

[p]New Target Desirability[/p]

• [p]Player: 10[/p]
• [p]Core: 2[/p]
• [p]Tower: 1[/p][p][/p]

[p]Thank you again for the reports and for sticking with us while we clean things up. Your feedback continues to help us improve the game, and we’re committed to keeping things moving in the right direction.[/p][p]Happy Defending,
The Community Development Team[/p][p]
[/p]

[p]ASSAULT SPEED RUN EVENT (Ends 2/15/26)[/p][p]Greetings Defenders![/p][p]We’re running a new Assault Speed Run Event as an experiment for potential future Assault-style challenges. For a limited time, we’ve removed the speed de-buff from Assault to see how it feels and to give players a chance to push for faster, more competitive runs.[/p][p]We’d like to invite everyone to participate and see just how fast you can go.[/p][p][/p][p]EVENT DURATION
Now through February 15, 2026[/p][p][/p][p]WINNER REWARD
The winner will get to name one of the new weapons coming with the next map.[/p][p][/p][p]REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE[/p][p]• Level 80 character
• Gear must be Transcendent quality or lower
• Must run on Massacre difficulty with the following enabled:
– Hardcore
– Rift Mode
– Bonus Difficulty
• No Rogue
• No Guardian pets[/p][p][/p][p]VIDEO SUBMISSION RULES[/p][p]Your run must be recorded in one continuous take and must clearly show:[/p][p]• Character sheet
• Full run[/p][p]*Character in the center of the map once challenge has been completed[/p][p]Video requirements:[/p][p]• Video must be Public or Unlisted
• Video title must be exactly:[/p][p]
“Steam Username” - DD:A Assault Speed Run Event - Time Remaining Upon Completion[/p][p]To be counted, the video link must be posted in the comments of the 2/1 patch notes steam post.[/p][p]We’re excited to see how this experiment plays out and appreciate everyone who takes part. Good luck, and happy speed running![/p]

[p]Greetings Defenders,[/p][p]We’ve just pushed out a small hotfix focused on stability and a few important fixes related to Crystal Core transmogs and Rift Mode.[/p][p]Fixes[/p]

• [p]Fixed an issue with Crystal Core transmogs to ensure they display and function correctly.[/p]
• [p]Fixed a crash on Magus Quarters when playing in Rift Mode.[/p]

[p]Thank you for the quick reports and for continuing to help us track down issues as they come up. Please keep sharing feedback and bug reports, both the good and the bad, as it helps shape the future of DD:A.[/p][p]Happy Defending,
The Community Development Team[/p]

[p]Greetings Defenders![/p][p]
Over the last couple of weeks we’ve been focused on making DD:A feel better to play, clearer to understand, and more rewarding to stick with. This update is packed with Pure Strategy improvements, new rewards, Transmog updates and an Assault speedrun event to keep building momentum toward the future. Thank you for the reports, the patience, and for sticking with us while we keep bringing updates to DD:A[/p][h2]HIGHLIGHTS[/h2]

• [p]Pure Strategy is now playable on:[/p]
  • [p]Yuletide Village[/p]
  • [p]Castle Armory[/p]
• [p]Added Pure Strategy phase info + wave progression data, and proper enemy lane data on supported maps[/p]
• [p]New Pure Strategy rewards (weapons, accessories, pets, and Action Figure tower-buff pets)[/p]
• [p]Transmog updates Assault updates + a limited-time Assault Speedrun Event (through 2/15/26)[/p][p] [/p]

[h2]PURE STRATEGY UPDATES[/h2][p]New / Updated Pure Strategy Maps[/p]

• [p]Yuletide Village[/p]
  • [p]Pure Strategy is now playable[/p]
  • [p]Added phase info + wave progression data[/p]
  • [p]Added enemy lanes (matches Survival lanes)[/p]
• [p]Castle Armory[/p]
  • [p]Pure Strategy is now playable[/p]
  • [p]Added phase info + wave progression data[/p]
  • [p]Added enemy lanes (matches Survival lanes)[/p]
• [p]Yuletide Village and Castle Armory are now visible in the Pure Strategy map select[/p]

[p]Outpost (Pure Strategy)[/p]

• [p]Reduced Djinn spawns to improve map flow (pulse count unchanged)[/p]
  • [p]Waves 1–8: unchanged[/p]
  • [p]Wave 9: 18 Djinn throughout the wave (down from 40)[/p]
  • [p]Waves 10–14: 20 Djinn throughout the wave (down from 40)[/p]
  • [p]Waves 15–19: 25 Djinn throughout the wave (down from 40)[/p]
  • [p]Waves 20–25: 30 Djinn throughout the wave (down from 40)[/p]

[p]Bazaar (Pure Strategy)[/p]

• [p]Sharken spawns adjusted for more consistent pacing (pulse count unchanged)[/p]
  • [p]Waves 1–4: 3 Sharken[/p]
  • [p]Wave 5: 6 Sharken[/p]
  • [p]Wave 6: unchanged (10)[/p]
  • [p]Wave 7: 10 Sharken[/p]
  • [p]Waves 8–11: unchanged[/p]
  • [p]Waves 12–14: 20 Sharken[/p]
  • [p]Waves 15–17: 25 Sharken[/p]
  • [p]Waves 18–20: 30 Sharken[/p]
  • [p]Waves 21–22: 35 Sharken[/p]
  • [p]Wave 23: 40 Sharken[/p]
  • [p]Waves 24–25: 45 Sharken[/p]
• [p]Ogre Copter spawns adjusted for better flow[/p]
  • [p]Waves 1–5: 1 copter per pulse over 2 pulses[/p]
  • [p]Waves 6–10: 2 copters per pulse over 3 pulses[/p]
  • [p]Waves 11–16: 3 copters per pulse over 3 pulses[/p]
  • [p]Waves 16–25: 3 copters per pulse over 4 pulses[/p]
• [p]Massacre: adjusted regular Ogre spawns for more uniform pacing[/p]
  • [p]Waves 3–10: 2 ogres per pulse with 2 pulses[/p]
  • [p]Waves 11–25: 3 ogres per pulse with 2 pulses[/p][p][/p]

[h2]NEW REWARDS & DROP TABLE UPDATES[/h2][p]Yuletide Village (Pure Strategy)[/p]

• [p]Flopsalot (Regular) added to Pure Strategy drop tables[/p]
  • [p]Tower weapon rolls: Tower Damage (0.9), Tower Range (0.9), Tower Speed (0.9)[/p]
  • [p]Tower Damage is a guaranteed roll - Shout out to Paimon[/p]
• [p]Flopsalot (Fused) added to Pure Strategy drop tables[/p]
  • [p]Same stats as Fused Wolfbane’s Claymore[/p]
  • [p]Ability stat point scalar: 2.75 (25% higher than Fused Wolfbane’s Claymore)[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Kringler’s Cap[/p]
  • [p]Now tradeable[/p]
  • [p]Added flavor text[/p]
  • [p]Now drops on completion of Wave 15 and Wave 25 (Yuletide Village Pure Strategy)[/p]
  • [p]Fused Kringler’s Cap drops on completion of Wave 15 and Wave 25 with Rift Mode toggled[/p]
    • [p]Rolls similarly to other fused accessories[/p]
• [p]Tower Penguin[/p]
  • [p]Drops on completion of Wave 15 and Wave 25 (Yuletide Village Pure Strategy)[/p]
  • [p]Rolls with Tower Health, Tower Damage, Tower Range, and +25% Move Speed[/p]
  • [p]Tower Damage is the main roll[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Tower Fused Penguin[/p]
  • [p]Drops on completion of Wave 15 and Wave 25 (Yuletide Village Pure Strategy with Rift Mode toggled)[/p]
  • [p]Rolls with Tower Health, Tower Damage, Tower Speed, and +25% Move Speed[/p]
  • [p]Tower Damage is the main roll[/p][p][/p]

[p]Castle Armory (Pure Strategy)[/p]

• [p]Meat Sword[/p]
  • [p]Awarded for completing Wave 15 and Wave 25 (Castle Armory Pure Strategy)[/p]
  • [p]Exact same rolls as Flopsalot [/p]
  • [p]Named and flavor text written by Corgi Cypher winner Numinous Fox[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Fused Meat Sword[/p]
  • [p]Awarded for completing Wave 15 and Wave 25 (Castle Armory Pure Strategy)[/p]
  • [p]Exact same rolls as Fused Flopsalot [/p][p][/p]
• [p]Tower Ogre[/p]
  • [p]Drops on completion of Wave 15 and Wave 25 (Castle Armory Pure Strategy)[/p]
  • [p]Rolls with Tower Speed, Tower Damage, Tower Range, and +15% Versatility[/p]
  • [p]Tower Range is the main roll[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Tower Fused Ogre[/p]
  • [p]Drops on completion of Wave 15 and Wave 25 (Castle Armory Pure Strategy)[/p]
  • [p]Rolls with Tower Speed, Tower Damage, Tower Range, and +15% Versatility[/p]
  • [p]Tower Speed is the main roll[/p]

[p]Pure Strategy Victory Chest Fixes (Fusion Drops)[/p]

• [p]Pure Strategy victory chests now properly drop:[/p]
  • [p]A random Fusion armor piece[/p]
  • [p]A random Fusion weapon[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Fixed on:[/p]
  • [p]Forsaken Temple[/p]
  • [p]Castle Armory[/p]
  • [p]Yuletide Village[/p][p][/p]

[p]Challenge Loot Quality Fixes[/p]

• [p]Nightmare challenges now properly use the early Nightmare campaign wave quality distribution[/p]
• [p]Massacre challenges now properly use the late Nightmare wave quality distribution[/p][p][/p][p]Monster Fest Rewards[/p]
• [p]Waffle Pet (Massacre Monster Fest)[/p]
  • [p]Non-combat pet[/p]
  • [p]Gives: +50% Health, +10% Movement Speed[/p]
  • [p]Rolls: Vitality (1.5), Attack (1.5), Ability (2.0), stat base of 8[/p]
• [p]Fused Waffle Pet (Massacre Monster Fest in Rift Mode)[/p]
  • [p]Non-combat pet[/p]
  • [p]Gives: +40% Health, +10% Rift Armor, +10% Movement Speed[/p]
  • [p]Rolls: Vitality (1.75), Attack (1.75), Ability (2.25), stat base of 8[/p]

[p]Action Figure Pets (Pure Strategy Massacre + Bonus Difficulty)[/p]

• [p]The Mill: Warden Action Figure[/p]
  • [p]Speedy Gemstone effect at 25% less power, buffs up to 8 targets[/p]
  • [p]Rolls: Tower Health, Tower Range, Tower Speed (main stat)[/p]
  • [p]Stat scalars: 0.9 (rift and non-rift)[/p]
• [p]Bazaar: Summoner Action Figure[/p]
  • [p]Powerful Gemstone effect at 25% less power, buffs up to 8 targets[/p]
  • [p]Rolls: Tower Damage (main stat), Tower Range, Tower Speed[/p]
  • [p]Stat scalars: 0.9[/p]
• [p]Forsaken Temple: Guardian Action Figure[/p]
  • [p]Sturdy Gemstone effect at 25% less power, buffs up to 8 targets[/p]
  • [p]Rolls: Tower Health (main stat), Tower Damage, Tower Speed[/p]
  • [p]Stat scalars: 0.9[/p]
  • [p]Also now drops on completion of Forsaken Temple Pure Strategy with the Hardcore toggle[/p]
• [p]Lost Metropolis reward update[/p]
  • [p]EV Action Figure did not pass QA and will be released in a future patch[/p]
  • [p]In the meantime, a Monk Guardian is being used in its place[/p]
• [p]Rogue Action Figure [/p]
  • [p]Drops from completing The Keep on Pure Strategy with a Bonus Difficulty[/p]
  • [p]Gives Prop Cat effect 50% less boost to damage than a regular prop cat, In addition the this et gives players a 25% attack rate increase[/p]

[p]Additional New Drops[/p]

• [p]Fused Leafy Piercer[/p]
  • [p]Drops from completing The Mill on Rifted Hardcore Massacre with a Bonus Difficulty[/p]
  • [p]Weapon with boss weapon scaling[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Traffic Cone Hat[/p]
  • [p]Drops from completing Outpost Pure Strategy on Massacre[/p]
  • [p]Named and flavor text written by Corgi Cypher winner Crystonyx[/p][p][/p]
  [p]Bubble Blaster 9000[/p]
  • [p]Drops from completing Lost Metropolis on Massacre Hardcore with a Bonus Difficulty[/p]
  • [p]Tower weapon rolls: Tower Health, Tower Range, Defense Rate (each scalar 0.95)[/p]
  • [p]Named and flavor text written by Corgi Cypher winner Phloop[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Fused Bubble Blaster 9000[/p]
  • [p]Drops from completing Lost Metropolis on Massacre Hardcore with a Bonus Difficulty[/p]
  • [p]DPS weapon with stats on par with Chimera Shot[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Birthday Party Hat[/p]
  • [p]Drops from completing King’s Game on Pure Strategy with Hardcore + Bonus Difficulty[/p]
  • [p]created and a celebration to Coolgamer's and Tato's birthday [/p][p][/p]
• [p]New Corgi Variant: Sirloin[/p]
  • [p]Drops at Wave 250 on The Summit (replacing the Corgi drop)[/p]
  • [p]Rolls with Hero scalars of 3.5 and Tower Fortify of 3.25[/p]
  • [p]Shout out to Tato[/p][p][/p]
• [p]Lapis Gemstone[/p]
  • [p]Now drops on Treasure Hunt with a 50% chance[/p][p][/p]

[h2]TRANSMOG & COSMETICS[/h2]

• [p]Updated the patch notes link to point to the Steam Community patch notes page[/p]

[p]Pets Added to the Transmog System[/p]

• [p]Fused Ramster can[/p]
• [p]Fused Propeller Cat[/p]
• [p]Golden Lil’ Bomber[/p]
• [p]Lapis Gemstone[/p]
• [p]Topaz Gemstone[/p]
• [p]Fused (Rifted) Fairy[/p]
• [p]Fused Genie[/p]
• [p]Fused Helping Hand (Rifted Hand)[/p]
• [p]Fused Mista Mine[/p]
• [p]Gold Penguin[/p]
• [p]Guardians (loot drops): Monk / Huntress / Squire / Apprentice[/p]
• [p]Animus: Monk / Huntress / Squire / Apprentice[/p]
• [p]Golden Striking Gemstone[/p]

[p]Comically Large Weapons[/p]

• [p]Added flavor text to the Comically Large Crossbow[/p]
• [p]All Comically Large weapons are no longer hidden in the Transmog menu[/p]

[p]Crystal Core Transmogs (New Feature)
A long-awaited returning feature from Dungeon Defenders 1 has finally made its debut: Crystal Core Transmogs.[/p]

• [p]Go to the Blacksmith → Transmog menu → Crystal Core tab[/p]
• [p]Select and save your Crystal Core transmog to use in-game[/p]
• [p]The Chromatic Gemstone Crystal Core transmog and Mega-chicken Crystal Core Transmog is now available to everyone[/p]
• [p]Additional locked Crystal Cores will appear in the menu, but they are not in the game yet (more details coming soon)[/p][p][/p]

[p]ASSAULT UPDATES + SPEEDRUN EVENT[/p][p]Assault Updates[/p]

• [p]Balasticus updated to resemble the DD1 Balasticus (by popular demand)[/p]

• [p]Removed the jump de-buff from Assault (players can move freely)[/p]
• [p]Assault can now be played in Rift Mode[/p]
• [p]Fused Balasticus now drops from completing Assault[/p]
• [p]Assault now awards a Victory Chest when played with a Bonus Difficulty[/p][p][/p]

[p]Assault Speed Run Event (through 2/15/26)
Until 2/15/26, we’ve removed the speed de-buff from Assault as an experiment for potential future Assault-style challenges. We’d like to invite everyone to participate in the Assault speed-run event.[/p][p]Winner Reward[/p]

• [p]The winner gets to name one of the new weapons coming with the next map[/p]

[p]Requirements to Participate[/p]

1. [p]Level 80 character[/p]
2. [p]Gear cannot be higher than Transcendent quality[/p]
3. [p]Must run on Massacre with Hardcore, Rift Mode, and Bonus Difficulty toggled[/p]
4. [p]No Rogue or Guardian[/p]
5. [p]Video must be one take showing:[/p]
   • [p]Character sheet[/p]
   • [p]Full run[/p]
   • [p]Character in the center of the map once challenge has been completed[/p]
6. [p]Video must be public or unlisted, titled:
   “Steam Username” - DD:A Assault Speed run Event - Time Remaining Upon Completion[/p]
7. [p]To count, the link to the video must be posted in the comments of the Steam post of the patch notes[/p]

[h2]BALANCE & GAMEPLAY CHANGES[/h2]

• [p]Bowling Ball tower explosion AoE reduced by 20% (750 → 600)[/p]
• [p]Comically Large Bow tower health scalar corrected to 0.9[/p]
• [p]Tower Chicken now properly gives 30% Cast Rate[/p]
• [p]Gold Gemstone buff increased to be 50% stronger than the regular gemstone buff[/p][p][/p]

[h2]ITEMS, TOOLTIPS, AND SET BONUS FIXES[/h2]

• [p]Updated Arcane Alignment 5 tooltip to clarify accessory use (especially Rift accessories)[/p]
• [p]Updated Spike Blockade description to include attack rate reduction to melee attackers[/p]
• [p]Updated Golden Lycan King item card to show the 15% Rift bonus and maximum number of targets[/p]
• [p]Updated Golden Lycan King item description[/p]
• [p]Rearmed set bonus now displays properly[/p]
• [p]Inspired Defense set bonus can now be completed with an Arcanist piece as intended[/p]
• [p]Thundering Defense set bonus can now be completed with an Arcanist piece as intended[/p]
• [p]Deadly Defense set bonus can now be completed with an Arcanist piece as intended[/p]
• [p]Plagued Defense set bonus can now be completed with an Arcanist piece as intended[/p]
• [p]Seal of the Forsaken (and Fused version) now properly classified as a Brooch[/p]
• [p]Added a description to the Rifted Empowering Shrine describing its Rift effect:[/p]
  • [p]Players standing inside the circle gain 25% cooldown reduction[/p]
• [p]Updated Owl description to fix typos[/p]

[p]
[/p][h2]CINEMATICS[/h2]

• [p]Bazaar now has an intro fly-through cinematic[/p]
• [p]Bazaar now has a lose cinematic upon failure[/p]
• [p]Lost Metropolis now has an intro fly-through cinematic[/p]
• [p]Lost Metropolis now has a lose cinematic upon failure[/p]

[p]
[/p][h2]RIFT PORTAL UPDATES (PURE STRATEGY SUPPORT)[/h2]

• [p]All of Act 4 Rift Mode now has Rift Portals available in Pure Strategy[/p]
• [p]Added / updated Rift Portal locations across many maps in Survival, Pure-Strategy, Mixed-Mode, including:[/p]
  • [p]Ancient Mines[/p]
  • [p]Lava Mines[/p]
  • [p]Magus Quarters[/p]
  • [p]Tornado Valley[/p]
  • [p]Tornado Highlands[/p]
  • [p]The Ramparts[/p]
  • [p]The Throne Room[/p]
  • [p]Arcane Library[/p]
  • [p]Royal Gardens[/p]
  • [p]Promenade[/p]
  • [p]The Summit[/p]
  • [p]Glitterhelm[/p]
  • [p]Endless Spires[/p]
  • [p]Forges and Foundries (updated location)[/p]
  • [p]Bazaar[/p]
  • [p]Lost Metropolis[/p]
  • [p]Forsaken Temple[/p]
  • [p]Castle Armory[/p]
  • [p]King’s Game[/p]
  • [p]Yuletide Village[/p]

[p]Note:[/p]

• [p]On most of these maps we added extra portal support intended to help Rift Copters avoid getting stuck.[/p]
• [p]We have not added the Rift-Copter-specific portal pass into the Act 4 maps yet (that will come in a future update).[/p]
• [p]Deeper Well did not receive any Rift Portal updates in this patch.[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]BUG FIXES[/p]

• [p]Fixed an issue with Siren damage resistance where enemies could become effectively invincible due to a timed/infinite buff interaction [/p]

[p]KNOWN ISSUES (STILL INVESTIGATING)[/p][p]We’re aware of the following issues and they did not make it into this patch (they’re deeper than expected, but we are investigating):[/p]

• [p]Gold disappearing when joining a friend’s game through Steam’s “Join Game” button[/p]
• [p]Multiplayer crash when the host changes maps during an active session[/p]
• [p]Repair ability not working when Cast Rate goes over 200%[/p][p][/p]

[h2]Closing[/h2][p]As always, thank you for playing and for continuing to share your feedback with us. This update is another step toward making DD:A clearer, more rewarding, and better to play across all modes, especially Pure Strategy. Every report, suggestion, and discussion helps guide where we focus next. Our next major update will continue to focus on fixing bugs, improving stability, and making the game feel better to play from start to finish. We’re committed to steady, meaningful improvements that hold up long term, and your feedback plays a huge role in shaping that future.[/p][p]Happy Defending,
The Community Development Team[/p][p]
[/p]