Brace yourselves for new Duels! We're excited to announce the first major free update to NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters ([b]currently rated Highly Positive on Steam[/b]), our exciting PvP auto-battler that combines strategic inventory management with monster taming elements. This update, titled “The Swamp Update” (version 1.1), is now live on Steam and introduces a fresh new fusion Element by the same name, created by merging Nature and Water elements and on top of that we've done the prework on a bunch of new feature coming in the coming months including a soon™ to be released singleplayer challenges for all solo Duelists. Perfect timing as we push today a [u][b] 30% discount promotion[/b][/u] in celebration of this major patch and Steam Autumn Sales[/b]... We guess it's perfect timing to gift this game to your friends now before the holidays ([i]prices are regionally adjusted, check your local store for exact pricing below[/i]). https://store.steampowered.com/app/2693940/NEODUEL_Backpack_Monsters/ We also wanted to introduce a Custom PvP mode in this updates ([url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/2693940/announcements/detail/7118596640500350988]as mentioned in V1.0.97 patch notes[/url]), but due to some IP-based restrictions in certain countries, we've decided to push that feature to a later date instead of preventing some nations from being able to use it. The good thing is that the system is ready, and just requires our network infrastructure to find a solution around those IP restrictions. In any case, there's a lot to cover in this update, and like all kinds of Swamp parties, they always toad-ally fun. So without further pondering around let's get to it: [b][u][h1]NEW CONTENT FOR THE GAME:[/h1][/u][/b] [h3][b]A slippery element: Dance to the “algae” groove of the Swamp Element[/b][/h3] This major V1.1 update of NeoDuel will feature the second of our four major and free content update revolving around the new gameplay mechanic addition known as [b]Elemental fusion[/b]. After Ice, we're introducing the power of the Swamp, an elemental power from the fusion of Water and Nature which brings a reworked version of the Haste buff and Clumsy debuff. Similar to previous blog post, we figured we'd list all of the new Cosmions which most of them rely on a fusion (you can see them visually under this list in order from right to left): [list] [*] [b]Swamp Essence:[/b] only two kind exist (Rare and Epic) with the Rare one being the results of a fusion between Rare Water and Nature Essences. Fuse two of those to obtain an Epic Swamp Essence. [*] [b]Swamp Slimi:[/b] The results of a fusion of Water and Nature Slimi. [*] [b]Axomuddy:[/b] Kind of look like the known walking catfish, this Cosmion is the fusion Duopon and Sugeko. [*] [b]Bog Klood[/b]: Fuse an Water Klood with a Rare Nature Essence, or alternatively an Acid Klood with Rare Water Essence. [*] [b]Squelcho[/b]: The results of fusing Arthur with an Epic Nature Essence. [*] [b]Orhan:[/b] Fuse Cemil with a Rare Nature Essence and you get this muddy attacker. [*] [b]Dorogun[/b]: The Swamp dragon is the result of Bradragon with a Rare Swamp Essence. [*] [b]Iblis[/b]: This is the mighty triple fusion of Cemil, Suat and Orhan, merging into this Neutral grim reaper. [*] [b]Mosscream:[/b] The fusion of a Domi and Duopon. [*] [b]Drenchnaut[/b]: This mud turtle is the fusion result of Strutwahl and a Rare Nature Essence. [*] [b]Hagartha[/b]: This super-unique Cosmion themed after an iconic Witch of the swamps can only be obtained through the "Terror of the Swamp" shop Upgrade as a reward. [*] [b]Artwo[/b]: While not a Swamp Cosmion, this Water "upgraded" version of Arthur was necessary for the meta. Fuse Arthur with an Epic Water Essence to obtain this critter. [/list] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44786371/a6c9de615c15e6089c89efb727bc72e0b02653ca.png[/img] [h3][b]Some slippery Upgrades! [/b][/h3] Over the past two months since the launch, we've added 30 new upgrades in the game, ranging from elemental keyword counters to rare game-changing alterations, and that now reaches the range of close to 200 in total. While, most upgrades have been rebalanced based on feedback from Duelists, we decided to tone down on the drop new upgrades for this version (as the pool is getting huge), and so we have 7 starting Swamp themed one, focusing mostly . As for the keywords, we've redesigned how Haste and Clumsy works: [list] [*] [b]Haste[/b]: Your caster and defender Cosmions trigger 3% faster [*] [b]Clumsy[/b]: Opponents' caster and defender Cosmions trigger 3% slower [/list] While it seems like the same as before, Haste and Clumsy were actually affecting all Cosmions, and thus now they're focused more around the current changes from Swamp, having so many Defenders and Casters added to the game. [b][u][h1]QUALITY OF LIFE UPDATES[/h1][/u][/b] This major update also adds a range of new and previously released QoL updates, features and balancing that were added since the launch on September 30th, including the following highlights: [list] [*] Redesigned menu and player card [NEW]: A revised version of the main page UI has been enhanced, featuring a rework on the player card with your stats implemented, with a clearer customization button to set up your avatar. [*] Tutorial for newcommers [NEW]: While working on a the singleplayer challenges, we were inspired to revise our previous tutorial experience. This new version is a better onboarding system, as it doesn't pair you against another player's board, but rather a preset challenge for you to learn the ropes of the game, and learn from the mistake of those other boards. [*] Ice Elementals: Introduction of Ice elementals alongside 13 new Cosmions. [*] New PvP practice mode: After completing a full game run, generate a build code to share and compare your setup against a friend's opponent. [*] New Upgrades: Over 30 new upgrades are available in the game, ranging from elemental keyword counters to rare game-changing alterations. Most upgrades have been rebalanced based on feedback from Duelists. [*] Complete Codex: A comprehensive Codex that explains all game mechanics, includes a full list of Cosmions, fusion recipes, and fun flavor text for our cosmic critters. [*] Quality of Life (QoL) updates: new icon designs, optimized UI, visual changes, keyboard shortcuts, fusion lock, and a lot more. [/list] That’s it for now Duelists, we've taken enough of your time, go and climb the ranks! We’ll be constantly monitoring this week stability of the builds, meta and other live aspect of the game, to make sure the game is perfect. From our small but dedicated dev team, our publisher and other partners, we would like to thank you all for supporting us in this launch! Until then, for the most recent news, join the NeoDuel community by following us on [url=https://x.com/neoduel]Twitter[/url] or hopping into the [url=https://discord.gg/invite/the4winds]T4W Discord server[/url]. Please contact our support channel on the [url=https://discord.gg/invite/the4winds]T4W Discord server[/url] if you need assistance with typical technical issues or if you are unable to resolve your problem. 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