[Major Update 0.9.00] - [Trial of Champions]

Dear players, here are the details of this update:

[NEW CONTENT]

1. [New Dungeons & Map Expansion] New types of dungeons and gameplay mechanics have been added! The map has been expanded accordingly!

2. [New Attribute Equipment] New Level 50 equipment drops from the Trial of Champions dungeon. I've first added fixed + random attribute functionality to them! More similar equipment will be released in the future to further improve the equipment system! Equipment below Level 50 drops from regular monsters.

3. [Character Level Cap Increased to 50]

4. [Collectible System Overhaul] The gameplay logic has been completely reworked — changed from encouraging fewer classes to encouraging more classes. The more classes you have, the richer the collectible variety, and the more buffs and battle changes you can bring!

- Reworked 77 collectibles!

- Maximum level changed to 3.

- Magic Essence is no longer used as EXP, but as an in-dungeon resource — collectible skills now consume Magic Essence.

- Each collectible now has its own unique skill mechanic!

- EXP is now earned directly by killing monsters, not exchanged from Magic Essence — because killing monsters should reward experience, and this doesn't conflict with collectible skills consuming Magic Essence.

- Multiple new collectibles added, including Necromancer collectibles.

5. [New Potion Merchant added at the Crossroads in the new area]

6. [New Radiant Ore mining nodes] Previously only obtainable from monster drops — now mineable in the new area!

7. [New Fish Monster Spawn Points]

8. [New Items] Added some new drops in preparation for future new professions.

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[BALANCE ADJUSTMENTS]

1. [Stats Overhaul] Comprehensively adjusted monster parameters, defenses, skills, etc., making them more distinctive and challenging. Reduced the overall attack coefficient of Dragon-type bosses and the Slime King. Slightly reduced the skill damage coefficient of the Flame Mage.

2. [Monster Drop Adjustment] Talent Book drop rate changed to a guaranteed 1 per Boss.

3. [UI] Fixed the issue of health bars appearing on top of other UI elements.

4. [Equipment] Reduced the effectiveness of Life Steal; slightly reduced Mana Regeneration effects.

5. [Memory Optimization] Reduced memory usage by approximately 10%.

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[BUG FIXES]

1. Fixed [Assassin's Parry Counter not triggering correctly].

2. Fixed [Attribute increase/decrease anomalies for some traits].

3. Fixed [Collectibles potentially causing character attribute anomalies].

4. Fixed [Ctrl + Left Click causing items to disappear].

5. Fixed [Several issues that could cause game crashes].

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[KNOWN ISSUES]

1. [Rare chance of character getting stuck] (Expected to be fixed in the next update)

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[IN DEVELOPMENT]

0. [Dungeon camera optimization]

1. [Warehouse system update]

2. [New Faction System]

3. [New Battle Formation System]

3. [Merchant System Rework]

4. [Quest System Rework]

5. [Mac version support]

6. [SteamDeck version support]

[UPDATE NOTES]

The faction content originally planned for this update was replaced by the collectible rework. I felt the current positioning and functionality of collectibles wasn't great — it hadn't achieved the intended effect, and the strategic depth was quite low.

The conflict between leveling up collectibles consuming Magic Essence and gaining EXP was something that confused many players early on. Because upgrading led to less EXP gain and progression felt blocked, the overall growth experience was poor.

After receiving a lot of player feedback and participating in community discussions, I decided to separate EXP entirely — you simply earn it by killing monsters in the dungeon, while the original Magic Essence will serve as the resource for activating Collection Item skills.

The next update will bring the Human Kingdom faction and main city! A brand new trading system, equipment dismantling, new professions — you'll be able to join faction wars and fight other races on a larger battlefield! On top of that, I've also prepared some fun surprises. Stay tuned!

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If you're enjoying the game, please consider leaving a review 😊 Even if you're not — I'd still love to hear your honest feedback, it really helps me improve the game. It's also my only way of getting the word out right now, it really means a lot!

[Swords and Magic: Path of Conquest] Developer - Archer

[2026.06.27]