Mod Osborne's here to tell us what's in store for March.
After a pretty darn enjoyable Games Jam over the Double XP Weekend, we've focused March's updates on the stuff that was dreamed up over that period. A common thread is that they're all updates to things you play and enjoy every day.
Luck Rework
No longer will the ring of wealth or luck potions be your only way to modify how lucky you are in the game. We are adding 3 new rings that can affect bosses, clue scrolls and some skilling activities, with the top-tier ring involving level 107 Invention and a new gem – alchemical onyx - to create.
More bosses have been added to the list of things that luck can affect, so raids and battles against foes like Telos can be more lucrative than ever before.
You'll also get increased chances to get those really desirable items when solving clue scrolls, and increased chances to get a whole bunch of other things across the game, including Seren Necklace symbols, Black Ibis and more!
Arc Improvements
The Arc is set for some improvements too, with extra features for Alaea crablets and the Arc Journal, alongside the all-important addition of new rewards, like the High Armour of Hanto, and its related weapons.
We're also making some changes to your main game screen, splitting out buffs and debuffs so they can be more easily managed, and you can see exactly what's affecting your play as you take on the challenges of the world.
We've taken your comments on board and added more buff and debuff icons, like Dreadnip timers, stun immunity and Excalibur cooldowns, and added more buff icons to appear on NPC health bars for even clearer feedback.
Pet Interface Additions
There's improvements to the pet interfaces too, adding some of your favourite inventory based pets so you no longer need to go back to your bank to access them. And...
More Skilling Outfits Obtainable In-Game
We're also making 5 more skilling outfits available outside of Treasure Hunter, a very useful range of gear that adds XP gains to a range of different skills.
So, if you have a few pieces you haven't quite managed to find yet, you'll be able to by playing a range of different in-game activities. Look out Divination, Cooking, Summoning and Prayer outfit opportunities soon.
The 5th skilling outfit is a special elite shark outfit, similar to the gemstone golem and rune ethereal outfits already in the game. You'll need to find its fragments using the fishing skill, and then piece them all together with an invention blueprint...eventually leading to the elite fury shark outfit – the ultimate in fishing attire.
For those of you still waiting for the perfect name for your character, you might get lucky this month as we release another batch of old, forgotten player names back into the mix.
Zamorakian Event
In other news, the twin furies are sending their agents back to Gielinor to bring Zamorakian defectors to justice! Check out the event shop and ingame skilling opportunities for Zamorakian Marks, tradeable for some fierce cosmetic outfits!
Lumbridge Crater: Reclaimed
Finally, that nasty old crater to the west of Lumbridge has finally been reclaimed by the forces of nature, with lush plant life erasing the battle scars of the past. And the duck pond is back! Yay!
Have Fun!
Have fun with that lot. The Game jam really produced some great ideas, thanks so much for getting involved – we couldn't have done it without you.
This means the rest of the development team can focus on the big updates coming up in the next few months. Shattered Worlds, Menaphos and the new Achievement system are looking great, and I can't wait to see them in game.
Mod Osborne
What is a Behind the Scenes article?
Behind the Scenes is a sneak peek at the planned game updates that we hope to launch in the coming month.
This, however, is only a plan - not a promise - that a particular update will be released in a particular way or at a particular time. To get you the highest quality updates as quickly as possible, we usually keep on tweaking and testing right up until the moment before release, so sometimes things change or take a bit longer than expected. We aren't afraid to change our plan if necessary, as we will never launch an update before it is ready.