Dauntless Progression Update Preview

Phoenix Labs’ co-operative action-RPG Dauntless will be launcing into open beta on May 24, 2018. But before that happens, on May 2nd, the game will get its final closed beta update that will revamp its progression in a variety of ways. This developer post on the game’s official website describes all the upcoming progression changes that include the ability to earn NPC reputation, improved gear and quest reward variety, and expanded endgame. Some additional details:

NEW HORIZONS

When a Slayer is faced with the overwhelming odds of an especially deadly challenge, they reach for the most valuable resource at their disposal. More than any new weapon, armour, lantern, or potion, a Slayer’s reputation is critical to their success. The path to making it home in one piece is too lonely without the trust of the leaders of Ramsgate and the resources that they command.

The Seeking the Horizon update, coming May 2nd, will introduce new reputation systems to progression. Slayers can look forward to winning the favor of three characters in this update and the launch of Open Beta, with more to come in the future.

In addition to unlocking options with these characters as you progress through the story of Dauntless, the Slayer, Alchemist, and Weaponmaster paths will each offer one weekly and two daily quests. Completing these requests as they come will net Slayers reputation and other rewards. Polishing them off every day will give players access to special cells, weapons, and consumables.

Captain Katerin Sorrel will be your guide in the ways of the Slayer, unlocking new challenges as you establish your name in the Shattered Isles. Wils Bormen, Ramsgate’s weaponsmith, will be more than happy to put special attention into weaponry and cells. And the Bosun, Markus Boehr, will give you the tools to unravel the mysteries of aether-infused alchemy in exchange for your aid.

We’re also giving Slayers more choice when it comes to choosing their hunts.

Embarking on a “patrol” gives Slayers the option to pick the zone they’ll hunt in, but not the specific Behemoth or island. You’ll also receive bonus archonite for your contributions. The new “expedition” option allows Slayers to specify the island they’ll hunt on, but not the Behemoth – perfect for rounding up gatherables. You’ll also bring back an additional bundle of gatherables from the island you hunt on. Players looking to choose the Behemoth they’ll hunt can do so by embarking on a “pursuit”.

Regardless of where you set your sights, there’s always an adventure waiting for you just beyond the horizon. We’re excited to test these new systems with players with the Seeking the Horizon update on May 2nd and in the Open Beta on May 24th!

[…]

EVERGAME

The Open Beta version of Dauntless will feature a story complete with character, intrigue, and your introduction to the Shattered Isles. Once you’ve completed the foundation of your legend and the “campaign” of Dauntless, it’s time to look toward the evergame.

To start, we’re rolling out fiendish new Dire Behemoths that will test your skills and deal out new levels of punishment. Look forward to lethal variants in Firebrand Charrogg, Razorwing Kharabak, Frostback Pangar, Bloodfire Embermane, and reworked Moonreaver Shrike and Deadeye Quillshot.

Any Slayer that can’t adapt is as good as dead. Unpredictable storms and a maelstrom of Aether are constantly generating deadly variants and challenges that the guardians of Ramsgate will need to tackle. Unique hunt modifiers will come and go over time, challenging players to adapt their gear, builds, and tactics to match. And, if you’re looking for bone-breaking challenges – dive into heroic difficulty encounters.

To reward Slayers with the skills and grit to tackle these lethal challenges, we’re rolling out new exotic weapons and armour. This gear features unique, specialized abilities and distinctive looks to match. Make no mistake – this is armour and weaponry unlike anything you’ve seen, and is guaranteed to draw a crowd in Ramsgate!

Of course, choosing between a functional build and a kickass appearance is a drag. So, we’re implementing the transmog system to close the gap! Transmog Stones will allow players to map the attributes and skills of a piece of gear that they own onto the appearance of another piece of gear that they own. It’s the abilities you need to succeed with the style that will make you stand out.