ℹ️ Context Note
The following Q&A was written shortly before the Shop Rework Update on January 7th, 2026.
Since then, additional updates and adjustments have been released.
While the core explanations still reflect the reasoning at that time, some details may have evolved with later updates.
Question:
Macros were allowed for a long time, which gave players using external programs an unfair advantage in Alz, Myth, and overall progress. Is there any plan to compensate or fix the damage already done?
Answer:
There will be no compensation or retroactive punishment for progress made while macros were allowed. Players cannot be penalized for behavior that was permitted at the time.
The upcoming balance changes are based on the fact that macros are no longer allowed, and future progression will be adjusted under this assumption. Reversing past progress is neither realistic nor fair.
Question:
Chaos and Divine upgrades have become significantly harder for low- and mid-level players, especially after the removal of safeguards and cores from NPC shops. Chaos Cores from ECA are very expensive, and Divine Stones are difficult to obtain due to dungeon loot distribution. On what basis is the current balance designed?
Answer:
Chaos and Divine fragments will not return to NPC shops (neither via DP nor Coupons), as this was never part of the original game design.
However, to compensate:
Material requirements for crafting Chaos and Divine safeguards have been reduced
Drop rates for relevant materials have been increased
These changes are part of an ongoing balance process and will continue to be adjusted if needed.
(Update: Chaos and Divine fragments were partially reintroduced via the DP Shop as part of later balance adjustments, based on player feedback.)
Question:
Some events and the Event Menu can be perceived as “pay to progress,” allowing players to gain significant advantages through spending money. Why were such systems introduced?
Answer:
These systems are designed for players who prefer to invest money instead of time. Not all players can spend large amounts of time on the server, but they still want to stay competitive.
This approach allows:
Time-limited players to keep up
The server to fund its ongoing operation
Progress through gameplay is still possible without spending, but at a slower pace.
Question:
Coupon rewards appear to have been reduced, especially affecting items like Extreme Cores. Was this change intentional to slow down progression?
Answer:
As already mentioned multiple times in chat, streams, and in-game:
Coupon values are continuously adjusted. The last change was not intended as a permanent solution, but as a test.
Balancing coupon rewards requires time and data to understand how different player types are affected. Based on these observations, further adjustments will be made. This is an ongoing process.
Question:
Why were macros allowed for so long, and why are major changes like macro bans and system rebalances happening only now? Doesn’t this create a larger gap between players?
Answer:
Long-term servers evolve over time, and not every issue can be addressed immediately without risking greater imbalance. Many of these systems require careful testing and observation before permanent decisions can be made.
The current changes are not meant to widen the gap, but to stabilize the server long-term under a clearer and stricter ruleset.
Short-term frustration is understandable, but rushed decisions often cause more harm than benefit.