Inven Global

On Wednesday, September 16, an update was implemented featuring skill balance adjustments for the Knight and Mage, Armor Research, Guild Raids, and more. On Sky Island, an event doubling Nine item drops has begun, along with the Altar of Fortune event, where players can target their choice of rewards.

Following the update, players across the community began sharing hunting results from Sky Island and comparing priority order for the newly added Research categories. While discussing how noticeable the class buffs felt, some users also exchanged opinions regarding packages released alongside changes to Research currency. Here is a summary of this week's major news in SOL: enchant amid various changes to progression and hunting.

Certain skills for the Knight and Mage were buffed. For the Knight, Maximum HP was increased, and cooldowns for Dash Shock and Shield Stun were reduced. Stun durations were also adjusted, allowing players to close the gap and create attack opportunities more frequently than before. The delay after casting Dash Shock was also reduced.

For the Mage, Guardian Focus gained higher Magic Amplification, and Arcane Thunder's MP cost was reduced. While the scope of changes is smaller compared to the Knight, these adjustments improve offensive output and ease the burden of MP consumption while leveraging existing skills.

Following the class adjustments, player feedback highlighted areas that still need attention in actual combat. Mage players expressed a desire for further improvements to PvP range, cast speed, and survivability in high-level hunting grounds. Knight players similarly suggested enhancements to reliably follow up on attacks after chasing down targets. Players clearly place as much importance on combat feel as they do on raw skill numbers.

Some stats and unique skill trigger rates on Legendary gear were also buffed, while Armor received added PvP Damage Reduction. Players owning this gear can benefit from the improved performance without needing additional enhancement. However, because the magnitude of buffs varied among individual pieces within the Legendary tier, some users discussed comparing performance against existing crafted weapons. Players contemplating gear changes should compare the revised stats first.

Following Weapon Research, Armor Research has been added, allowing players to secure stats such as HP, Physical Defense, and Magic Defense. After the update, guides emerged comparing expected costs by tier and recommended investment orders. Advice suggests investing in Weapon Research if attack power is lacking, investing in Armor if survival is a concern, and prioritizing necessary options first for the costly Hero tier. However, many users expressed disappointment that Uncommon and Rare Armor Research effects grant flat HP Recovery rather than HP Potion Recovery Amount, causing some players to hesitate before investing.

Part of existing Weapon Research was changed to consume Research Stones instead of Nine. Although the cost when converted to Nine remains identical to before, complaints arose over feeling burdened as Research Stone packages were released at the same time. Concerns were also raised regarding the expanded list of investment targets with the addition of Armor Research, as well as the high cost of High-grade Research for both Weapons and Armor.

A new Collection utilizing Engraved Hero Gear was also added. While this gives extra utility to surplus equipment, some players noted that it feels like a distant goal for those who struggle to acquire Hero gear. Before starting a collection, it is advisable to inspect your existing gear and desired stats to determine your investment priority.

Meanwhile, Guild Raids were introduced, allowing guilds of Level 8 or higher to attempt them once per week. Defeating the Avatar of Phoenix grants a chance to acquire Legendary and Hero gear. Movement Stones are deleted 2 hours after purchase, so be sure to coordinate participation times with guild members before purchasing.

Until maintenance on Wednesday, September 30, Nine earned from defeating normal monsters on Sky Island is doubled. Coming at a time when progression elements requiring Nine—such as Research—have expanded, this event is well worth taking advantage of for players looking to stack currency. However, bosses and Relic Thief Polly are excluded from the event benefit.

Reactions to the reward boost were swift. Posts appeared showing records of obtaining around 600,000 Nine in 1 hour. Other posts claimed earnings of 1.2 million Nine per hour, as players shared hunting results and compared profits. Although drop amounts decreased as crowds gathered, players still rated it as yielding significantly more Nine than other hunting grounds. As the event increased the value of the hunting grounds, players noted that finding a spot tailored to one's combat power and securing a spot with less monster competition have become equally important.

Since Sky Island is a World Battlefield, accounts of clashes with other players were also shared. Some recounted being attacked while farming and inquired whether certain zones were being restricted by top guilds. Because conditions vary by server and world, rather than stubbornly sticking to high-tier zones, it is wise to monitor potion consumption and nearby battles. Finding a spot where you can hunt stably will allow you to make full use of this event to secure Nine.

The Altar of Fortune event runs until maintenance on Wednesday, September 23. Players can participate by purchasing coins from the event NPC Luxia in Calteon Castle and interacting with the altars. Characters Level 45 or higher can target their choice of rewards among Nine, EXP, High-grade Materials, and Damage Boost Scrolls. Coins can be purchased for 31,500 Nine each, up to 5 per day per account.

Players strongly recommended purchasing the event coins daily. Calculations showed a positive return regardless of choice, with expected values of 1.25 million EXP per coin at the Altar of Experience and 12.5 scrolls at the Altar of Damage Boost. Since the expected return of Shards on non-winning attempts is identical across all altars, community guides advised simply picking whichever reward you currently need rather than stressing over efficiency.

However, as these figures represent average expected values based on probabilities, actual earnings will vary. With a 70% chance of a non-winning roll, it is better to participate aiming for needed materials rather than expecting an immediate jackpot. Players also shared tips on crafting coins back using 9 Shards received from non-winning rolls, or combining remaining Shards with Nine to exchange for Divine Seals. Note that coins and Shards will be deleted at 7:00 AM on September 23, so be sure to use them before the event ends.

Along with changes to Research currency, a Research Stone package was released. It offers 20 Research Stones, 2,000 Diamonds, and 20 Special Summon Ticket Single Selection Chests (Engraved), purchasable up to 4 times per account. The weekly purchase limit for the Weekly GENESIS Summon Package was also increased from 6 to 12 times per week.

Some discontent was voiced regarding the decision to replace a portion of Research previously conducted with Nine with Research Stones, while simultaneously releasing packages containing that exact currency. Although the cost remains identical to before when purchasing Research Stones with Nine, players expressed frustration at bundling progression mechanics into paid store packages. This sentiment was compounded by the fact that addition of Armor Research has already increased the number of areas requiring investment.

Therefore, this should be viewed separately from claims that Research costs increased. Players can still acquire Research Stones using Nine just as before, and the value of purchasing the packages varies based on current Nine Core market prices and individual need for the contents. It is best to first check whether you have immediate Research targets and determine whether you need options from Weapon or Armor Research.

A developer note teased the addition of new skills for the Knight, Ranger, and Mage in early October. Detailed stats and effects will be revealed in the next developer note. Following the recent balance adjustments, attention is focused on how these new skills will cover each class's weaknesses and alter combat playstyles.

A feature allowing Engraved items to be stored in account storage is also in development. Once implemented, other characters on the same account will be able to utilize stored items, making main class transitions and squad character leveling significantly smoother. Expectations in the official community remain high for this highly practical quality-of-life update.

Events celebrating Chuseok and the 100th day of service were also teased. The community is keenly interested in the specific effects of the new skills as well as the rewards and structure of the 100-day celebration event. As detailed information has not yet been released, players await further news in the upcoming developer note.

As hunting and battles continue on Sky Island, discussions regarding the combat environment also surfaced on the Divine Board. A God-rank user from Hellond 1 offered positive feedback on recent patches while requesting action against alleged macros used for auto-evasive maneuvers. Other players expressed agreement, echoing the desire to compete under fair conditions.

Curiosity surrounding the Sovereign election process remains high as well. Posts expressed eagerness to review the specific selection criteria as factions prepare for world-level competition. Detailed mechanics and schedules have not yet been disclosed in developer notes. Once the selection criteria are announced, attention will turn to how factions across servers prepare and whether shifts will occur in the existing world landscape.