Dev Blog丨Tech System Optimization

Dear Metas,

Since you arrived in Nalcott, the Tech system has been a primary mean of survival against this world of unknowns. However, the current system merely serves as an objective for unlocking abilities through upgrades, far from delivering the rich experience it was meant to offer. Thus, we plan to make a comprehensive iteration of the Tech system to shape and restore the survival experience of Metas in Nalcott, infusing each scenario with unique pleasure of survival and gameplay.

Under the new Tech plan, we've restructured the Tech tree. It now consists of four branches: Survival, Production, Combat, and Building (some scenarios feature exclusive Tech tabs). Tech unlocks are no longer tied to seasonal phases or character levels—progress is entirely determined by exploration progress.

Metas begin with basic Tech abilities upon arriving in Nalcott. Subsequent Tech can be unlocked via Tech tree allocation, Reverse Engineering, or Tech invention. More unlocks will elevate Tech levels, granting regular level rewards, Tech enhancement attempts, and Territory expansion effects. Tech Levels reset at the end of a scenario.

1.1 Tech tree Allocation

Spend Tech points to manually select and unlock target Tech.

Some Tech requires manual unlocking by unlocking prerequisite Tech first.

Tech points are obtained by leveling up, repeatedly researching facilities/items, exploring mysterious chests, or defeating Elites.

1.2 Reverse Engineering

Metas unlock the Tech research bench by default.

Place facilities or items with cultural artifacts tags collected in the wild into the research bench to directly unlock their corresponding Tech Formulas on the tree, bypassing unlock order or level restrictions.

Repeating Reverse Engineering on the same facility/item yields Tech points.

Note: Lost gear and gear transferred from Eternaland cannot be reverse-engineered or repaired, but can be traded and used.

1.3 Tech Inventions

Metas conduct Tech inventions at the research bench by experimenting with different combinations of item resources.

The invention outcome and success rate are influenced by the type and quantity of materials invested, as well as the Tech level.

Upon success, the corresponding Tech Formula is unlocked (not restricted by prerequisite Tech), and finished facilities or items are obtained;

Failure means no formula is unlocked, but a portion of the invested materials is refunded.

As Tech Levels increase, Metas can earn Tech Enhancement Points to enhance certain Techs, unlocking special bonus effects.

In the Tech interface, you can view Tech abilities that can be enhanced, spend Tech enhancement Points to enhance them, and gain extra bonus effects.

Items with enhanced effects can be exchanged or traded with other Metas.

Note: Within a scenario cycle, Tech enhancement results are uniquely fixed and cannot be reset—all Metas share the same outcomes. Choose carefully.

The entire Tech specialization system will be removed. Original specialization-related abilities or items will be obtainable through the following methods:

• Tech Tree Unlock

• Tech enhancements activate related abilities

• Some specializations are assigned to class abilities

• Certain specialization items can be directly obtained through exploring the open world

Tin and aluminum ores will no longer spawn in the open world map, and all related ingot formulas have been restructured. This change aims to reduce ore-type complexity and provide Metas with a clearer resource progression path.

Settlement loot adjustments: Useless Scrap in settlements has been significantly reduced in quantity and variety, replaced by more practical items—Furniture, gameplay tools, equipment, consumables, gun linings, crafting materials, ammunition, and food.

Scrap Resource Adjustments: Original scrap items now serve new purposes—footballs can be thrown to stun enemies, books can be read to obtain Tech points, and rescue robots can help retrieve lost items upon death, among other uses.

In this test, to reduce the burden of backpack management and formula lookup, we've simplified material categories, retaining only one corresponding item per category. Details are as follows:

Regarding formula adjustments, we've removed the mandatory rare metal crystals required for crafting gear at each stage. Additionally, related items and facilities now use simplified materials in their recipes. Metal ores and ingots have been adjusted based on mineral simplification, with a slight increase in ingot consumption for advanced items, facilities, and vehicles. Some formula material requirements have also been streamlined.

Metas can now discover Old World facilities and items scattered across Nalcott. These can be used directly or brought back to their Territory using specific recovery tools for placement, use, or disassembly at the Disassembly Bench. Different types of settlements yield unique facilities and items. For example, abandoned planting boxes can be found at the Sutherland Family Orchard, while Disassembly Benches and furnace facilities are located at the Sutherland Chemical Plant.

Additional Notes:

• Old World facilities and items obtained in the wild or settlements are tagged as cultural artifacts and will be cleared at the season's end. They can't be brought into Eternaland.

• Old World facilities found in the wild or settlements have a long respawn time.

• Only partial facility and item spawn points are available in this test; the official version will significantly expand them.

To allow Metas to obtain full manufacturing capabilities earlier and focus their time and resources on genuine exploration and combat, we have removed 5 crafting facilities: the Intermediate Supplies Workbench, Intermediate Weapons Bench, Intermediate Garage, Small Synthesis Bench, and Intermediate Stove. At the same time, the crafting formulas for intermediate facilities have been integrated into their corresponding advanced facilities, and the Tech unlock nodes for advanced facilities have been moved forward.

Regarding the compatibility of old and new items: Due to the extensive adjustments in this update, after the official version is released, we will mark the affected old items in the inventory. Metas can directly convert these items into corresponding new items or materials in the inventory interface. This exchange feature has no time limit.

Equipment can now be worn regardless of character Level. The official version will introduce more high-Rarity lost equipment in the open world to help new Players integrate into the game faster.

The default character load has been adjusted to 100, with corresponding adjustments to the weight of some items. This will also present Metas with some resource management challenges during exploration and combat. The mechanism affecting body type attributes has been adjusted to give Metas of different body types more distinct characteristics and gameplay differences.

Adjusted the usage rules of the "All-Purpose Hand." The "All-Purpose Hand" in Eternaland can no longer repair gear within scenarios, while the "All-Purpose Hand" inside scenarios remains unaffected.

Adjusted the initial items carried when entering the scenario, along with modifying some quest flows and rewards.

That's all for this Dev Blog. Feel free to send us any questions or suggestions via our Co-Dev Feedback Platform or community channels.

Once Human Development Team