Dark and Darker Update: Bard Nerfs, Experimental Features, and More
Dark and Darker has recently released a hotfix update, much to the delight of excited fans. The dark fantasy RPG game, developed by Ironmace Games, has been regularly releasing updates to improve the gameplay experience. The latest update, known as patch 17, brings a variety of fixes, class changes, and new features. However, Bard players will notice that this update brings even more nerfs to the ranged class.
Ironmace Games has been working on balancing player damage in the game, and the Bard class was considered “over-represented.” The developer has made adjustments to the class to address this, changing the costs, durations, and speed of Bard skills and abilities. These changes aim to create a more balanced gameplay experience for all players.
In addition to the Bard nerfs, the update also focuses on addressing other aspects of the game. Ironmace Games explains that they are satisfied with the improved loot drops in incentivizing players to explore dungeons. However, they felt that there was an excess of treasure, resulting in an imbalance in the economy. To address this, the drop rate of treasure and trinkets from chests has been reduced.
Ironmace Games is also introducing two experimental changes to the game. They are implementing a temporary leaderboard system that aims to be less grindy than previous systems. This will help gather data to build a more refined ranked system planned for the next major patch. Additionally, the developer is introducing a gear-based matchmaking pool for the first time, along with a temporary gear cap for normal dungeons.
While Ironmace Games acknowledges that there may be flaws in these changes, they are interested in collecting data and feedback to further improve the game. Alongside the Bard nerfs and experimental features, the update also includes bug fixes and other common issue resolutions.
Highlights from the Dark and Darker Patch Notes:
- Fixed an issue causing crashes when moving gold coins between containers.
- Postprocessing effects will now be applied when using the Hide Mastery perk.
- Bard buffs will now be properly overwritten when playing the same song.
- Spells will no longer fail to cast even when completed correctly.
- VFX applied to a Cockatrice will now display correctly.
- Bard’s Aria of Alacrity’s action speed reduced.
- Durations of Bard’s Aria of Alacrity, Ballad of Courage, and Beat of Alacrity adjusted.
- Harmonic Shield and Unchained Harmony now have increased costs.
- Projectile speed and other adjustments to various weapons and items.
- Drop rates for treasure and trinkets from chests have been reduced.
- Introduction of a temporary leaderboard system and gear-based matchmaking.
If you want to read the full patch notes and the developer’s message regarding the experimental features and changes to treasure drops, head over to the official Dark and Darker Discord server.
Ironmace Games aims to gather data on the impact of these changes and acknowledges that adjustments may be necessary based on player feedback. They are committed to continuously improving the game and delivering a balanced and enjoyable experience for all players.
If you’re a Bard player looking for alternatives following the nerfs, we recommend checking out our in-depth guide on all the Dark and Darker classes. Alternatively, explore some of our other favorite fantasy games for a fresh gaming experience.