Black Desert Online (BDO) is renowned for its engaging gameplay and deep systems, yet some foundational elements, particularly horse training and wagons, have been left behind. This article delves into the current state of these systems, highlighting areas ripe for improvement and addressing long-standing player requests for an updated and more rewarding experience. The primary focus is on enhancing the horse training and wagon mechanics to re-engage players and add significant value to these often-overlooked aspects of the game.
The State of Horse Training: Promising Potential, Stagnant Progress
While BDO offers a vast array of activities, the horse training system has seen minimal significant updates in recent years. The introduction of Tier 10 Arduanatt and Tier 10 Dine were notable, but the absence of further advancements, such as a Tier 10 Doom, and the lack of breeding mechanics for other mounts like donkeys, camels, and elephants, leave a considerable gap. The anticipated release of the Donkuanatt and the introduction of alpaca breeding or taming remain unfulfilled promises, leaving dedicated players disappointed.
Furthermore, the training mini-game itself has been simplified to a point where it feels less engaging. While accessibility for players with disabilities is a positive aspect, the core mini-game experience could be more interactive and rewarding. Players have been eagerly awaiting the promised horse expansion updates for years, and the current lack of progress is a significant concern for the community invested in this lifeskill. The need for these updates is clear, and the desire for them is strong among the player base. [We want it].
Wagon Upgrades and Material Acquisition: An Expensive Hurdle
The wagon system, particularly the Forest Path Wagon upgrades, presents a significant financial barrier for players. The prohibitive cost, coupled with the inability to use cron stones or force enhancements, makes attempting these upgrades a low-yield endeavor. Historical sales data reveals a scarcity of high-tier wagon parts being sold, with only a handful of +8 and +9 wheels ever appearing on the market, and zero sales for +10 parts across any wagon component. This situation has been a recurring topic of discussion within the community, with players requesting changes as far back as April 2022.
Acquiring essential materials like the Stonetail Wind’s Meal is also an annoyance. The primary methods of obtaining this item are through a difficult-to-queue racing system or limited-time events. The current market reflects this scarcity, with thousands of pre-orders at maximum price and a relatively low number of Stonetail Meals ever sold. Similarly, the Fiery Celerity Draught suffers from the same issue, being largely unobtainable due to the lack of player participation in races. Addressing these acquisition methods is crucial for making wagon upgrades more accessible.
Re-evaluating Training Level Benefits and Rewards
A significant oversight in the current system is the lack of meaningful benefits tied to the Training level for awakening Tier 9 and Tier 10 horses. This disconnect is particularly perplexing given the significant effort required to level the Training lifeskill. Unlike other lifeskills where AFK training can contribute to progression, leveling Training often demands active engagement, such as capturing horses. However, the rewards commensurate with this effort are lacking.
While there are minor perks, such as a slight increase in the chance of learning a new skill, a more substantial benefit tied to the player’s Training level for T9 and T10 horse awakenings would be highly beneficial. This could also extend to obtaining Mythical Feathers, which are currently difficult and expensive to acquire. Introducing a Training level-based percentage increase for awakening success or an alternative method for obtaining Mythical Feathers would be a welcome addition.
On a positive note, the recent changes to the crafting time for the Forest Path Wagon registration and parts, along with the removal of RNG for earning Image Pieces (set at 150), have been appreciated improvements. These adjustments demonstrate that targeted enhancements can significantly improve the player experience.
Enhancing the Wagon and Training Experience
Ultimately, the horse training, trading, and overall wagon system possess the potential to be a highly enjoyable and rewarding aspect of BDO. With strategic improvements and a greater focus on player rewards, these systems could attract and retain more players. Implementing these changes would not only address long-standing community feedback but also breathe new life into these underutilized game mechanics.
Additional Considerations and Player Feedback
Beyond the core systems, several smaller but impactful issues warrant attention. The horse market currently lacks a filter for donkeys, forcing players to scroll through numerous pages of irrelevant listings to find them. This is compounded by the inability to trade other mount types, which is directly linked to the desire for breeding mechanics for these mounts.
Furthermore, the Magnus system’s teleportation functionality is currently limited to horses. This restriction prevents players from utilizing the Magnus for other mounts, such as donkeys, which cannot teleport with the player. Addressing these quality-of-life issues would further enhance the overall experience for players involved in horse training and related activities.
The conversation surrounding the improvement of these systems is ongoing, and player input is invaluable. Addressing the “elephant horse in the room” through continued dialogue and developer action is crucial for the sustained health and enjoyment of Black Desert Online.
Related Threads:
- [BUG] Donkey does not teleport with player when using Magnus
- Please bring some meaning back to the Training profession
