In a pair of recent updates to the Blade & Soul community, the game’s creators have unveiled exciting developments for its loyal fan base. On January 12, 2024, an announcement about the new Faction Battles in NEO Classic was released, followed closely by news about the official Discord server launch and upcoming 8th Anniversary Celebration on January 11, 2024.
NEO’s Faction Battles Stir Excitement
The Blade & Soul team has provided an intriguing preview of the NEO Classic’s Faction Battles, featuring two main factions: the Crimson Legion and the Cerulean Order. Representatives from both factions have extended passionate invitations to players, highlighting the intense rivalry and the crucial role of skilled warriors in this stalemate.
The Faction Battles are set to offer more than just PvP combat. They promise an organized war experience with unique outfits for different ranks and a team-based approach. The NEO Classic iteration aims to offer a more voluntary participation model, moving away from forced participation for content rewards.
In addition to these changes, the game’s developers are focusing on enhancing combat balance, playtime, and introducing new combat variations through different item settings. This effort is intended to provide a distinctive multiplayer combat experience, different from what players find in the Arena.
Blade & Soul Discord Server and 8th Anniversary Celebration
In another significant announcement, Blade & Soul has introduced its new Discord server, aiming to create a central hub for the community, including players, developers, and the NCA team. This initiative aims to consolidate in-game and external information, fostering a more connected and interactive community.
The official launch of the Discord server is set to coincide with Blade & Soul’s 8th Anniversary Celebration on January 23rd. The celebration will also feature the new Frostfire Foundry update, along with other surprises, marking a significant milestone for the game.
Artistic Evolution: Moonwater Plains Part 2
Art Director Hyungwook Park shared insights into the artistic evolution of NEO Classic, particularly focusing on the Moonwater Plains. The team has worked on enhancing the level of detail and real-time lighting, aiming to create visually stunning locations like Greenhollow. This improvement is part of a broader graphic upgrade for NEO Classic, intending to elevate the visual experience for players.
As Blade & Soul progresses towards these new developments, the team continues to seek player feedback and involvement. The next Art-based Soul Log is expected to delve into the Cinderlands, promising more exciting updates for the community.