Wardogs is set to receive a substantial update with the launch of Season 2 on October 15, introducing a range of new content and significant gameplay adjustments. The update will feature new weapons, vehicles, revised progression systems, and alterations to building mechanics.
Overhauling the Battlefield
Season 2 aims to address player concerns and refine the core gameplay loop. One of the more unconventional changes is the "Blue Team Bribery" initiative, designed to bolster the underperforming Lonestar (blue) team. This experimental system will offer bonus cash and experience points for Lonestar victories and specific teamplay actions. Additionally, any faction trailing by 40 points will receive a 20% vendor discount to encourage players to equip their best loadouts.
The game's arsenal is expanding with four new weapons: the TCX-SPR assault rifle, the PP-19 Bizon submachine gun, the Evo-3 Ultra light machine gun, and the M14 marksman rifle. These additions are accompanied by new optics, magazines, and other attachments, integrated with a revised progression system.
Vehicle options are also increasing with the addition of the fast, lightweight Wolf-110 transport, an armed variant of the Wolf-110 with an M2 Browning machine gun, the cost-effective T-72B3 battle tank, and the dedicated Flakpanzer Gepard anti-aircraft vehicle. Vehicle progression has been adjusted, with these new vehicles appearing at various driver track levels.
Dynamic Weather and Combat Adjustments
A new rain weather preset is set to influence gameplay beyond aesthetics. Rain will visibly affect characters and vehicles, alter audio cues, and impact gameplay by reducing spotting range and weakening Molotov flames. Thunderstorms can also mask footsteps, offering tactical opportunities.
Significant adjustments to weapon damage are intended to shift the meta. Base damage for .308 Winchester rounds is reduced by 25%, 7.62x54mmR by 20%, 7.62x39mm by 19%, and .50 calibre by 16%. Assault rifles will see more consistent body damage, while LMGs will match assault rifle body damage, emphasizing sustained fire. DMRs will be positioned between assault rifles and sniper rifles in terms of damage, with sniper rifles receiving increased hit location damage.
Streamlined Progression and Building Costs
Season 2 significantly reduces the experience point requirements for progression. Reaching level 20 will now require 111,500 XP, a substantial decrease from the previous 250,000 XP. XP requirements are also reduced for multiple other levels, making the grind less demanding and allowing players to experiment with different roles more easily. Unlocks have been rebalanced, with some items appearing earlier in progression while others have shifted roles or become more expensive.
Building mechanics are also being adjusted, with the cost of various structures like doors, gates, and defensive emplacements seeing considerable increases. For example, doors will now cost 80 supplies, up from 22, and gates from 200, up from 85. New buildables, including an MG Nest and a Large Shelter, are being introduced.
Addressing Player Behavior and Exploits
Teamkilling is being addressed with a new victim-driven system. Players will have the option to forgive or punish teammates who kill them, with repeat offenders facing accumulated punishments leading to kicks and bans. Team switching late in a match will also see new restrictions, particularly when one team holds a significant lead, to prevent unfair advantages.
A Wager Vendor is planned for a later release within Season 2, allowing players to bet in-game cash on completing objectives. This system is experimental and may be adjusted or removed based on player feedback and exploit potential.
Additional Changes and Fixes
The update includes a wealth of other adjustments, such as modifications to vehicle handling, controller settings, and weapon handling characteristics. For instance, the T-72B3 battle tank offers a different cost-performance balance compared to the L2A6, and the Flakpanzer Gepard provides a specialized anti-aircraft option. Many weapons, including the MP5 and Super-45, have received recoil and damage falloff adjustments. Building speeds have been tweaked, and certain fortifications have seen changes in activation fuel and cooldown timers. Furthermore, new Steam Trading Cards and Point Shop items are planned, pending Valve's approval.