This is an intermediate patch introducing two new systems before the content update planned for this December.
World Tiers
Baseline enemy health and damage were significantly reduced - a new player in a new world should now be able to easily handle packs of same-level enemies.
A new buildable structure, the Altar of Rites, allows you to unlock and switch World Tiers, which define enemy health and damage within the world, as well as the experience and loot you receive from them.
As you progress through the tiers, enemies that were trivial become more challenging and require better gear, a stronger build, and deeper game knowledge.
This system allows everyone to progress at their own pace - from newcomers to seasoned ARPG veterans.
Difficulty
World modifiers were replaced with new Difficulty settings that mostly affect the survival part of the game, defining how challenging you want your world to be.
Unlike World Tiers, these settings do not provide increased rewards (other than unique achievements, available only on the Hard preset).
Here are the two most requested settings:
1. Night Raids
None: No extra enemies at night.
Easy: Every night, a few additional enemies of your level spawn nearby.
Normal: More enemies spawn, and they are more aggressive.
Hard: Enemies are numerous and formidable. Additionally, during Full Moon nights (every 14 in-game days), enemies keep spawning throughout the entire night!
2. Death Penalty
None: You don't lose anything on death.
Easy: You lose a small amount of experience.
Normal: You lose more experience and drop your inventory.
Hard: You lose a large amount of experience and drop all your items.
Additional options allow you to lock the world settings or prevent lowering the world tier after it has been activated. Note: both are enabled in the Hard preset!
Misc
Added two new triangular wall pieces!
Fixed a bug that caused a stack of food to lose its effects when split.
Improved rendering of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean text.
Item comparison now includes weapon DPS and SP, and shows enchantments in a different color.