Today (Sept. 22), Netmarble held a developer live stream ahead of the half-anniversary of 'Monster Taming: STAR DIVE'. The stream featured Netmarble Monster Executive Producer Lee Dong-jo and Netmarble Head of Business Division Kang Dong-ki, who introduced details for the Version 1.4 update and half-anniversary events.
Gaba Islands, Filled with Unknown Tech, and New Characters 'Isabella' and 'Chloe'
First, the new region 'Gaba Islands,' the main stage for Version 1.4, was introduced. Unlike Solimena and the Far East Continent, which served as the primary stages for Monster Taming thus far, this new region features advanced technology from a civilization distinct from Bellana. Its main theme is machinery and futuristic technology, featuring mostly new Machine-type monsters. In addition to Machine-type monsters, the Legendary Monster 'Sorin,' a Desire-type guardian consumed by the void while seeking ascension, will be added. Inspired by the Imugi, Sorin rules over attributes and space, exuding an imposing presence with a massive, elongated body that coils around the entire area. It will confront players using powerful attack patterns that utilize its massive size.
Alongside this, new character Isabella, who will be added in Version 1.4, was introduced. Isabella is a 5-star Ice-attribute Destruction character who uses a mechanism of charging energy with normal attacks before triggering effects via special skills or heavy attacks. Additionally, when obtaining 'Cryo Cycle' upon using a switch skill or special skill, switching to another character triggers a retreat skill, allowing her to maintain offensive momentum across various combat cycles. Another new character, 'Chloe,' will be updated during the second half of Version 1.4, with further details to be revealed ahead of her release.
Massive Buffs for Existing Characters to AR Camera: A Half-Anniversary Overhaul
Following the character announcements, the new Version 1.4 content 'Sanctuary of Attributes' was introduced first. 'Sanctuary of Attributes' is a boss-rush mode where players can apply additional constraints to earn greater rewards upon clearing. Notably, along with the addition of the Sanctuary of Attributes, character-specific passive skills have been added, which can be leveled up using 'Blessing of Attributes' obtained from the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary of Attributes also supports quick combat based on completion records after a single clear.
Meanwhile, alongside character passive additions, buffs for existing 5-star characters were also announced. First, standard 5-star Earth-attribute Brawler 'Gabi' had her 'Deadly Strike' multiplier increased, while her Phase 4 Awakening condition requiring targets to be 'Boss Monsters' was removed, allowing it to trigger against all enemies. Additionally, an effect reducing the interval of Jangseung's spiritual power application was added at Awakening Phase 1, and the effect of the Guardian Statue was boosted from 2x to roughly 3.4x at maximum Awakening Phase 6. Since the Guardian Statue enhances Defense alongside Earth Damage, both damage output and survivability will see significant boosts, offering a smoother gameplay experience.
Standard 5-star Wind-attribute Brawler 'Sangun' gained a new effect for 'Wind God Tiger Strike' that stacks Wind Attribute Attack Power with consecutive hits, while its duration was also extended. At Awakening Phase 2, Wind DMG increase was added on top of expanded basic attack range, and at Awakening Phase 6, enhanced special skill and dodge counter damage were increased. Furthermore, overall damage across basic attacks, special skills, ultimate skills, and switch skills was increased.
Standard 5-star Fire-attribute Destruction character Flea received major damage buffs to her ultimate, special, and switch skills, alongside increased damage scaling for Dragon's Breath at Awakening Phase 2, as well as Breath damage and skill ambush damage at Awakening Phase 6. Standard 5-star Lightning-attribute Brawler Penny also saw increased damage across dash attacks and special skills. At Awakening Phase 4, ultimate skill damage triggered by consuming coins was roughly doubled, and a new option granting 100% bonus damage to dash attacks was added. At Awakening Phase 6, a skill damage increase effect was newly added to the Jackpot buff—which grants various beneficial effects—further boosting damage output, while dash attack stamina recovery was increased for a smoother gameplay feel.
In addition to standard characters, balance adjustments are also being applied to three limited pickup characters. First, 5-star Wind-attribute Assassin character 'Esde' will gain a new passive called 'Sharpness' upon activating her Smoke Screen skill, significantly increasing damage for enhanced basic attacks, support skills, and ultimate skills. Consuming Sharpness instantly resets support skill cooldowns and grants damage reduction to herself and Wind-attribute teammates inside the smoke screen. Damage for primary skills, including support skills, has also been increased.
5-star Wind-attribute Destruction character 'Nagi' focused on buffs to both her Blessing of the Demon Emperor and Dominion of the Demon Emperor effects. Bonus Wind damage for both effects was significantly buffed, and the removal condition for the Blessing of the Demon Emperor granted to party members upon switching or leaving the field was removed to ensure consistent damage output. 5-star Fire-attribute Brawler character 'Verna: Summer Dive' gained additional damage reduction during Burning Will, boosting her survivability. Furthermore, at Awakening Phase 6, a new Penetration Rate increase stat was added at maximum Ember stacks, and a target Defense Reduction passive obtained via Sanctuary of Attributes will enhance her utility as a DEF shredder.
Beyond character balance patches, inventory management convenience was improved by adding features like favorites for Monster Rings and equipment, alongside a dedicated Favorite Monster Ring tab for easier access. An auto-character development feature was also introduced to lessen the burden of growth. Additionally, an Archive will be added, allowing players to view and experience past main story content, event stories, and mini-games. On top of that, an 'AR Camera' feature will debut, showcasing various sides of Monster Taming's charming characters.
Over 150 Summons and Special Events: Generous Monster Taming Half-Anniversary Rewards
Following announcements on balance, QoL improvements, and new content, half-anniversary events and rewards were detailed. To celebrate the half-anniversary, a special badge, special frame, and Sangun's 'Black Cloud' costume will be provided for free. In addition, over 150 total recruitment opportunities will be provided for the half-anniversary, including 30 Compass of Destiny tickets for limited character summons and 40 Compass of Memory tickets for artifact summons. Furthermore, the 'Meow Meow Draw' event allows players to draw various rewards using coins earned by completing quests. Players can obtain Nagi Monster Rings and various growth materials from the Meow Meow Draw. Alongside these, pickup banners for Mina and Narae will rerun during the first half of the half-anniversary, followed by Esde and Nagi during the second half.
A 'Promise of Choice' event allowing players to select and summon a standard 5-star character will also run for the half-anniversary, alongside a fan art contest offering special rewards just for participating. The grand prize winner of the contest will receive the opportunity to have their artwork created into a live background.
Meanwhile, a live Q&A session with viewers took place near the end of the Version 1.4 live stream. Regarding walking animations, the team explained that due to extensive ongoing R&D, the feature has been deprioritized for now, while confirming that the new Legendary Monster Sorin will be included in the two-week rotation pool. They added that alongside the Dark Sangun skin, a new costume for Mina is currently under secret development. They emphasized that gear presets have become essential as the number of Monster Rings grows, asking players to stay patient. They also shared that dispatch counts will initially remain at 4 even after the addition of the new region 'Gaba Islands,' and that like Vivian, characters from the original Monster Taming will be introduced in the future following player feedback and internal discussions.
Monster Taming: STAR DIVE's half-anniversary update is scheduled for September 30, with detailed information available on the official forum.
