Imagine combining the freedom of building a world with your friends, much like in Minecraft, but on the grand scale of a massive multiplayer online role-playing game. That’s the essence of Bitcraft Online. This unique title offers a single, shared world that blends player-driven creativity and worldbuilding with the epic feel of traditional MMOs and the deep profession systems of classic online adventures. Since its early access launch in June, developer Clockwork Laboratories has been steadily improving the game, and the latest patch notes reveal significant enhancements to its inaugural dungeon and crucial combat adjustments.
Unlike most MMORPGs where dungeons are instanced, Bitcraft Online’s first dungeon mirrors its vast, shared overworld. While it might visually resemble dungeons found in games like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, Clockwork Labs describes its design as being more akin to an open-world boss encounter or an open-world dungeon. This unique approach ensures that gameplay and rewards remain fair and unaffected, even when multiple players decide to join the fray.
After several weeks of testing, the development team has rolled out two major enhancements, alongside other minor tweaks. Foremost among these is enemy scaling. Dungeon monsters will now dynamically increase in strength as more players participate in an encounter, preventing the challenge from becoming trivial. Crucially, Clockwork Labs emphasized that this scaling won’t negatively affect experience gains or reward contributions, which are still based on the damage dealt by individual players.
Regarding loot, player contributions are no longer weighed against teammates when calculating rewards. Previously implemented due to the absence of enemy scaling, this system sometimes hindered players from earning worthwhile drops. Now, your personal rewards will increase as you reach specific contribution milestones against the boss, ensuring your loot isn’t diminished by the performance of others in the fight.
Beyond these core changes, Clockwork Labs has implemented several other adjustments, some of which impact combat throughout the entire game. Players are now required to clear each dungeon room sequentially, preventing speed-runs. Additionally, passive health regeneration for players, enemies, and bosses has been removed from all combat scenarios, though creatures will still slowly recover health if combat ceases. Furthermore, weapon tooltips have been refined, and new tier 7-10 food items are now available.
Clockwork Labs expressed optimism that these updates will significantly improve the dungeon experience. Looking ahead, the developers plan to fine-tune content balance, including difficulty and rewards, and introduce even more dungeons and bosses soon. Future updates will also bring improvements to hunting, followed by substantial enhancements to sailing and hauling mechanics.
The latest Bitcraft Online dungeon update is available now. For all the granular details, you can find the complete patch notes directly from Clockwork Labs.
If you’re constantly seeking new worlds to conquer, remember there are many fantastic new MMORPGs emerging, and a wealth of incredible sandbox games on PC to spark your imagination.
Are you diving into Bitcraft Online? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences and tell us about your all-time favorite MMO dungeon. Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Strayborough Deadwalk, even if it’s a bit of an unconventional pick!