Gorgeous new MMORPG Chrono Odyssey plans big changes after playtest feedback

New MMORPG Chrono Odyssey proved a big winner in June, with its first Steam playtest rocketing up the charts as players flocked to experience its beautiful open world. With the initial trial version peaking at a whopping 65,000 active players, Chrono Studio and Kakao Games have had plenty of feedback, and have since whipped up a giant laundry list of planned changes. With an in-depth rundown of new combat systems, improved progression, adjustments to the open world, and a "complete overhaul" to the narrative, there's already a lot on the way for the fresh-faced challenger to the likes of World of Warcraft and FF14.

This mammoth Chrono Odyssey update is the second half of the studio's response to the beta feedback, with the first part discussing planned improvements to the game's weapon system, hit feedback, and control options, as well as performance optimization. Despite splitting it up, the list of changes included here is still far too large to cover in its entirety, which certainly demonstrates Chrono Studio's intent to compete with our best MMORPGs. Instead, I've picked out some of the most important beats to keep your eyes on.

With a more action-led presentation that blends traditional MMO combat with a little splash of the best soulslikes, it's no surprise that combat polishing remains high on the priority list. Chrono Studio is aiming to sharpen up responsiveness with reduced input buffers and improved network performance, while also introducing better visual feedback to let you know when you're trying to do things like cancel out of an uninterruptible action. It's also developing specific UI for both controller players and those on keyboard and mouse, noting that the existing look "was not specifically designed with either control scheme in mind."

The skill system is being overhauled, with each weapon type supporting "four distinct combat styles," and synergies that work across multiple weapons rather than being limited to a single one. Descriptions are being improved and made more concise, alongside videos that demonstrate them in action to help players better understand how they work. A new 'matrix' system of skill tree nodes will let you choose how you specialize, giving better identity to the likes of tank, healer, and DPS roles.

One common complaint from the closed beta was that battles felt too "simplistic and repetitive." To help address this, Chrono Studio is adjusting enemy AI so that it reacts more dynamically to what players are doing, rather than following a more traditional, preset routine of actions. Attack telegraphs will be made more clear, and you should no longer be instantly taken out by single hits unless you're "significantly underleveled" for the fight in question. The introduction of the first Chrono Gate is being delayed slightly to compensate for difficulty spikes caused by the non-linear progression, and you'll be able to bring along a support NPC.

Chrono Studio is "increasing content density throughout the world," and introducing new landmarks to increase visual variety and help players navigate more easily. Key points of interest will be marked on the map, which will also now include altitude indicators to better represent the height of the terrain. Areas of the map that you can't explore are being made more visually distinct with the likes of "rocks and cliffs at least twice the height of the player" so you don't waste your time trying to cross them.

New 'dynamic quests' and 'chain quests' will unlock as you explore specific areas, rewarding you for exploring the unknown, along with additional hidden rewards to uncover. Progression is being boosted; Chrono Studio notes that its low drop rates were "more tiring than motivating," and that "the value of rewards often felt underwhelming compared to content difficulty" in the beta. Gathering animations and visual feedback are being improved, while interactions across the board will be made easier to start, requiring less precise positioning to activate.

Dungeons, one of the more popular aspects of the playtest, will be expanded to increase the variety on offer. Expedition dungeons will get new, randomized gimmicks to keep each run fresh. A card system will implement buffs and debuffs to trials for a "strategic, roguelite element." Additional labyrinth checkpoints will give you the ability to restart partway through if you fall, while Time Portals and Chrono Gates get extra accomplishments and variety.

Over on the progression side, leveling has been made faster past level ten, gold rewards are being ramped up, and new, monster-specific unique gear will include additional passive effects to make build crafting more interesting than simple stat stacking. A cosmetic toggle will allow you to hide equipped headwear and cloaks, letting you benefit from their bonuses without covering up your lovingly crafted character.

Among the other notable inclusions, Chrono Studio mentions its intent to improve the party system and search options for friend and guild menus. New combat tutorials and in-game guidance for core systems will explain key mechanics as they arise to ensure you aren't missing major parts of the game. Finally, it says, "The narrative of Chrono Odyssey is currently undergoing a complete overhaul. Our goal is to deliver a story that allows players to become more deeply immersed in the world and its lore."

While we wait for more news on when we'll be able to explore Chrono Odyssey's sprawling world again, you can wishlist it on Steam to stay up to date with any potential playtests.

For more majestic lands to discover, here are the best open-world games on PC. Want to make sure they look as good as possible? You'll need the best graphics card right now, as recommended by our experts.

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