Fellowship, the early access co-op RPG, has launched its Season 3 update, introducing a substantial overhaul designed to reshape the player experience. The developers at Chief Rebel have implemented over 2,000 lines of changes, focusing on shifting the game's identity towards a more action RPG-centric loot and character build system, moving away from its previously more MMO-inspired foundations.
Community Director Hamish Bode explained that the old loot system encouraged players to stop engaging with gear once they found optimal items. The revised system aims to provide a more dynamic experience, where "there's always something cool that can happen," such as discovering gear that enhances specific abilities. This approach seeks to offer players meaningful choices in character progression, drawing comparisons to loot-heavy titles like Diablo, though Fellowship is intended to be less complex. The update includes new item types like necklaces with random defensive bonuses and a Tempering system to enhance gear stats, aiming for impactful upgrades without excessive randomness.
Addressing player feedback regarding difficulty, Season 3 introduces more challenging dungeons. Bode acknowledged that previous attempts to ease new players in inadvertently made the game too easy, particularly with the introduction of new tank and healer heroes that "broke the game a bit." The developers have since focused on more extensive testing to reintroduce a satisfying level of challenge. "I prefer to have that [elation from overcoming a difficult boss]," Bode stated, referencing the feeling of accomplishment akin to defeating a tough Dark Souls boss, believing it fosters player investment more than an overly easy experience.
The new season features a pinnacle dungeon with three challenging bosses, offering weekly rewards. Completing this dungeon also grants a Bloodstone, a resource used to significantly improve gear. Bode highlighted a new melee damage hero, Gunde, a berserker archetype designed to apply bleeds and benefit from finisher moves on afflicted enemies, offering a different playstyle to veteran players.
Fellowship, still in early access for less than a year, has undergone significant improvements. Season 3 is presented as a pivotal update, signaling a clearer vision for the game that aims to appeal beyond players seeking endgame content for other MMOs. The Season 3 update is available now, with the game priced at $15, a reduction from its usual $25, on Steam until June 29.