Dev Talk: Shapeshifter Weapons
For those wondering what’s coming next for Albion Online, we’re excited to bring you a new Dev Talk - the first of a series showing off some new features we‘re currently working on and how they fit into our long-term plans. In the first of these videos, Game Director Robin Henkys introduces Shapeshifter Weapons, Albion’s next major weapon line.
Prefer a written summary? Then read on...
What are Shapeshifter Weapons?
These are staff weapons that will further expand Albion’s ‘you are what you wear’ system in exciting new ways:
Players can transform into entirely different beings called Shapes Offers a new level of versatility as players can switch back and forth between human and Shape, with different capabilities
//assets.albiononline.com/uploads/media/default/media/6b65f52bc0bc91fd25a031f4aab5663924953aa4.jpeg
How do they work?
Human Form
In human form, Shapeshifters are masters of manipulating raw energy Inflicts damage, disrupts enemies or supports allies While using energy they build up “Shift” charges Shift charges can be used to transform into their weapon’s associated Shape
//assets.albiononline.com/uploads/media/default/media/605608b5fc430f69d408d3c68577c8e928f0395c.jpeg
Shape Form
Each weapon comes with a unique Shape, with its own set of abilities Abilities can be enhanced using previously collected Shift charges Shapeshifters are encouraged to continuously switch between forms to maximize their potential on the battlefield As each Shape comes with unique health and armor stats which replace human stats, players can play different roles during a fight
//assets.albiononline.com/uploads/media/default/media/8763d1d65b889de95caf1320fab22075b7581a0b.jpeg
Looking Ahead
This system allows for a vast array of build possibilities, under two broad strategies:
Players can double down on their Shape’s strength by equipping matching gear when in human form… …or they can choose equipment which suits a different playstyle to their Shape, e.g. letting them switch from damage dealer to tank and vice versa
Shapeshifter Staffs will arrive with Albion’s next major content update. Beyond that, expanding and improving the ‘you are what you wear’ system is always a priority on our Roadmap.
Our next Dev Talk will explore an all-new open-world activity that complements the Shapeshifter weapons. This activity will also introduce additional equipment choices and further enhance the range of options available for designing your builds.
Thanks for watching!
//assets.albiononline.com/uploads/media/default/media/9974671fe5db706313c99f742174eb82d68d68ee.jpeg