Hello everyone, Today we would like to inform you about the inquiries we received after the Major Overhaul for Skul’s Items update.
Issue of the Attack Speed increase of trait ‘Spirit Acceleration’ not appearing on the Character Information Window
The trait ‘Spirit Acceleration’ increases Attack Speed and Movement Speed of Speed type Skulls However, even though a user has the ‘Spirit Acceleration’ trait and uses a Speed type Skull in the game, there is a problem of the increased Attack Speed not showing on the Character Information Window. In this case, Attack Speed increase is properly working within the game, but that information is just not applied on the Character Information Window. This problem is due to the fact that the mechanism of the trait ‘Spirit Acceleration’ increasing Attack Speed is different from other contents. We will take measures needed to fix this problem and by the next patch, increased Attack Speed by the trait ‘Spirit Acceleration’ will be shown on the Character Information Window properly.
What is the difference between Amplify and Increase?
If stats are ‘Increased’, stats are added to the base stat If stats are ‘Amplified’, stats are multiplied to the base stat
Example)
If the current Physical Attack is 200%
When Physical Attack is increased by 50% → 200% + 50% = 250% → Physical Attack becomes 250%
When Physical Attack is amplified by 50% → 200% x 1.5 = 300% → Physical Attack becomes 300%
Does the effect with 4 Inscriptions of ‘Heritage’ have effect on transformation quintessences?
Yes, there is. Currently there are 3 transformation quintessence which are ‘Slime’, ‘Harpy’, and ‘Balrog’. Attack by a Skull transformed by these quintessences is considered as Quintessence Attack. ‘Balrog’ can inflict damage to enemies by Normal Attack and Skill, and this Normal Attack and Skill is considered as Quintessence Attack which can be amplified by the effect with 4 Inscriptions of ‘Heritage’. We apologize for the inconvenience of leaving unclear explanations after the Major Update. We will keep on improving Skul’s content to be clear and consistent in order to minimize the unnecessary questions and doubts users get. Thank you and wish you all a great day.
Release 1.5.2 Patch Notes
Hello everyone!
We sincerely thank you for the great feedback that you gave us on the recent Major Overhaul for Skul’s Items. As there were a lot of changes, we missed some important points. However we are glad that Skul is finding its place thanks to your feedback. As a result of the Major Overhaul for Skul’s Items, difficulty of the game relatively increased. We did not want this outcome. There is more room to be improved but for the first step we checked users’ feedback and applied elements which could improve the game and be applied right away. To make the game more exciting, we would love to get your continuous attention and feedback on the new contents.
Changes Made
[h2Map and NPC
Through the recent update many new items were added in the game but the number of items users’ could obtain remained the same. This led to a problem that it became difficult for users to combine items as they wished. Considering the characteristics of Skul which allows users to possess a limited number of items, the recent update caused the level of difficulty to increase. Therefore by this patch we lowered the item price and the restock price of the Black Market Collector. We took this action for an immediate patch but we don’t think this is the best solution. In the next update we are going to find a more fun way for users to obtain items considering the total number of items and the difficulty of gaining items.
For all stages, the price of items sold by the Collector will decrease
For all stages, the restock price of items sold by the Collector will decrease
When restocking repeatedly, restock price increase rate will decrease
Amount of gold required by the field NPC ‘Little Gust’ & ‘Lion’s Sword’ will decrease
Change in Physical Attack increase rate of Grace of Jealousy against the NPC Evil Druid of the Demon King's Castle: 50% → 80%
The issue of the Poison Gas Trap in the event map ‘Dangerous Box’ applying higher damage from time to time is fixed
Skull
As we were preparing for the Major Overhaul for Skul’s Items, we focused a lot on the Frost Skull’s boss battle. Stopping the boss with Freeze is certainly a cool thing but if Freeze is used too frequently, the boss can’t do anything and just gets defeated inside the ice. When this happens too frequently, it might reduce the tension and excitement of the battle. Before this patch, the new Freeze system was more than enough to neutralize the boss considering the Frost Skull’s skills. The easiest way to solve this problem was to give probability for Frost Skul’s Freeze effect, however we did not want Status Effect skill to be probability based. As a result we overestimated Frost Skull’s ability of neutralizing the boss and designed the Frost Skull weaker than we expected. This patch boosted the ability of the Frost Skull to a suitable level but still, we do not think that too high value of Freeze and Stun effect in boss battles is the best scenario. In order to solve this problem we will improve the Status Effect Resistance system of bosses as soon as possible. In this patch we will take ‘alternative measures’ that boosted the ability of Frost skull and Status Effect like Freeze, Stun to a proper level considering the current Status Effect system. However in the next update, we will figure out a way to make the boss battle much more exciting using the Status Effect system.
Frost Skull
Skill
Reduced before-cast & after-cast delay for all skills
We think Common items regarding Status Effect had a lower value than we thought. Instead of changing the probability of these items, we added abilities that could help clearing the early stages of the game.
Toxic Pendant
Added the effect: Physical Attack is increased by 20%.
Broken Dagger
Added the effect: Attack Speed is increased by 15%.
Manatech Cogwheel
Added the effect: Magic Attack is increased by 20%.
Abandoned Wedding Ring
Added the effect: Cooldown Speed is increased by 25%.
Old Cross
Added the effect: Crit Rate is increased by 5%.
Bone of Swiftness
Additional damage is applied on Dash Attack as well
Mana Gauntlets
Additional damage is applied on Dash Attack as well
Warrior's Steel Mace
Screen Shake effect is added when additional damage is dealt
Inscriptions
We overestimated the Inscription’s combination flexibility and changed effect. In result the ceiling of growth got lower, and in the end stages inscriptions weren't as effective as before. We looked into the overall value of Inscriptions and the difficulty of enemies, and boosted up the overall effects of Inscriptions. By this measure, we made the upper-limit for growth similar to before.
Heirloom
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 20% → 45%
Antique
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage reduce rate: 35% → 45%
Arms
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Physical Attack increase rate: 35% → 45%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Increase in damage of Additional Attack
Effect with 6 Inscriptions - Increase in damage of Additional Attack
Artifact
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Magic Attack increase rate: 35% → 45%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Increase in damage of Additional Attack
Effect with 6 Inscriptions - Increase in damage of Additional Attack
Fairy Tale
Effect with 3 Inscriptions - Change in Spirit attack Cooldown Speed increase rate per 1 Spirit: 20% → 25%
Effect with 5 Inscriptions - Increase in attack of the Spirit King
Relic
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Increase in damage of Additional Attack
Hidden Blade
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 25% → 35%
Fortress
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage reduce rate: 30% → 40%
Spoils
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Physical Attack & Magic Attack increase rate: 30% → 35%
Treasure
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Increased gold found in chests
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Increased gold found in chests
Manatech
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in casting speed increase rate: 60% → 100%
Heritage
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Quintessence cooldown speed increase rate: 50% → 65%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 25% → 40%
Courage
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Physical Attack amplified: 15% → 20%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in Physical Attack amplified: 25% → 45%
Wisdom
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Magic Attack amplified: 15% → 20%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in Magic Attack amplified: 25% → 45%
Rapidity
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Attack Speed increase rate: 25% → 30%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 20% → 30%
Mana Cycle
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in skill cooldown speed increase rate: 40% → 50%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 20% → 30%
Mutant
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in swap cooldown speed increase rate: 35% → 45%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 25% → 35%
Misfortune
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Crit Rate: 10% → 15%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in Buff cooldown: 35 sec → 25 sec
Strike
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Crit Damage increase rate: 15% → 20%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Increased deadly strike damage
Chase
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in effect duration: 2 sec → 3 sec
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 20% → 30%
Soar
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in Crit Rate: 15% → 20%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 20% → 40%
Execute
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 40% → 60%
Duel
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 1% (Max 10%) → 1.5% (최대 15%)
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: Max 20% → Max 30%
Brawl
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Increase in damage of Additional Attack
Revenge
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Increase in damage of Additional Attack
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in Attack Speed & skill cooldown speed increase rate: 35% → 50%
Poisoning
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - The interval between damage ticks is reduced
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - The interval between damage ticks is reduced
Excessive Bleeding
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 50% → 60%
Arson
Effect with 2 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 40% → 50%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Increase in damage of Additional Attack
Absolute Zero
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in hits required to end the Freeze: 2 Hit → 3 Hit
Dizziness
Effect with 4 Inscriptions - Change in damage amplified: 30% → 50%
Quintessence
Medusa
Increase in Gaze damage
Naias
Increase in Ice Flower explosion damage
Bug Fix
Fixed a bug where in some languages the item Grudge Stone’s type of additional attack damage is printed wrong
Fixed a bug where in some languages the item Hate Stone’s buff effect duration is printed wrong
Fixed the explanation of the damage type of Skull Balrog's passive effect which was originally printed as Magic type
Fixed a bug where the skull Demolitions Expert’s [Kaboom!] cooldown is not 0 sec
Fixed a bug where the skull could move in the state of hibernation when ‘Skeleton-Bomber’ changes to ‘Frost Skull’ after the explosion
Fixed a bug where the swap skill Charge Attack of Elder Werewolf and Alpha Werewolf inflicted damage to only 1 enemy
Fixed a bug where spear thrown by a paladin landing in a certain location in chapter 4
Fixed a bug where an enemy falls from Bleed damage, the item ‘Blood-Drinking Sword’ effect doesn’t increase
Release 1.5.1 Patch Notes
Hello everyone,
A minor patch took place and we are continuously checking your feedback about the recent update. We will provide additional balance-adjustments and more, as soon as possible.
Please give us a lot of feedback for a more exciting patch!
Fixed a bug where souls were not acquired when the enemies were defeated by the swap skill of Grim Reaper
Fixed a bug where a flesh was not acquired when the enemies were defeated by the swap skill of Ghoooooul
Fixed a bug where the player was also damaged when the Burn was inflicted to the cage of Chapter 4
Fixed a bug where Quintessence ‘Dwarf’ appeared as a compensation even when the player already has Quintessence ‘King Dwarf’
Fixed a bug where Item ‘Blood-Drinking Sword’ appeared as a compensation even when the player already has Item ‘Blood-Drunk Sword’
Fixed a bug where the increase in physical attack was resetted when the player mid-runs the game with Item ‘Golden Sword’ or abandons Item ‘Golden Sword’ and retrieve it
Fixed a bug where Item ‘Clone Stamp’ randomly gained 4 inscriptions and not 2
Fixed a bug where Item ‘Doubled Prince’s Box’ didn't’ increase the number of all inscriptions by 1
Fixed a bug where the mirage of Inscription ‘Heirloom’ was gone when it was hit during the parrying related skills or invincible status
Fixed a bug where script ‘Unstoppable’ was shown in Korean in other language setting
Fixed a bug where the colors for physical and magic were not applied in the script about 4 effects of Inscription ‘Relic’
Fixed a bug where the color for magic attack was not applied in the script about the effect of Item ‘Nether Mana Suppressor’
Fixed the typo where the effect type of Petty Thief and Thief's [Rip Pocket] was written as physical attack
Changes
Added the effect when the effect of Item ‘Bone of Courage’ is activated
Changed the barrier status icon to show the remaining barrier from Item ‘Elder Ent’s Gratitude’
Reduced the duration of Stun when the player runs into a ‘servant’ from Chapter
Increased the distance of moving forward of Skeleton-Sword’s [Double Slash] depending on the grade
1.5 Update on Mac & Delay Notice for Linux
We're really sorry for the delayed updates for MacOS and Linux. The issue with the MacOS version has been fixed and the build updated. Thanks again for your patience Mac users! As for the Linux version, there is still a problem that we're trying to solve. We're trying our hardest to get it done as soon as we can, but would like to apologize once again for the delay. Along those lines, in the near future we'll also be releasing another minor patch to make v1.5 even more fun than it is now.
[1] Release 1.5 Patch Notes
Hey Skul Squad!
First of all, we'd like to sincerely apologize for the delay. Today we were in the process of applying the v1.5 update patch and suddenly experienced a technical issue with the MacOS and Linux builds. Currently, the Windows version has been updated, but the MacOS and Linux builds aren't quite ready yet. Please just know that we're trying our best and hope to update them by June 9th. We'll keep you posted on the matter and let you know when we have further news. Once again, we really apologize for the delay and ask for your understanding.
In this update we’ve reformed the Inscriptions and Status Effect System. As will be detailed in this post, Skulls, Items, and Quintessence all received major changes. In addition, 67 new items were added along with reformation of some existing items. There are more changes regarding the game system, not to mention a Character Information Window, so scroll down and see the details!
Changes Made
System
Improved system for invincibility effect
Developer’s Comment We improved the system regarding invincibility. From now on when hit by the majority of enemy attacks, not only will you not take damage, but you won’t be knocked back either. No more need to worry about straying too far after avoiding an enemies’ attack by dashing.
Damage dealt by a swap skill and damage dealt by using a normal skill will now be differentiated
Developer’s Comment Up until this point, damage caused by skills triggered as “Swap Skills” were treated as skill damage, but now the two types are treated differently.
Added Character Information Window
Reformed Status Effects
Current Status Effect had little effect on battle so it was considered as an attack enhancement rather than an actual attack method. However, through this reformation, each Status Effect will gain distinctive characteristics so that users can utilize Status Effect as an effective attack method when conquering Carleon.
1. Changes in Status Effects
The outcome of Status Effects will be the same regardless of how Status Effect is applied
Status Effects that give damage will be affected by Physical or Magic Attack Power
Bosses can be afflicted with Status Effects
Some of the enemies’ patterns will have a status ‘Unstoppable’, which makes the enemies immune to Freeze and Stun
Developer comment Now Bosses can be afflicted with Status Effect but not always. The effectiveness of Status Effect to Adventurer and Boss decreases by a certain amount and all the Bosses will be in Unstoppable status while preparing for the attack.
2. Changed Effect for Each Status Effect
Poison: Deals Physical damage every 0.33 seconds and continues for 3 seconds
Wound: If additional Wound is given to the enemy who already has Wound, it will inflict Bleed and give one huge Physical damage.
Burn: Gives Magic damage every 2 seconds, continues for 10 seconds, and gives more Magic damage to surrounding enemies
Freeze: Paralyze movement for 3 seconds and Freeze status ends when attacked
Stun: Paralyze movement for 1.5 seconds
Skull
By reforming the Status Effect system, each Status Effect will now be more effective and useful. In particular, Status Effects and skulls who rely heavily on them have been changed significantly.
Skeleton-Sword
The Skeleton-Sword has been reformed. It will still use its sharp blade to wound enemies like a true swordsman. The Skeleton-Sword is a master of inflicting status effects on enemies and the Legendary Grade Royal Guard Captain deals even more damage to enemies who are bleeding. Along those lines, in order for the status effects to have the right synergy, we’ve decided to change all the damage types from Magic to Physical.
Applies to all skulls Passive Effects
Reformed Passive Effects
Swap
Reformed Swap Effect
Changed damage type: Magic → Physical
Skill
Deleted the skill [Tetanus]
Added new skill [Double Slash]
Reformed Skill effects
Changed damage type for every skill: Magic → Physical
Frost Skull
We reformed the Frost Skull and Status Effects. The Frost Skull’s main strength is still its Freeze Status Effect, but now even bosses can be affected by it. Applies to all skulls Passive Effects
Reformed Passive Effects
Swap Skill
Reformed Swap Skill Effect
Skill
Removed [Glacier Fragment]
Removed [Hibernation]
Reformed effects for each skill
Added new skill, [Glacial Blade]
Werewolf
Skill
[Beast Leap]
Reduced Skill Damage
Skill
[Rip Apart]
Removed Bleed Effect
Increased Skill Damage
[Beast Leap]
Reduced Skill Damage
Skill
[Rip Apart]
Removed Bleed Effect
Increased Skill Damage
[Beast Leap]
Reduced Skill Damage
Skill
[Rip Apart]
Removed Bleed Effect
Increased Skill Damage
[Beast Leap]
Reduced Skill Damage
Petty Thief
Applies to all skulls Swap Skill
Changed Damage Type: Physical → Magic
Increased Swap Skill Damage
Skill
Changed Damage Type for [Rip Pocket]: Physical → Magic
Increased Damage for [Rip Pocket]
Changed Damage Type for [Backstab]: Physical → Magic
Increased Damage for [Backstab]
Skill
[Back Roll]
Removed Bleed Effect
Skill
[Backstab]
Changed it so that Stun is inflicted 30% of the time
Skill
[Backstab]
Changed it so that Stun is inflicted 30% of the time
Skeleton-Shield
Applies to all skulls Basic Attack
Increased the vertical attack range for the shield slam when doing a Basic Attack
Mummy
Applies to all skulls Skill
Changed name from [Mummy Poison] to [Mummy Breath]
Removed poison effect from [Mummy Breath]
Increased damage of [Mummy Breath]
Removed poison effect from [Mummy Ball] and [Mummy Bug]
Increased damage for [Mummy Ball] and [Mummy Bug]
Changed it so that [Scratch] and [Survival Knife] have a fixed chance to deal a wound
Alchemist
Applies to all skulls Swap Skill
Made it so that flasks inflicting poison don’t mix when hurling different flasks at once
Skill
Deleted the skill [Poison Flask]
Added the new skill [Neurolepsis Flask]
Changed the name of [Plague Flask] to [Pollutant Flask]
Changed the name of [Flame Flask] to [Emergency Ignition Flask]
Changed the number of charges up to 4 times for [Pollutant Flask] for all skulls
Changed the cooldown of [Pollutant Flask] to 14 seconds for all skulls
Increased the damage of [Pollutant Flask]
Changed the number of charges up to 3 times for [Emergency Ignition Flask] for all skulls
Changed the cooldown of [Emergency Ignition Flask] to 16 seconds for all skulls
Reduced damage for [Emergency Ignition Flask]
Changed the number of charges up to 2 times for [Liquid Nitrogen Flask] for all skulls
Changed the cooldown of [Liquid Nitrogen Flask] to 25 seconds for all skulls
Skill
[Emergency Ignition Flask]
Changed the additional embers to inflict Burn with a 5% chance
Rock Star
Applies to all skulls Skill
[Climax] Changed cooldown: 10 sec → 20 sec
[Climax] Increased damage
Minotaurus
Applies to all skulls Skill
[Bludgeon] Changed cooldown: 14 sec → 22 sec
[Bludgeon] Increased damage
Passive
Allows the player to cancel the delay after the attack of [Ground Shatter] by dash
Stone Monkey
Skill
[Heaven-Earth Slam]
Changed cooldown: 12 sec → 21 sec
Skill
[Heaven-Earth Slam]
Changed cooldown: 12 sec → 21 sec
Gene
Skill
[Genie Smash]
Changed cooldown: 13 sec → 20 sec
Clown
Skill
[Peek-A-Boo Knives]
Changed cooldown: 12 sec → 21 sec
Skill
[Peek-A-Boo Knives]
Changed cooldown: 12 sec → 21 sec
Prisoner
Applies to all skulls Swap Skill
Changed the daggers to inflict Wound with a 10% chance
Skill
[Ice Crossbow] Changed cooldown: 10 sec → 20 sec
[Ice Crossbow] Increased skill damage
Skill
[Blood Sword]
Changed cooldown: 7 sec → 13 sec
Increased damage
[Fire Grenade]
Changed cooldown: 10 sec → 15 sec
Added the effect of inflicting Burn
[Cleaver]
Changed cooldown: 13 sec → 18 sec
Changed the circular saw trap to inflict Wound on enemies with a 3% chance
[Wolf Trap]
Changed cooldown: 10 sec → 25 sec
Increased damage
Archlich
Applies to all skulls Skill
[Deathly Chill] Changed cooldown: 14 sec → 25 sec
Inscription
The Inscription system has been reformed. No more need to worry about the Courage Inscription losing its effectiveness if you don’t have the Standard-issue Carleon Sword.
1. Changed Inscription System
From now on Inscription will become meaningful when users collect 2 Inscriptions and 4 Inscriptions respectively. However not every Inscription gains meaningful effect by collecting 2 and 4. There are some special Inscriptions that give meaningful effectㄴ when collecting 2, 3, 5, and 6 Inscriptions. We think the original system that changed the effect of Inscription as users added Inscriptions one by one, had some downsides. But with your feedback and with our effort to make the system better, we concluded that the original system had more negatives than positives. That is why we changed to a system that activates an effect when users collect 2~3 Inscriptions. We also lowered the required number of Inscriptions for maximum effect to 2~6 Inscriptions. As a result of this change, we are hoping that you can utilize various item combinations with less stress.
This systematic reform regarding Inscription changed the UI related to Inscriptions too. Inscriptions in effect are now highlighted with color, so you can easily see which Inscriptions are in effect.
2. Additions, Changes & Elimination of Inscriptions
With the reform of the Inscription system, every existing Inscription has been either changed or eliminated. Physical attack and Magic attack are important and popular stats in Skul, but we hope other stats to be attractive as well. Due to this system reform, the effect of every Inscription was changed in some way and we would like to introduce a few Inscriptions that best represent the direction we aimed for.
Effect with 2 Inscriptions: Skill cooldown speed increased by 40%
Effect with 4 Inscriptions: Damage dealt by skills is amplified by 20%
Mana Cycle is a replacement for ‘Sorcery’ and this Inscription specializes in skill cooldown speed. When 4 Inscriptions are collected, damage dealt by skills is amplified. ‘Amplify’ effect becomes more effective as you play through the game because stats and damages get multiplied by the bonus percentage. Before, only ‘Brave’, ‘Tactics’, ‘Duel’ got amplifying effect and this led to an unbalanced preference of Inscriptions. In this reform, we applied the ‘Amplify’ effect to not only Mana Cycle, but also other various Inscriptions. From now on, users can play according to their preferred play style and get damage wise advantage as well.
Effect with 2 Inscriptions: Can spot an enemy with treasure.
Effect with 4 Inscriptions: Type of reward users can get by finding a treasure chest will increase.
Treasure is a replacement for ‘Miser’ and this Inscription gives you an opportunity to gain more gold. If you defeat an enemy with treasure, you can get a treasure chest with gold and if 4 Inscriptions are collected, the treasure chest might include items too. Getting more gold and obtaining a better item combination is a valid strategy but ‘Miser’ just increased the amount of gold which was not that effective and was also boring. In this reform, we tried to make the system more exciting.
Effect with 1 Inscription: Basic Attack triggers ice pikes from the ground and Freezes enemies nearby (Cooldown time: 15sec)
Effect with 2 Inscriptions: Freeze duration increases by 2 seconds
Effect with 4 Inscriptions: To end Freeze status, one more additional hit is required
Inscriptions for each Status Effect have been added. Now Status Effect gives the same effect regardless of how Status Effect is applied. Inscriptions that give Status Effect like Absolute Zero allows you to strengthen the Status Effect. These Inscriptions along with Status Effect items will enable a more diverse play style for users.
Effect with 2 Inscriptions: The first attack of an enemy leaves a mark that lasts for 1 second (5 seconds for Adventurers and Bosses). Damage to an enemy with a mark is amplified by 25%.
Effect with 4 Inscriptions: Attacking an enemy with a mark becomes a critical hit.
Hidden Blade is an Inscription based on assassin concept items so this Inscription explodes a lot of damage right after battle begins. We focused on the way to build up synergy between Inscription and item while designing which item gets which Inscription. Also we think concept based synergy is important as much as performance based synergy. Concept based synergy allows players to learn what kind of Inscriptions there are for an item and this leads players to get immersed in the game. Previous Inscriptions were weak in concept based synergy, and therefore in this reform we tried to resolve this problem. So these are the Inscriptions that represent the reform of the Inscription system and below is a list of new Inscriptions
On the 7th of June (PT), there will be some huge changes for the items in Skul.
Dev Blog #8
Greetings, Skul Squad!
This Dev Blog will be about the content we’re working on for our next update that’s planned for early June (Release 1.5).
SouthPAW’s top priority for this year is definitely the Hard Mode update. We don’t want to just make the game difficult and say it’s a ‘Hard Mode’, but actually want to design content that is both challenging and entertaining. To do so, the existing main content needed some improvements. The first step for this was the ‘Skul Balance Adjustment’. And now it is time for us to improve the items and inscription system along with the status effects that received a lot of feedback.
1. Items Reformation
Intention: To allow various combinations of items by making some changes in the items that were somewhat useless.
There are many reasons why the players try to avoid or discard specific items. It may be the low spec or the fact that it requires too much effort to use it.
Cretan Bull, for instance, is a rare item that can be acquired from the Grave Robber in the Black Market. Its effect is activated by summoning an image of a bull with an enhanced dash when a Power Skull dashes. For the Power Skulls with this item, it’s as if the players have an additional charge skill since the enhanced dash increases the distance of the dash and gives physical damage to the enemies. We wanted this item to have a dramatic effect for fun and because of its powerful effect, it needed to have a long cooldown. This, however, turned out to be not the best decision we had made.
What the?!?
There were occasions where the effect of Cretan Bull would be activated in the wrong timing. Cretan Bull has a long cooldown and the only way to check this was to look at the status icon below which is not the easiest way when one is in the middle of the chaotic combat. Many players were also frustrated by this since the effect was suddenly activated by a ‘dash’ resulting in an unexpected movement during the battle. Thus, despite its rarity, Cretan Bull became one of the unwanted items.
So we decided to change the condition of activating Cretan Bull’s effect to ‘dashing after using a skill’. By this, we expect the players to activate the enhanced dash when they actually want. This is one example of how we are planning to change the unused items. And through this update, you will experience the improved items along with the new ones.
2. Inscription Reformation
Intention: To make gathering inscriptions less stressful.
This is what we’re planning.
Unlike now, players will be able to feel the effects whenever 2~3 inscriptions are gathered and the overall number of inscriptions required to have the maximum effect will be reduced.
In the case of ‘Courage’ inscription, players needed to gather 8 inscriptions to have the maximum effect. And because the effect was increased by every inscription collected, the more it was gathered, it quickly became overvalued. This was quite a stressful process at one point, since the players had to focus on finding the same type of the inscription.
Choices, choices...
Such situations like giving up the legendary item for common ones to maintain the inscription are frequently seen. We expect this update will give some flexibility for players by reducing the required inscriptions.
Also, like the other contents, we will improve the inscriptions that weren’t very useful. As a result, some inscriptions are changed, gone, or added. Hopefully, inscriptions like ‘Courage’, ‘Tactics’, and the others will now be considered as a top on the player's list.
3. Status Effect Reformation
Intention: Making the status effect useful in every way.
Initially, we designed the status effect as a device to show the concept rather than as the means of attack. The status effect had no relation to actual attack stats and wasn’t really practical when it comes to fighting against the boss. In the ‘Hard Mode’ contents, every moment will be challenging and we want to give as many options as possible to the players. We’d love to see the players strategizing the attack with our new status effect system.
Players will be able to inflict the status effect on most enemies including the boss and strategically use it to clear the stage. But of course some enemies will always find their way to avoid this effect and won’t be frozen or stunned.
New status effects will have unique characteristics based on their type. In the case of Burn, enemies in the surrounding area will take even more damage than the burned character. For this reason, this can be a very powerful status effect to have when in big group battles. Other status effects will also have their own unique traits.
Now damage inflicted by status effects will affect the stats of Physical and Magic Attacks.You’ll get more powerful just like the enemies, and the status effects are no exception. Like detailed above, the reformation should have a tangible effect on some skulls, items and Quintessence that use status effects.
4. New Items and Status UI Added
New items will be added to support the updated inscription and status effect system. We will also have Status UI for players to check their power in specific numbers when using these items.
That’s all for today!
Just like the “Skul Balancing Adjustment” and the upcoming Hard Mode, this reformation is just a part of the process. It goes without saying that your feedback will have a big impact on Hard Mode’s development and will help us to make it as fun as possible. Please look forward to future updates and we’ll keep doing the best we can!
Thanks as always for the support!
Release 1.4.4 Patch Notes
Please find the 1.4.4 patch notes below.
Fixed a bug where the minions did not inherit the player's Crit Rate normally
Fixed a bug where Carleon Recruit's basic attack concentration motion for each grade was affected by attack speed instead of concentration speed.
Release 1.4.3 Patch Notes
Greetings, Skul Squad!
We have performed additional balance adjustments to the improved skulls. Thanks to all your feedback we were able to quickly identify and address parts that turned out differently than intended. All your support is greatly appreciated.
Bug Fixes
Fixed a bug where when using Gene’s swap per grade, invincibility is removed after exiting the lamp
Fixed a bug where the amount of bones dropped when Yaksha is destroyed was abnormally high
Fixed a bug where the effect of turning to darkness blocked the 2nd phase’s Leonia Grand Priest when Yaksha takes the form of Rakshasa
Fixed a bug where some Quintessences that use the installation and summoning method did not activate the Diorite Circlet’s effect even if it damage enemies
Fixed a bug where the status icon for Bone of Courage was not shown
Text
Ninja Master: fixed a translation error with the skill name “Transform: Phantom Wheel Shuriken” (Simplified Chinese)
Champion: fixed a translation error with the dash type (Simplified Chinese)
Gladiator, Warlord: fixed an unnatural part within the sentence for the passive effect (Korean)
Gladiator, Warlord: fixed a translation error with the passive effect (English, Simplified Chinese)
Bronze Gargoyle, Golden Gargoyle: fixed a translation error with swapping (Simplified Chinese)
Ghoooul, Ghoooooul: fixed a translation error with the passive effect and swapping (Simplified Chinese)
Increased chances of a Spirit being created when enemy is defeated
Reduced cooldown of the enhanced [Harvest]: 60s → 44s
💡 Developer Comment We previously overestimated the potential of the Grim Reaper. The idea was that it would provide incomparable power if obtained early on, and be sufficiently utilized if acquired in the latter half of the game.
The Grim Reaper is supposed to be a character that relies on skills more than basic attack, which is why the skill’s power was enhanced and the basic attack type changed to Physical. However because the Grim Reaper’s powerful attacks had comparably long cooldowns, more time was spent using basic attacks. Unlike our intentions, this generated a lot of stress.
Hence as part of improving the Grim Reaper, we have changed the basic attack type back to magic, and in exchange for maintaining skill damage, have slightly reduced the damage of basic attack.
Yaksha
Added effect that pushes back and slows down enemies when entering the area
Increase area range
[Yaksha Fist] Reduced cooldown: 16s → 12s
[Yaksha Fist] Increased amount of power stacks gained
[Iron Strike] Reduced cooldown: 12s → 8s
[Iron Strike] Increased amount of power stacks gained
[Yaksha of Iron Will] Reduced cooldown: 9s → 7s
[Yaksha of Iron Will] Increased amount of power stacks gained
[Demonic Massacre] Reduced cooldown: 14s → 10s
[Demonic Massacre] Increased amount of power stacks gained
Increased duration of stomping feet’s effect that slowed down enemies. This effect is activated when skill is used.
[Rakshasa's Punch] Increased attack damage after concentration is complete
[Rakshasa's Punch] Increased attack range for before and after concentration is complete
[Iron Strike] Increased damage
[Rakshasa of Iron Will] Increased damage of downward slash attack
[Demonic Massacre] Increased damage of repeated attacks
[Demonic Massacre] Increased range of repeated and finishing attacks
💡 **Developer comment** Thanks to your feedback we were able to confirm that the difficulty in managing Yaksha’s was higher than expected. In order to ease the issue, we have added and enhanced convenience related factors. To balance the management difficulty, an overall increase has been applied to all of Rakshasa’s skills.
Champion
Increased amount of energy acquired when the attack that occurs if you are hit during dash is successful: 10 → 15
[Combo] Reduced energy consumption: 70 → 50
[Dirty Smash] Increased damage
Archlich
Reduced the time it takes to completely charge the gauge required to use [Deathtrap]: 60s → 50s
Werewolf
Reduced cooldown of [Beast Leap] per grade: 12s → 9s
Reduced damage [Beast Leap] per grade (Damage is still higher than before version 1.4.0)
Increased damage of [Hunt] for Elder Werewolf, Alpha Werewolf, Eternal Werewolf(Damage is the same as before version 1.4.0)
Carleon Recruit and Grave Digger
Previously minion attacks would not activate the effects of certain items. It has been changed so that they will activate the effects of such items again.
💡 **Developer comment** Along with the 1.4.0 update, changes to the minion system were also made. However we apologize as this was left out of the 1.4.0 patch notes.
It was an unfortunate accident where some of the text was left out while editing the patch notes due to its unprecedented length.
Previously, attacks made by minions were in the same method as those by the player. This was not an issue when there weren’t many skulls or Quintessences that used minions, however with the introduction of the Grave Digger and Quintessences that had various installation and summoning methods, an assortment of issues were introduced to such a system.
We hope that the minions can provide a new experience as an individual entity instead of simply being an extension of the player’s attacks. As such, preparations for the new minion system are already complete. However we had to rollback the new system and continue with the existing system because supporting content is still being worked on.
Along with the upcoming item reformation, we’ll review the implementation of the new minions system once all related content is ready so that minions can exert power as an independent entity.
Release 1.4.2 Patch Notes
Please find the 1.4.2 patch notes below.
Bug Fixes
Fixed a bug where Ninja Master’s Full Blooming Blade skill was stackable
Fixed a bug with the invincibility judgment of Ninja Master’s Transform: Phantom Wheel Shuriken skill
Fixed a bug with the invincibility judgment of Grim Reaper’s swapping and Harvest skill
Fixed a bug where if the Skeleton-Bomber‘s Kaboom! skill is used, the swapped skull’s skill must be used
Fixed a bug where The King’s skill was not saved normally
Fixed a bug where the Poseidon skill cannot cancel the Power Bomb post-delay with dash
Fixed a bug where if the player has 2 Voodoo Doll items upon death, two effects are activated at once
We are currently reviewing all the feedback received through various channels, and are making additional balance adjustments accordingly. Thank you for all your feedback, and we’ll continue doing our best to create an enjoyable balance for the game.
