[Dev Notes #45] March 2026
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[/p][p]Dear CEOs,[/p][p]This is Kim Hyun Soo, Head PD of CounterSide.[/p][p]We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all CEOs who continue to support CounterSide.[/p][p]In this March Developer’s Note, we will share details on the April update.[/p][p]
[/p][h2]\[Main Stream EP. 15 The Golden Tree and Its Tender][/h2][p]![]()
The first update we would like to share is the long-awaited Main Stream EP.15.[/p][p]
In Main Stream EP.15, the Administrator and their allies, having overcome the ordeal of the Omen, begin their counterattack against the Demon Lord, Thagirion.[/p][p][/p][p]The story will follow their journey as they locate the throne hidden in the deepest reaches, make their way toward it, and uncover what has become of the long-missing Leah Schneider and Ecclesia.[/p][p]
Those bound to Thagirion by fate will gradually draw closer to the truth, while both familiar yet new figures become entangled in what lies behind it, driving the story toward its grand conclusion.[/p][p][/p][p]Why did Thagirion, the ruthless and merciless Demon Lord who has destroyed countless worlds, spare their sworn enemy’s lives? What kind of place awaits as the final stage where that answer lies hidden? And what fate will the Administrator ultimately face there?[/p][p][/p][p]Main Stream EP.15, The Golden Tree and Its Tender is scheduled to be updated on Apr. 22. One week later, a new Awakened Employee will also be added.[/p][p]
However, as introducing the new Awakened Employee may spoil the story, we ask for your understanding that further details will not be revealed in this Developer’s Note.[/p][p] [/p][h2]\[New Gauntlet Season][/h2][p]As previously mentioned in the March 24 Patch Notes, we would like to provide additional details regarding the adjustments to the ban rules for the 2026 Devotion season, starting on March 30.[/p][p]
In the previous season, the system was revised so that the number of banned employees increased progressively over time, eventually reaching a scale similar to that of earlier formats in the latter half of the season. However, we also received feedback indicating that the number of banned employees during the early stages felt relatively low.[/p][p][/p][p]Based on this feedback, we have adjusted the system by shortening the no-ban period to one week. Starting from Week 2, three employees will be designated as banned each week.[/p][p][/p][p]Through this change, banned employees will accumulate more rapidly as the season progresses. We expect this to encourage greater strategic diversity and more dynamic match environments throughout the season.[/p][p] [/p][h2]\[New Gauntlet Skin][/h2][p]The featured employee for the 2026 Devoted season Gauntlet skin is Freyja Hilde.[/p][p][/p][p]For this Gauntlet skin, we wanted to portray a different side of Hilde, one who has fully adapted to the role of a casino dealer, offering a distinct charm from her usual image as a strong and resilient warrior.[/p][p][/p][p]We hope you enjoy the Gauntlet even more through the unique appeal of Hilde in this new atmosphere.[/p][p][/p][h3]◆ Hwatu Master Croupier - Freyja Hilde[/h3][p]![]()
[/p][h2]
\[Unit Balance Adjustment][/h2][p]Following the end of this Gauntlet season, balance adjustments will be carried out for employees who had relatively low usage in the Gauntlet.[/p][p][/p][p]At the same time, employees who have demonstrated notably strong performance compared to others will also be subject to balance adjustments.[/p][p][/p][p]Please refer to the list of employees below for upcoming changes. More detailed adjustment directions will be provided separately through the future patch notes.[/p][p][/p][h3]■ Employees Scheduled for Improvements [/h3]
\[Awakened Employee Gear][/h2][p]In the April update, Awakened Exclusive Gear will be added for Kubera Alice Braidwood and Aditya Surya.[/p][p][/p][p]First, Alice has already been an employee capable of leading battles with her serious damage output. With the addition of her Awakened Exclusive Gear, a DMG AMP effect on the gear will maximize her strengths further. Therefore, we expect Alice to demonstrate even more explosive firepower.[/p][p][/p][p]Aditya Surya will also receive Awakened Exclusive Gear that enhances her core strengths, with an ASPD option. We are preparing both Awakened employees so that their unique characteristics can be further emphasized through the exclusive gear, and we hope you look forward to it.[/p][p] [/p][h2]\[Enhance All Gear Feature][/h2][p]![]()
We are currently preparing to introduce the Enhance All Gear feature in the April update, allowing multiple pieces of gear to be enhanced simultaneously.[/p][p][/p][p]With this feature, up to 10 pieces of gear can be enhanced at once. You will be able to select from four enhancement thresholds, +2, +5, +7, and +10, and proceed with batch enhancement up to your desired level.[/p][p][/p][p]Additionally, if the selected gear contains latent options, a function to automatically unlock those options will also be included.[/p][p][/p][p]We expect that the Enhance All Gear feature will allow for more convenient gear management and setup.[/p][p][/p][p]Please note that the image provided above is from a version currently under development, and the final implementation may differ from what is shown.[/p][p] [/p][h2]\[Great Expedition Regular Season 2][/h2][p]In this Great Exploration update, new event sectors will be added where you can obtain a specific Awakened employee, as well as their exclusive artifact.[/p][p][/p][p]Unlike existing sectors, these event sectors will include additional elements to provide a more immersive gameplay experience, along with light narrative components.[/p][p][/p][p]We hope these newly added event sectors will allow you to enjoy the Great Exploration in more diverse and engaging ways.[/p][p] [/p][h2]\[Notice on the Prestige Service and Counter Pass][/h2][p]Lastly, we would like to share an important notice with our CEOs.[/p][p][/p][p]The Prestige Service, which has offered attractive skins for CounterSide employees along with various rewards, and the Counter Pass, which has provided abundant rewards and new employees, will be discontinued.[/p][p][/p][p]Accordingly, the currently ongoing \[8th Prestige Service: The Clockwork Girl] and \[Counter Pass: Minha] will be the final updates, and no further Prestige Service or Counter Pass content will be added.[/p][p][/p][p]As many of our CEOs have been looking forward to new Prestige skins and Counter Pass employees, we sincerely regret having to share this news.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]This concludes the end of this month’s dev notes.[/p][p]Thank you, as always.[/p][p][/p][p]Hyunsoo Kim
Head PD, CounterSide[/p]
[/p][h2]\[Main Stream EP. 15 The Golden Tree and Its Tender][/h2][p]
In Main Stream EP.15, the Administrator and their allies, having overcome the ordeal of the Omen, begin their counterattack against the Demon Lord, Thagirion.[/p][p][/p][p]The story will follow their journey as they locate the throne hidden in the deepest reaches, make their way toward it, and uncover what has become of the long-missing Leah Schneider and Ecclesia.[/p][p]
Those bound to Thagirion by fate will gradually draw closer to the truth, while both familiar yet new figures become entangled in what lies behind it, driving the story toward its grand conclusion.[/p][p][/p][p]Why did Thagirion, the ruthless and merciless Demon Lord who has destroyed countless worlds, spare their sworn enemy’s lives? What kind of place awaits as the final stage where that answer lies hidden? And what fate will the Administrator ultimately face there?[/p][p][/p][p]Main Stream EP.15, The Golden Tree and Its Tender is scheduled to be updated on Apr. 22. One week later, a new Awakened Employee will also be added.[/p][p]
However, as introducing the new Awakened Employee may spoil the story, we ask for your understanding that further details will not be revealed in this Developer’s Note.[/p][p] [/p][h2]\[New Gauntlet Season][/h2][p]As previously mentioned in the March 24 Patch Notes, we would like to provide additional details regarding the adjustments to the ban rules for the 2026 Devotion season, starting on March 30.[/p][p]
In the previous season, the system was revised so that the number of banned employees increased progressively over time, eventually reaching a scale similar to that of earlier formats in the latter half of the season. However, we also received feedback indicating that the number of banned employees during the early stages felt relatively low.[/p][p][/p][p]Based on this feedback, we have adjusted the system by shortening the no-ban period to one week. Starting from Week 2, three employees will be designated as banned each week.[/p][p][/p][p]Through this change, banned employees will accumulate more rapidly as the season progresses. We expect this to encourage greater strategic diversity and more dynamic match environments throughout the season.[/p][p] [/p][h2]\[New Gauntlet Skin][/h2][p]The featured employee for the 2026 Devoted season Gauntlet skin is Freyja Hilde.[/p][p][/p][p]For this Gauntlet skin, we wanted to portray a different side of Hilde, one who has fully adapted to the role of a casino dealer, offering a distinct charm from her usual image as a strong and resilient warrior.[/p][p][/p][p]We hope you enjoy the Gauntlet even more through the unique appeal of Hilde in this new atmosphere.[/p][p][/p][h3]◆ Hwatu Master Croupier - Freyja Hilde[/h3][p]
\[Unit Balance Adjustment][/h2][p]Following the end of this Gauntlet season, balance adjustments will be carried out for employees who had relatively low usage in the Gauntlet.[/p][p][/p][p]At the same time, employees who have demonstrated notably strong performance compared to others will also be subject to balance adjustments.[/p][p][/p][p]Please refer to the list of employees below for upcoming changes. More detailed adjustment directions will be provided separately through the future patch notes.[/p][p][/p][h3]■ Employees Scheduled for Improvements [/h3]
- [p]Stormbringer Jake Walker[/p]
- [p]Avenger Mordred[/p]
- [p]Lamda Spatari[/p]
- [p]Vanguard Exorcist Nicole Primer[/p]
- [p]Revenant[/p]
- [p]Carlota Martinez[/p]
- [p]Nibble[/p]
- [p]Credere[/p]
- [p]Sword Princess Ais Wallenstein[/p]
- [p]Dracasia[/p]
- [p]Paradox[/p]
\[Awakened Employee Gear][/h2][p]In the April update, Awakened Exclusive Gear will be added for Kubera Alice Braidwood and Aditya Surya.[/p][p][/p][p]First, Alice has already been an employee capable of leading battles with her serious damage output. With the addition of her Awakened Exclusive Gear, a DMG AMP effect on the gear will maximize her strengths further. Therefore, we expect Alice to demonstrate even more explosive firepower.[/p][p][/p][p]Aditya Surya will also receive Awakened Exclusive Gear that enhances her core strengths, with an ASPD option. We are preparing both Awakened employees so that their unique characteristics can be further emphasized through the exclusive gear, and we hope you look forward to it.[/p][p] [/p][h2]\[Enhance All Gear Feature][/h2][p]
Head PD, CounterSide[/p]