Designing a more engaging Endgame

[p]Hello Dragon Hunters,[/p][p]Not long ago, we mentioned that the Hunting Board was getting some adjustments, along with a complete visual overhaul.[/p][p][/p][p]Today, we’re excited to finally share some progress and visuals! We’ll also take this opportunity to share our design goals behind these changes, and how it ties into the broader player experience.[/p][p][/p][h3]⚠️Hunting Board rework is planned for the full release[/h3][p][/p][h3]What’s the Hunting Board?[/h3][p]Before diving into the changes, let’s take a moment to explain the Hunting Board for new players.[/p][p]The Hunting Board is what you would consider the endgame of Dragonkin: The Banished.[/p][p]
[/p][p]The Hunting Board offers a series of predefined hunts across different biomes, each with a set minimum difficulty, preset modifiers, and unique rewards to claim.[/p][p]Once you complete your very first hunt, you’ll be able to choose from multiple paths to decide which rewards to unlock next. And, as you might expect, the ultimate goal is to complete the entire board.[/p][p][/p][p]Note: While hunts can be repeated, each reward is only earned the first time a hunt is completed.[/p][p][/p][h3]A New Look & Location!![/h3][p]First off, we’re moving the Hunting Board![/p][p]In the Cathedral of Montescail, a new room will become accessible once you reach the endgame. This space will also play a role after level 50, but we’ll share more details about that in a future DevBlog.[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][p]While the core concept of the Hunting Board remains the same, you will access the endgame content by interacting with the large table.[/p][p]You’ll start on the first map and choose your path to reach the final hunt and complete it in order to unlockl the next map.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]These changes serve the narrative we want to tell. Players should feel like they’re on a journey and the old Hunting Board didn’t capture the sense of ‘tracking’ a foe.[/p][p]We’re confident that this new visual will convey the immersion we’re aiming for.[/p][p][/p][h3]Other Adjustments[/h3]

[p]Shorter Hunts[/p]

[p]As we mentioned in a previous DevBlog, we’re making hunts shorter to create more intense and focused sessions. This also gives you more downtime to return to the City to theorycraft, sell, and upgrade your gear.[/p][p]Previously, a single hunt could last up to 40 minutes. From now on, regular hunts will take 10–15 minutes, while final hunts will last 20–25 minutes at most.[/p][p]We’re also reducing unnecessary backtracking that could disrupt the flow of a hunt.[/p][p][/p]

[p]More challenge[/p]

[p]To make hunts more engaging, each one will now end with a powerful foe. Regular hunts will feature a sub-boss or champion.[/p][p]At the far end of a map, you’ll face the final hunt, taking on a lord (boss) to unlock the next map and continue your journey.[/p][p]
[/p][h3]Thanks for reading![/h3][p]Okay, that's all we have for today! Let us know what you think about the upcoming changes![/p][p]Special thanks to our Discord Community, whose feedback really helped us focus our efforts in the right direction for these updates![/p][p][/p][p]Oh, and one last thing, it would mean a lot to us if you could please take the time to review Dragonkin![/p][p][/p][p]Thank you so much for reading, have a wonderful day![/p][p]Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/WrCT2E5kG9[/p][p][/p]