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Fangs News

The Road So Far



Another year of developing Fangs has come and gone! Fangs development has been a long journey so far, but the path we have tread is something grand.

Since December 2021, the game has undergone dramatic changes, with all-new maps, UI, systems, and heroes. In 2022, we launched Fangs into Early Access, allowing us to get a first-hand experience from new players, and learn more about our own title through valuable player feedback. We know the road ahead will be challenging—and 2023 promises to be our most transformative year yet.

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THE ROAD SO FAR


We have prepared a video comparing Fangs now to how it was a year ago—watch it above! (If you missed it, here's our previous video showcasing the differences from 2020 to 2021.) Whether you are a new player or someone who has joined our countless alpha playtests, we would like to thank you for jumping in early and trying our game while it’s in active development. Hidden Leaf Games exists because of the support of our community; we hope to keep building Fangs into the game our players deserve for years to come!

THE ROAD AHEAD


As stated in our Development Roadmap, we are working with our players on improving Fangs throughout the Early Access period and beyond—we hear your feedback and want to assure you that major changes are coming to the game as soon as January 2023. Once we are confident Fangs has reached a new quality bar, we will also resume Marketing efforts to bring in new players and strengthen our queues.

Again, thank you for the tremendous support so far—we are just getting started.

Happy New Year!

The Hidden Leaf Games Team

NEW PATCH - DECEMBER 28


It's time for our next big patch to enter into the world of Fangs, and we could not be more excited with the direction of how things are going!

We shipped some hotfixes in the past 2 weeks to address significant balance outliers such as Wylde, Belroth, and Ethryn. However, the main theme of this patch is AUGMENT DIVERSITY—we primarily targeted Augments that are clearly too strong, as well as both underpowered, and underpicked. These improvements will mainly come in the form of simple number changes—but don’t worry, we’re still intending on nerfing some of the most dominant picks and playstyles through augments.

Our livebalance team has also been focusing on larger kit-focused gameplay updates, that we’ll be introducing in the coming patches! So be sure to stay tuned on that as it will go hand in hand with today's patch.

BOONS
  • Mutate
    Cooldown: 30s >>> 45s
  • Spite
    Duration: 8s >>> 5s
  • Rush
    Cooldown: 60s >>> 75s
BALANCE CHANGES



We’re also pretty satisfied with the current state of Astrada, but some small nerfs to her CDR build needed to be addressed.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Purifying Necklace [E]
    Cooldown reduction: 1s >>> 0.8s
  • Demolisher's Treasure [LMB]
    Cooldown reduction: 1.2s >>> 1s



Belroth has been terrifying enemies with spooky amounts of Max HP stacking, and his ability to hunt them down with high burst damage. These changes are intended to make him slightly less monstrous with these two things in mind.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Omen of the Emperor [R]
  • Bonus HP per enemy hit: 20 >>> 12
  • Sageborn Claws [LMB]
  • Bonus HP per enemy hit: 3 >>> 2
  • Poison Spores [Shift]
  • Bleed over 3 seconds: 18 >>> 12
  • Angerstone Talons [Shift]
  • Damage: 100 >>> 80
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Rage of Remembrance [R]
    Additional fear duration if only 1 target hit by ult: 1s >>> 1.5s
  • Arden Powershards [R]
    Ally Movespeed duration: 1.5s >>> 1.75s
  • Healhog [Passive]
    Max HP Heal: 5% >>> 6.5%
  • Healthmites [E]
    Heal per enemy hit: 50 >>> 60



Boccato’s Warboots have been running wild while other Brutus augments have been left behind. So we had to do a lil' catch up on some of his other items.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Boccato's Warboots [Space]
    Cooldown on hit: 4.5s >>> 3s
  • Vitalwrath Charm [LMB]
    Heals for 40% >>> 30% of damage done.
  • Earthquake (Shift)
    In the last patch, we said Earthquake and its tremors got a nerf, but it wasn’t added in properly. Those changes will properly apply with this patch!
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Bull's Blessing [Shift]
    120 >>> 135 extra shield granted to Brutus and allies on first quake impact.
  • Spinecleave [R]
    Ability duration increase on takedown: 1s >>> 1.5s



Ethryn for the most part has been difficult in finding the proper balance between her, and other heroes. So while things can be trial and error, we feel that some of these nerfs and buffs should help even things out.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Elysian Warbrew [LMB]
    LMB deals 3% >>> 2.5% of Ethryn’s current HP as bonus damage
  • Squire [LMB]
    Every 3rd LMB heals Ethryn for 50 HP >>> 40 HP
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Titan's Effigy [Passive]
    Pummel duration: 1.25s >>> 1.5s
  • Twice Blessed Salve [RMB]
    CC Immunity and Speed duration: 1.25s >>> 1.5s



We saw some things that made it so we needed nerfs to Fiorne’s stabbiest set of augments.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Fifi's little helper [Passive]
    Damage per stack 3% >>> 2.5%, Lifesteal 1 >>> 0.75% per stack
  • Stabbers [LMB]
    LMB hits increase damage by 2s >>> 1.5s for 1.25 seconds.
  • Relaxing tankard [LMB]
    LMB hits heal Fiorne for 7 HP >>> 5 HP per bunny stack.
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Trickster's Mixture [Space]
    10% >>> 15% less damage taken while at 3 Bunny Stacks



Ishir players were feeling lots of pain in the past few weeks when running his kits. These changes primarily target augments in his kit that were largely under-performing to help make his abilities less painful.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Soulslitter [LMB]
    Missing HP damage: 5% >>> 4%
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Serrated Grappling Hook [Shift]
    Bleed damage: 96 >>> 112
    Bleed damage from behind: 144 >>> 160
  • Vortekxy's Scarf [Passive]
    Stealth Duration: 3s >>> 4s
  • Spectral Sands [E]
    Additional counter time 1.25s >>> 1.5s
  • Wraithbrew [P]
    Heal for 3% >>> 4% of missing HP while in stealth
  • Ishala’s Amuet [E]
    Successfully countering incapacitates the target for 0.75s >>> 1.0s



We know that Kiona has been on the weaker side of our Heroes lately, so the buffs in this patch target her least popular augments.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Lifefrost Brew [RMB]
    Heals Kiona 55% >>> 48% of the damage dealt
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Rime Tar [Passive]
    10 >>> 12.5 armor per passive stack on enemies
  • Avalanche Helm [Shift]
    Deals 75% >>> 85% more damage
  • Winterclaw Choker [Shift]
    Stuns enemies for 0.4s >>> 0.9s instead of dragging them



We’re generally pleased with Rayo’s current state, but he will also receive a small QoL update next patch as well.
[h3]Buffs: [/h3]
  • Omen of the Ralia [R]
    Damage penalty: 45% >>> 35% (Your 3 shot's damage: 165 >>> 195)
  • Peacemakers Recurve [R]
    Tooltip updated to indicate that Rayo also benefits from its effects.



We know Rose has been a bit behind the competition, so while these are just a few changes, she’ll also be receiving QoL love in the next patch.
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • All-Seeing Talisman [RMB]
    Bleed damage: 15 >>> 20 per second for 3 seconds
  • Demon's Handshake [E]
    Lifesteal for allies occupying the zone: 35% >>> 42.5%
  • Klaive Untethered [R]
    Basic ability cooldown refund: 6s >>> 10s



For Rowan, we’re looking to take power out of builds that allow Rowan to get large amounts of healing.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Lifegivers Trowel [E]
    Movespeed gained: 20% >>> 12%
    Healing over 3 seconds: 200 >>> 150
  • Heal Sprite [Passive]
    Passive healing: 100% >>> 70%
  • Iron thorns [Shift]
    Damage reduced by ~15%
  • The Bloomblade [R]
    Heal zone per second: 54 HP >>> 30 HP
    Damage per second to enemies: 30 >>> 20
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Vitalshroom [Passive]
  • Ally heal: 50% >>> 60% of maximum HP



One of Somnia’s augments in particular has been contributing to her higher winrate—so this needed to be balanced. For the Somnia enthusiasts out there, she has some more in-depth QoL changes coming in the next patch to keep your eyes open for!
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Soul Mine [Passive]
    Max HP damage on charm: 10% >>> 5%
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Lifesnatcher’s Lantern [Space]
    Lifesteal: 10% >>> 15%



Our owl friend got some much needed adjusting on some augments whose performance felt off in general.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Kunai Feathers [Passive]
    Nourishing feathers deal 50% >>> 40% bonus damage
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Bottled Wind [Space]
    Allies in the wind gain 60 >>> 65% movespeed
  • Lost Gong of Power [R]
    Heal for 35% of max HP over 3s >>> 2s



We continue to adjust some outlier augments as the dust settles around Wylde.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Blight's talisman [RMB]
    25 >>> 20 bonus damage based on missing HP.
  • Goreblaster [RMB]
    10 >>> 5 bonus damage in an AOE
  • Guard Grease [RMB]
    55% >>> 40% of RMB and RMB proc damage given as shield
  • Outland Bandolier [R]
    50 HP >>> 40 HP heal to nearby allies on passive proc with R
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Ironmelt Holster [Shift]
    4% >>> 5% armor shred for 8 >>> 10 seconds
  • Chamber Imps [E]
    50 >>> 65 bonus damage if cast with 2 ammo or less
  • Scorching Spurs [Space]
    Increases range by 25% >>> 30% per bullet, up to 200% >>> 240%



As Yanari has been on the stronger side of our Heroes, these nerfs specifically target her most over-performing augments.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Tigerwind Gauntlets [LMB]
    Attack speed per hit: 3.5% >>> 3.0%
    Attack Speed cap: 35% >>> 30%
  • Godtooth Charm [RMB]
    Slow: 35% >>> 25%
  • Lifeburst Cestus [LMB]
    Nearby allies are healed for 25 HP >>> 18 HP
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Warrior's Gourd [R]
    Duration: 15% >>> 20%
  • Pauper's Prayer [LMB]
    Self ability cooldown: 0.9s >>> 1.2s



Similar to Rose, these are just a few changes to tide Zoey over until she gets some larger gameplay and QoL changes in the next patch.
[h3]Nerfs:[/h3]
  • Clawing Ring [LMB]
    25% >>> 20% bonus attack speed
[h3]Buffs:[/h3]
  • Purrciler [R]
    30% >>> 40% speed up for 10 seconds


NEW CONTENT

In case you haven't seen on Social Media—Brutus, Fiorne, and Zoey (alongside Boo of course) have some all-new skins for you to check out. Whether you’re representing the underworld with some Hellhound Skins, or trying to look even more victorious as you ride in like a Valkyrie, this latest round of skins and their variants are sure to make you look fierce!

STAY UP TO DATE!!

Thank you for accompanying our Fangs development journey so far! This will be our last patch in 2022, but we have major changes and improvements to the game planned for early 2023 and beyond. Make sure you don't miss out on some of our updates, changes, and improvements, be sure to follow us on Twitter and join our Discord Server!

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season.

Here’s to 2023!

The Hidden Leaf Games Team

Patch 1.2.3

Balance Hotfix (please note that these are to address the most egregious imbalance issues we see in the dataset and community. the broader and more comprehensive balance pass comes in our regular 2 week cycle)

WYLDE
Wylde's landed pretty hot, this is one last nerf to one of his most effective Augments (before we take another swing at him in the upcoming patch next week). Also, reducing effective HP to make him have to play riskier and open room for more damage oriented builds + playstyles.

Max HP: 700 -> 625 Max HP
Outland Bandolier (ULT): 100 -> 50 Heal
Guard Grease (RMB): 75% -> 55% RMB and RMB proc as shield

BELROTH
Belroth has been terrifying enemies with an aggressive Augment loadout while still accumulating large Max HP totals. These nerfs are targeted at reducing the effectiveness of this specific playstyle.

Sageborn Claws (LMB): 4 -> 3 Max HP per enemy hit
Poison Spores (SHIFT): 25 -> 18 Damage over 3 seconds
Omen of the Emperor (ULT): 25 -> 20 Max HP per enemy hit
Craterthorns (E): 100 -> 75 Damage on Boulder pickup

ETHRYN
Ethryn was given a big boost of survivability that we need to dial back a little bit. Overall we like the direction she changed as we've been seeing a big uptick in pick rate, but we need to dial back some of her stats.

Max HP: 1200 -> 1000 Max HP
Squire (LMB): 60 -> 50 Heal per 3rd LMB
Holy Brazier: 0.9 -> 0.75s Shield Uptime

Patch 1.2.2

- Fixed a bug where you could damage players in spawn area
- Fixed a bug where after Surrendering players sometimes got stuck
- Fixed a bug where Wylde Spitshine stacked Lifesteal infinitely
- Added FPS caps to improve performance
- Improve performance for Embersong and Stormheart

Patch 1.2.1

BALANCE CHANGES
Wylde
A very powerful build was identified in which players were able to utilize Wylde's Spitshine to get massive amounts of healing when dove. Also including smaller nerfs to other defensive tools, and taking 5 damage off LMB to encourage him to get in closer with RMB

LMB:
50 >>> 45 damage

LMB - Wylde's Spitshine:
8 >>> 4% lifesteal per LMB hit, stacking up to 6 times

LMB - Ace of Shields:
Triggering LMB proc grants Wylde 110 >>> 100 shield for 4 seconds

Skill1 - Dustmetal Cloak:
Skill1 grants Wylde 100 >>> 90 shield for 1 second

RMB - Guard Grease:
Shield duration 3 >>> 2

Belroth
Belroths general durability at low HP is too high
P:
Belroth gains up to 66 >>> 50 armor based off of missing HP.

Rayo
Rayo's been struggling in the face of tanks. These changes are aimed to give him some small help to tide him over, in the form of a base stat buff and buffing one of his most commonly picked Augment.

Base attack speed 5 >>> 10%

LMB - Storm Shardstring:
5 >>> 6% attack speed per stack

Brutus

Base HP increased back to 1000.

BUGS / FEATURES
- Ranked now restricted to Solo / Duo only
- Fixed a bug where when a player doesn't accept the match, everyone gets thrown out of Queue.
- Optimized the game to perform better; you should be seeing less stutters and lag spikes
- Fixed a bug where Soul Cores weren't being given the full amount after games
- Shard Buffs can now be hovered over in game to see what they do; over the player icons at the top of the screen
- Re-fixed a bug where new players didn't see their Banner when joining a party
- Fixed a bug where Surrendering would leave a persistent noise until client restart
- Fixed some clarity issues with Wylde skills
- Fixed some Wylde bugs where he wasn't generating Ammo properly