Skul: The Hero Slayer News

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Peace has finally been restored in the Forest of Harmony but a strange Dark Mirror has appeared out of nowhere.

Test your limits in the Dark Mirror update. These patch notes will cover the changes made in this update.

Before we dig into the details, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who has participated in the Dark Mirror Beta test.

During the Beta, we received much quality feedback from our players, and to this day we have thoroughly reviewed each one of them and have focused on polishing the game before the official Dark Mirror update.

Our commitment will not end with today's official update, to provide a better gameplay experience we will continue to improve and make adjustments to the game. To achieve our goal the feedback and suggestions from our players will always be welcomed and appreciated.




[h2]System changes[/h2]

[h3]Dark Mirror[/h3]



Test your skills and limits in the new challenging 'Dark Mirror' mode.

More powerful enemies along with new threats will try to stop you, but you will also have a new trick up your sleeve that will help you in your journey.

Originally posted by author

Developer Comment
We would like to say the Dark Mirror update is not just a hard mode that has increased the health and damage of the enemies. It is more of a new DLC, which includes a new story and content. We highly recommend that players personally experience the DLC's full content rather than experiencing it through written texts and images. For these reasons, further details related to the Dark Mirror will be included in the Dev Blog.

[h3]Changes to the Reward System[/h3]

• Players will now be given 3 reward options to choose from after clearing the Item Map.
  
• Players will now be able to loot Adventurers after defeating them.
  

[h3]Changes to how summoned characters attack[/h3]

• Now damage inflicted on enemies by summoned characters will be recognized as the overall damage the player has inflicted.
  

Originally posted by author

Developer Comment
Our initial intentions were to have a clear and separate identity for both the player and summoned characters. However, the changes were made because we did not think the summoned characters had a clear identity. We plan to add a unique effect and content for summoned characters and will review separating the player and summoned characters again.

[h3]Etc.[/h3]

• Added a new effect for destroying Skulls, Items, and Quintessences.
  
• Destroying a Quintessence will now increase the player's Max HP, the increasing value will differ based on the rarity of the Quintessence.
  
• Removed the 'Title Screen' option from the Pause menu
  

[h3]Stages[/h3]

• Adjusted the layout of several maps across all chapters.
  
• Decreased the HP of normal enemies and Adventurers in all chapters.
  
• Increased the drop rate of healing orbs in all chapters.
  
• Increased the drop rates of Dark Quartz in chapters 1, 2, and 3.
  
• Decreased the drop rates of Dark Quartz in chapter 4.
  
• Decreased the number of cleared stages that are required to clear chapters 3 and 4.
  
• Increased the reroll cost for repeatedly rerolling the Collector's items.
  
• Now the player's chance to encounter more field NPCs has increased in chapters 1, 2, and 3.
  
• Now the player's chance to encounter the field NPC 'Odd Dark Priest' has increased in all chapters.
  
• Changed the HP recovery rate and appearance rate of the type of herbs the field NPC 'Halfling Girl' offers.
  
  • Changed the HP recovery rate of 'Fruit of Love': 15% → 20%
    
  • Changed the HP recovery rate of 'Moonlight Herb': 25% → 30%
    
  • Changed the HP recovery rate of 'Inferno Flower': 60% → 50%
    
  • 'Halfling Girl' will now offer the 'Fruit of Love' less frequently.
    
• The buffs casted by the field NPC 'Spokesman of the Mist' will now have decreased amplification values to the Physical and Magic Attacks.
  
• The buffs casted by the field NPC 'Spokesman of the Mist' will now have an increased value to Attack Speed.
  
• A new device called the 'Ballista' and the 'Launch Pad' has been added to chapter 4.
  
• The event map 'Dang-Ka Defense' has been temporarily disabled.
  

Originally posted by author

Developer Comment
The event map 'Dang-Ka Defense' has been temporarily disabled due to an issue that was found. 'Dang Ka Defense' will be enabled as soon as the issue has been resolved.

[h2]Changes to the Enemies[/h2]
[h3]Normal Enemies[/h3]

• Reduced the attack duration time of Blossom Ents.
  
• Improved the attack animations of Carleon Assassin for better clarity.
  
• Reduced the stabbing distance of Gold Mane Spearmen.
  
• Reduced the projectile speed of dishes thrown by Dish Maids.
  
• Reduced the number of Maids the Chief Maid can summon to 3.
  
• Reduced the number of flasks the High Alchemist and Dark Alchemist can throw to 1.
  
• Players will now have to defeat the Dark Golem summoned by the Alchemists to move on to the next map.
  
• Reduced the projectile speed of daggers thrown by Catechists.
  
• Reduced the ability to track players for the spears thrown by Leonia’s Spearmen.
  
• Increased the attack wind-up time for Leonia’s Priests
  
• Leonia’s Assassins will now attempt to use the slashing down attack more frequently.
  
• Reduced the number of followers the Missionary can summon to 3.
  
• Now enemies summoned by other enemies will have a brief invulnerability time right after being summoned.
  

[h3]Adventurers[/h3]

• Adjust the AI to be less aggressive when 2 or more Adventurers appear.
  
• The Rookie Hero will no longer be able to be knock-backed during an energy blast attack.
  
• Added new attacks to the Warrior.
  
• Adjusted the speed and hit detection for the Warrior and Veteran Warrior's leap attack.
  
• Added a stun effect to the Hunter's traps.
  
• Added new attacks to the Mage.
  
• Added new attacks to the Cleric.
  
• Removed the trail of flames the Veteran Mage would leave after using her leap attack on players.
  

[h3]Bosses[/h3]

• Reduced the damage of Leiana Sisters' dash attack (Mid-air -> Ground dash) and now they will inflict damage upon landing.
  
• Changed the hit registrations of the black orbs summoned by Awakened Leiana to be one single attack rather than multiple attacks.
  
• During the First Hero's energy orb summoning, the bolts of lightning will now be more accurate when attacking the player.
  
• Decreased the detection range of magic fields when the Leonia Grand Priest casts multiple magic fields.
  

[h2]Skulls[/h2]
[h3]Buffs to Tackle Type Dash Effects[/h3]

• Increased the dash range of Tackle type dashes.
  
• Increased the damage of Tackle type dashes
  
• Increased the invulnerability time of Tackle type dashes.
  

[h3]Skeleton-Shield[/h3]

• Adjusted the Physical Attack amplification values based on the player's current shield value: 50% → 30%
  

• Adjusted the Physical Attack amplification values based on the player's current shield value: 50% → 30%
  
• Increased the attack damage for successfully blocking an enemy attack from the front while concentrating on basic attacks
  
• Increased the attack radius for jump attacks
  

[h3]Thief[/h3]

• The gold being dropped when attacking enemies has been visually decreased but the overall gold acquisition will remain the same.
  
• Increased the damage of gold explosions.
  

[h3]Stone Monkey[/h3]

• Decreased the concentration time for all skills.
  

[h3]Gene[/h3]

• Added a brief invulnerability time after using skills.
  
• Increased the dash casting time and invulnerability time.
  

• Increased the attack range of clones created after a dash.
  
• Increased the cast speed of the skill Genie Swordsmanship.
  

• Increased the attack radius of clones created after a dash.
  
• Increased the cast speed of the skill Genie Swordsmanship.
  
• Increased the attack radius for Genie Lamp clones.
  

[h3]Minotaurus[/h3]

• Increased the damage of the skill Ground Shatter.
  

[h3]Dark Paladin[/h3]

• Adjusted the shield duration when Darkness is full: 20 seconds → 30 seconds
  
• Increased the damage of jump attacks when Darkness is full.
  
• Decreased the delay after casting Dark Cross and adjusted the hit registration mechanism.
  
• Successful Dark Wave hits will now generate more Darkness.
  
• Successful Dark Charges will now generate more Darkness.
  
• Successful Dark Cross hits will now generate more Darkness.
  
• Dark Rush will now generate less Darkness.
  

[h3]Samurai[/h3]

• Successfully hitting a swap skill will now increase the swap gauge.
  

[h3]Prisoner[/h3]

• Now landing a single attack on one enemy will only generate up to 5 cells.
  

[h2]Items[/h2]
[h3]Special Inscriptions[/h3]

• Now a few specific inscriptions will be categorized as Special Inscriptions.
  
• Special Inscriptions will have a distinguishable coloured icon.
  
• Special Inscriptions can be only obtained through items that possess these inscriptions. Players will not be able to obtain Special Inscriptions through other methods.
  
• Therefore the Masterpiece inscription will no longer appear on the items 'Prince's Box' and 'Clone Stamp' and players will no longer be able to obtain the following items of 'Doubled Prince’s Box' and 'Clone Clone'.
  

Originally posted by author

Developer Comment
Using the 'Doubled Prince's Box' and 'Clone Clone' was a blast. However, these items had issues that conflicted with the Dark Mirror contents. Holding back our tears we made a difficult decision to temporarily exile them from the land of Harmonia. We promise these 2 items will make a triumphant return once we make adequate preparations.

[h3]Prince's Box[/h3]

• Added new effects: increase Physical Attack and Magic Attack by 30%.
  

[h3]Symbol of Toughness[/h3]

• Added a 1-second cooldown for the item effect.
  
• Increased the required shield value to activate the maximum attack bonus.
  

[h3]Clone Stamp[/h3]

• Added new effects: increase Physical Attack and Magic Attack by 40%.
  

[h3]Medal Box[/h3]

• Adjusted the Physical Attack increase values that could be obtained after defeating an Adventurer: 25% → 20%
  
• Adjusted the maximum Physical Attack bonus value that could be obtained after defeating an Adventurer: 150% → 140%
  

[h3]Priest's Staff[/h3]

• Changed the method of restoring HP: Percentage of Max HP -> Fixed HP value.
  

[h3]Sylphid Wings
[/h3]

• The item's effect of increased dash distance and cool time will no longer be stackable with this same item.
  

[h3]Doomsday
[/h3]

• Increased the maximum damage of Apocalypse explosions.
  
• Damage dealt to enemies will now have a lower conversion rate to Apocalypse explosion damage.
  

[h3]Pot of Greed
[/h3]

• Changed the VFX for this item effect.
  

[h2]Other Changes made[/h2]

• The Grand Alchemist and Dark Alchemist's unstable Summoning effect layer has now been placed behind the enemy layer.
  
• The Gambler's Roulette of Destiny effect has now been placed behind the enemy layer.
  
• The Quintessence Archdemon's blackout effect and layer have now been placed behind the enemy layer.
  
• Spirit King Oberon who can be summoned after obtaining 5 inscriptions of Fairy Tale will appear behind the enemy layer.
  

• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the item 'Magical Choker' could be activated through other items
  
• Fixed a bug in which the 'Guardian' and 'Guardian Commander's Physical Attack increase based on their shield value had no maximum threshold
  
• Fixed a bug in which the 'Minotaurus's Body Smash would not inflict damage to enemies
  
• Fixed a bug in which the 'Elder Ent''s enhanced Rapid Growth could not cancel other actions
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the item 'Jagamon Thorn' could be activated through other forms of attack rather than basics
  
• Fixed a bug in which the item 'Warrior's Pauldrons' activated the stat 'Decrease incoming damage'
  
• Fixed a bug in which possessing more than 1 'Symbol of Toughness' item could cause an abnormal amount of bonus damage
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the item 'Ceremonial Dagger' could not be activated by dash attacks and critical attacks from swap skills
  
• Fixed an issue in which the description for the item 'Master Fighter' was incorrect: 45% → 55%
  
• Fixed an issue in which the description for the item 'Master Brawler' was incorrect: 45% → 55%
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the item 'Clone Stamp' only increased by 20 HP instead of 30 HP
  
• Fixed a bug in which enemies affected by the effect of the Quintessence 'Banshee' had to be damaged more than once to return to their normal state
  
• Fixed a bug in which having 4 Courage inscriptions amplified Physical Attack by 40%
  
• Fixed a bug in which activating and deactivating 2 or more Fortress inscriptions repeatedly allowed the players to stack shields
  
• Fixed a bug in which the treasure chests that would appear as an effect of possessing 2 or 4 Treasure inscriptions had different animation timings when appearing and opening the chest
  
• 
  

Hello everyone,
It's the Skul team!

First of all, we would like to thank everyone who has tried the Dark Mirror beta and for the feedback you have shared with us.

All of the feedback we received has been taken into full consideration as we polish the game.

Today we have released a new update for the beta version, which focuses on improving the overall gameplay experience and bug fixes for some issues.

Since the beta was intended to collect data for the official update, minor balance tweaks have been made to maintain the playing experience.

The official update will include the full balance changes aimed at a better playing experience! To achieve this goal, feedback from our players is crucial.
Your feedback will always be welcome and appreciated as we continue to polish the game.

If you have not completed the survey, we would like to request your participation in our survey.
Link: https://forms.gle/Mpv8MdtYXqpVgMFe9

Thank you,
The Skul team.

[h2]Patch Notes[/h2]

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

• Fixed a bug in which the Ballista device could cause damage to the players in Chapter 4
  
• Fixed a bug when the player's character could become invisible when swapping Skulls while using the jumping device in Chapter 4
  
• Fixed a bug in which the Dark First Hero would sink into the floor
  
• Fixed a bug when exchanging Skulls with the NPC Headless, the Skull which was on the ground would not be able to be exchanged again
  
• Fixed a bug in which the 'Melanophobia' effect would not be saved after closing the game
  
• Fixed a bug in which the Dark Ability 'Hard Shell' level 3 was not working properly
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the Dark Ability 'Counter Attack' could be activated with other actions besides dashing
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the Dark Ability 'OCD' could be activated by hitting puppets
  
• Fixed a bug when in possession of the 'Omen: Unknown Darkness', omen chests could still drop the 'Omen: Shard of Darkness'
  
• Fixed a bug in which the 'Omen: Sword of Chaos' would follow the higher damage stat between Physical Attack and Magical Attack rather than following the Physical Attack.
  
• Fixed a bug in which the 'Omen: Cup of Fate's ability to increase stats by destroying items that have Masterpiece inscriptions would not be saved after closing the game
  
• Fixed a bug in which players could not jump back up to a certain map area in Chapter 1
  
• Fixed a bug in which players did not receive any fall damage in Chapter 4
  
• Fixed a bug in which a cage would not function properly in Chapter 4
  
• Fixed specific texts that were still in Korean texts
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the item 'Symbol of Toughness' could be activated even without shields
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the item 'Magical Choker' could be activated through other items
  
• Fixed a bug in which the item 'Warrior's Pauldrons' activated the stat 'Decrease incoming damage'
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the item 'The Chosen Cleric’s Bible' was not working as intended
  
• Fixed a bug in which activating and deactivating the inscription 'Fortress' repeatedly allowed the players to stack shields
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effect of the inscription 'Sin' did not work properly with projectiles, Quintessence, Spirits, and status effects
  
• Fixed a bug when purchasing each type of flasks from the Collector, a different rarity of the Skull the player was using would drop
  
• Fixed a bug in which the effects of projectiles and Quintessence would not disappear
  
• Fixed a bug in which during the large energy ball pattern of Yggdrasil's 2nd Phase, the blackout effect would wear off faster than intended
  
• Fixed a bug when players could receive rewards from the event map when moving on to the next map
  
• Fixed a bug in which the player could still receive damage after defeating the bosses of Hard Mode Chapters 2 & 5
  

[h3]Changes Made[/h3]

• Adjusted the mirror crack effect which would appear after clearing a level of the Dark Mirror
  
• Added a 1 second cool time to the item effect of 'Symbol of Toughness'
  
• Changed the effects of the item 'Symbol of Toughness' to be activated only when the player receives actual damage
  
• Added a stun effect to the Adventurer Hunter's traps
  
• Now effects activated by inflicting damage to enemies will also be activated through Spirit attacks
  
• Enemies spawned while mid-level (during a map) will be invulnerable for a brief moment.
  
• Now a warning sign will appear once the Adventurer finishes their casting of a tactical spell
  
• Now Ultimate Golems will not be able to use their laser attacks while moving
  

Hello everyone!

‘The Dark Mirror’ Beta starts today.
Everyone who has purchased Skul will be able to participate in this Beta.

Please participate in the survey after you have played the Beta version.
https://forms.gle/Mpv8MdtYXqpVgMFe9

[h3]How to access the Beta version[/h3]

1. Steam client → Library
   
2. Skul:The Hero Slayer → Click right → Property
   
3. Property menu → Betas
   
4. Type in the Beta Key : 17darkmirrorbeta
   

[h3]How to go back to the previous version[/h3]

1. Steam client → Library
   
2. Skul:The Hero Slayer → Click right → Property
   
3. Property menu → Betas → Select ‘None’
   

[h3]Notifications of the Beta version[/h3]

• The play record of the Beta version won’t be reflected into the previous version.
  
• Functions and files of the Beta version can be only used in the Beta version.
  
• Currently the Beta version is only accessible via Steam.
  
• The Beta version starts at the point after the completion of the first ending.
  
• The maximum difficulty of the Dark Mirror won’t be accessible in the Beta version.
  
• The contents in the Beta version are subject to change.
  
• In the Beta version, the Witch’s traits are reset. We advise you to set the traits with the Dark Quartz we prepared before playing.
  

Please give us feedback regarding difficulty level, contents or any other inconvenience through the Official Discord channel.
Discord Channel #beta-feedback
https://discord.gg/tbvc7wHRAU

Thank you everyone for all the love that you have given Skul this year, and we promise to return that love by making Skul more fun!

SouthPAW Games

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]A brand new world of Skul is approaching[/h3]

A Dark Mirror emitting a strange energy
Powerful enemies no one has encountered
New mysterious abilities

Test your limits in the Dark Mirror Update!
The Beta version will be revealed first on Dec 29, with the official update planned for Jan 12.
*Updates will be released sequentially, coming first on Steam.
*The Beta version can be accessed via Steam. It will be a separate build from the current Live version.
*We'll be back with details on how to access the Beta version!

[h2]System[/h2]

• Regarding the status effect, Freeze and Stun!, boss’s resistance increases for some period of time when the same status effect is applied.
  
• Now the Inscriptions of the items, ‘Prince's Box’ and ‘Clone Stamp’, will change when the items are restocked at the Black Market.
  

[h2]Bug Fix[/h2]

• Fixed a bug where players could obtain the items ‘Solar Sword’ and ‘Lunar Ring’ after activating the effect of 2 ‘Sun and Moon’ Inscriptions.
  
• Fixed a bug where items dropped from the chest after defeating the boss of Chapter 3, stuck between stone pillars.
  
• Fixed a bug where the projectiles created by the effect of the item ‘Afterimage’, aimed the Iceberg created by the Frozen Soul.
  
• Fixed a bug where the challenger’s mark disappeared when an enemy had been defeated by ‘Start Match’ of the Champion.
  
• Fixed a bug where players went through the terrain and fell, in some maps of the second stage of Chapter 4.
  
• Fixed a bug where players obtained the same extra item when obtaining the item ‘Blood-Drunk Sword’.
  
• Fixed a bug where items dropped from the chest stuck on the ground after defeating the Chapter 1 boss ‘Yggdrasil’.
  

※ Due to minor errors, Windows 32 bit will be excluded from this update. We will resolve this issue as soon as possible.