Patch Notes: PvP optional, world fixes, networking improvements, and more!

Hello knights!

The first patch for our Open Beta is now live! If you haven't played already, just visit the main store page and hit "Request Access". You will get immediate access to download and play.

We received a lot of immediate feedback, so we quickly patched the game several times with a few fixes and improvements, so here is a list of changes!

Networking

The biggest issue raised by players was general network and lag issues. This is still an issue we'll be improving over the Open Beta, but these changes should be a good start.

• Resolved some issues around player data not being cleaned up on server disconnect, which was causing server performance issues and lag.
• Performance improvement for storage chest when you have a lot of items.
• Fix for automatic region selection for playing online, hopefully everyone has better ping now!
• Servers will now auto drain and restart after 6 hours, so any perf issues that build up over time should resolve themselves (for now)
• Resources will now automatically respawn after 2 minutes:
• bushes, tall grass, rocks, skulls, webs, treasure chests, even palm trees!

PvP

The second biggest issue players reported was forced PvP. PvP is now opt-in and tied to Factions. Players who want a cozy, PvE focused experience can avoid factions and still play in a shared world- or you can still make private lobbies! We are still figuring out exactly how we want PvP to work and are crafting the best experience we can for PvP players. For now, these changes should help both sides have a better time.

• World PvP is now OPT-IN! You must join a faction OR be in a PvP specific quest to attack other players, or be attacked.
• PvP quests no longer allow you to attack factionless players (unless they are your target).
• PvP quests now have an "invasion score" per player they use for better matchmaking, so you should no longer be invaded into an unfair match up.
• You can now leave a faction by talking to your faction rep (to opt out of PvP, new players start with no faction!)

General Changes

• Removed loud SFX when pressing 'consumable' in town.
• Increased storage chest capacity (512 -> 1024)
• Fixed a few issues around validity checks on the backend with inventory (let us know if you lose any items!)
• Icons revamp, more unique visuals for items.
• Removed the erroneous icon for void knight dungeon, when not on that quest.
• Fix for the initial blacksmith quest sometimes not spawning enough slime.
• Cursed bones slightly easier to get.
• Player map icons now only display faction-assigned players.

Thanks to everyone who has joined in the SKO Beta Test and given feedback so far. We are going to continue to patch and improve the game based based on what you tell us. We are planning to add a bit more content for this test, but we're currently going to focus on fixing and improving what's there currently. See you next time! The Funktronic Labs Team