by Vladichka » Tue Nov 11, 2025 5:10 pm
This game doesn't need slower progression, it needs a stat cap.
Separate character development and wolrd development. Hard limit stats and skills to 500 (with gear) . As world progresses, it will be easier to catch up on stats on higher quality food. Skills are non-issue because they are never a problem (crafters never need more than 500, and combat has equalization). This will completely remove the factor of players holding back from participating in the current world and there will be no need to wait for the wipe.
Maybe 500 is a bit too low ehen you cobsider gear, maybe something like 700 will be better. You could make a hybrid solution with raw stats being limited to 500 and buffed stats being limited to 700, that's probably a good spot. If you really dig the idea and want players to catch up super fast, make it 200/300 (it's gonna suck).
Then you need to rebalance mining so level 9 is manageable with these stats. Make masonry affect mining speed, make new mining gear or gildings (but it will really be better if it's new clothes, screw gildings) that increase mining strength. You wanted to make clothes good, here's your chance.
The best part is that it shouldn't take a year of development and will be perfect for a short world (which will inevitably turn into a year old wasteland but hey, we'll see if it helps with player retention).