3 v 3 Mode Design Goals

Happy Wednesday Patrons!

As we continue development in preparation for the next test, we wanted to share some more specific details with you all on the new 3v3 Game Mode and share some insights into how the mode will play and what our design goals are for it. Let's get started!

What are our goals?

-Introductory game mode that would translate well into the 6v6 where players would learn all the required skill needed to do well in the larger map setting.

-Trivialize certain mechanics on Elysium's, such as the Guardians, that some players may not have known existed or were overlooked.

-Create a fast paced mode that allows for faster queue times, lower required player numbers, and more fighting to test the gameplay features which matter most

Where did we land?

The first goal landed us on a required Jungle role, as Elysium has 2 Junglers, so it only made sense. We considered doing a 4v4 (Duo Lane, Jungle, Solo Lane) but ultimately wanted a single lane map and felt 4 players was not a big enough difference in the number of players per game that we were looking for.

There will be no Wyverns on the map, instead focusing on Atropos and Guardian's that will share a spawn location and both give the killing team access to a nearby portal that connects to their base. This is similar to Elysium's 6v6 mode with a bigger emphasis on the Guardians and the power they can hold. The Wyverns are impactful, but we found that the vast majority of players already know how to play around them and decided on cutting them from this game mode.

A rotating random Jungle Buff will spawn in the very center of the map that both teams will be able to contest. The killing team will all be granted the buff with no pickup mechanic, contrary to the other mode. This gives all players a chance to understand and learn what the 4 different buffs in Ethereal do and how they can impact their gameplay patterns and power spikes.

We have also removed standard XP gains and instead replaced it with a passive XP system that ramps all players equally. This curve is being heavily monitored but allows us and players alike to focus on Gold as the winning/snowballing mechanic. Passive Gold income and local minion Gold share have also been increased to allow players to get items as a much faster pace to line up with the goals of a faster game mode.

Right now we are aiming for average of 13-16 minute game times, with an absolute max of 18-20.

What should you expect?

Players should load into the new mode with a thirst for our new combat system and the new Myths that will accompany its release. Minions start spawning very quickly and have a faster than normal respawn rate, so combat will be often and kill counts will be high.

There should be no worry on fitting a certain mold of playstyle, or META, as the possibilities in this mode are endless and fast. With only 6 total Myths per game, the chances of getting mirror matchups are much lower with the Myth roster going up to a total of 12.

We are working on refining items to make those item power spikes feel as impactful as possible, but more details on this later.

Have any questions? Drop them in the discord!

As always thank you all for your support and we will be back with more soon!

Undying Games ~~