Dev Interview: Random Item Stats

Greetings, Saviors!

Our most recent dev teaser included a quick snippet about a new system of random stats on equipment items (previously introduced through the PvE roadmap) that sparked more than a little curiosity among players.

We thought it was time to shed some light on this feature, so we met with the TOS developer in charge of the random stat system to find out how it can be used and what it really means for the game.
 

Staff: Hello, it’s such a pleasure to meet you! We’ve all been wondering about this random stat system since the PvE roadmap, and I was told you were the one to bother about it.

IDev: Yes! I’m in charge of planning all things item-related for Tree of Savior. It’s nice to meet you, too.

Staff: I see, we shall call you the I(tem)Dev, then. If you read any of the other Dev Interviews you’ll know I always find the most original nicknames for our devs. Moving on. I would like to start by asking how the random item stat system came to be, and what your intentions behind it were.

IDev: Our goal with the random item stat system is to address the excessive gap that exists between equipment items, in terms of both difficulty of acquisition and actual performance. We believe that the random stat system can help make it easier for players to obtain better gear that fits their needs.

Staff: I’m not sure I get it. In what way does the system make it easier for us to get better items?

IDev: Currently in the game, it’s easy enough to get your hands on low-performance equipment. If you want to take your gear a step further, however, you either have to enhance/transcend your “okay” items to a high enough stage, or dedicate hours and hours to farming for the right materials. With the random item stat update, not only do equipment drop rates increase, but the items come to you in their finished state, so you have a better chance of finding gear you’re happy with.

Staff: Okay, that makes sense. I was hoping you could also tell us, specifically, what is the maximum number of stats and sockets per equipment item under the new system?

IDev: Hm… For this one I think it’s better if I show it to you in a table, hold on (*scribbling*). Here you go.
 

We’re still working out the details on accessory items so I don’t have that information yet, but in any case this is just our initial plan and it could suffer some changes before the system is actually applied to the game.

Staff: So the number of stats allowed is different depending on the type of gear. In that case, what determines the maximum value of the item stats you get? Are you setting a maximum value based on the sum of all the item’s stats, or is it applied individually for each stat?

IDev: The maximum value of each stat is going to be individually influenced by the item’s equip level and grade.

Staff: I’m also curious to know if perhaps gear stats are going to have any influence on skill levels.

IDev: We don’t have any plans to make that happen, no. But who knows, that could change in a future update.

[WARNING - Fake item stats ahead.]

<A girl can dream, can’t she? T^T>

Staff: Fair enough. You mentioned in the PvE roadmap that players will need to identify the new items at an Appraiser in order to reveal their random stats. If that’s the case, will Appraisers with higher skill levels have any advantages in terms of what stats are revealed in the identified items?

IDev: The Appraiser’s skill level is not going to influence the type of stats that get revealed in the item, but it will somewhat increase the chances of revealing a higher number of stats.

Staff: I can see it’s going to be a good era for Appraisers… Speaking of the future, what other plans do you have for after the random stat system is implemented?

IDev: Well, I don’t want to spoil too much – and please take this with a grain of salt – but if I were to summarize it in three words… Kite Moor, property resistance, Chaplain.

Staff: I’m pretty sure that was more than three words… I’m not complaining, though. Whatever Kite Moor is, it sure sounds luxurious! And… those were all the questions I had for you. Thank you so much for the interview; your answers were very enlightening.

IDev: The pleasure is all mine. Glad I could be of help, and thank you to the player community for the continuous support!