Design Notes

July 21, 2017

This Weekend: Return to Battleunder

We lava new Battleunder zones!

Battleon hasn’t always been the most peaceful place, but this weekend your home is on red (hot) alert! With dragons circling in the sky and earthquakes ripping up the ground, there’s only one thing for a Hero like you to do -- descend to the deepest reaches of Battleunder and destroy whatever threat you find! (Spoilers: Is it fire dragons? It is probably dragons!)

But beware, Hero! Where there's lava, there's heat... and sulfur. The sulfuric gases leaking through the caverns WILL make navigating the tunnels treacherous and disorienting.* You might even feel like the map is completely random. ** Keep your wits about you and a cool handkerchief, because the closer you get to the source of the quakes... the hotter it will be!

And as you adventure through the tunnels, keep an eye out for the following:

• A super-powerful and wise Dragon creature who can tell you more about yourself
• A mysterious 7-sided box
• Hapless adventurers who need rescuing
• Caverns of treasure to loot
• A cave full of dragon-goat hybrid creatures?!?!?! 

* If you're worried about not having a map for this dungeon, you can always flash back to what the DragonFable team suggested its players do.

** Spoiler: this week's map is partially a random dungeon. It's been a looooong time since we've done one of these. We hope you enjoy it!

Hot Rewards On Their Way

Several new sets are headed your way this weekend. Collect Lava Gems to forge new permanent gear (like the Lava Guardian Warrior set below), grab loot from the Treasure Pile (IF you can find it), and find the Draconic Oracle armor in the July Featured Gear shop (only available until August 4th).

Battleunder: the Basics

If you've never been to Battleunder before, you're in luck! You've got 3 or 4 new zones to play through before this week's release! Battleunder is a vast system of caverns and tunnels that lies directly under the town of Battleon. Paladin Yara is your guide, sending you on quests to take out monsters and recover sweet loot.

• Battleunder: explore the new cavern system with Yara and recover a powerful blade.
• BattleunderB: Yara is back with new quests... and a mysterious magic chest she needs you to open! 
• BattleunderC: Your mission here is crystal clear - the undead have penetrated into crystal caverns, and we need to clear them out.
• BattleunderD: An ancient water spirit is trapped inside this icy region. Free her and reap the rewards (Legend-only)
• BattleunderE: Explore the hottest new area in Battleunder to discover the cause of earthquakes rocking the town above. (New this week for all heroes!)

October 15, 2015

DRAGONS: The LORE

"Dragons are cool." - Artix

Long before humans, Dragons ruled our world. I could write a entire books on the vast breeds, personalities, and legends of the Dragons that roam our skies. But for those less patient, know that dragons play a vital role in our world's history and future. Of the many things a hero should know adventuring in a world full of dragons... the following is the most vital:

Drake 

A baby dragon. It can be hard for the untrained eye to determine which kind of dragon a Drake will grow into. Depending on the breed, some Drakes will not start growing their arms nor legs until they reach 50 years of age. Warning! Never get in between a Mother Dragon and her baby Drake.

Beast Dragons

Not all dragons are intelligent... take the Beast Dragons for example. They are feral and savage. They cannot speak, nor cast magic spell. But do not underestimate one! Beast dragons have terrifyingly powerful breath weapons. They are greedy, territorial, and endlessly hungry. When you hear a lone dragon has been eating a famer's livestock, or travelers were attacked on a road, be suspect it is a beast dragon.

Elemental Dragons

While all Dragons are bred with one of the elements that makes up our world, we refer to Elemental Dragons with greater respect. They are intelligent and can cast magic spells of their element. Like other intelligent species this means they can be both evil or good. These elemental Dragons can use their powers to control monsters that match their elemental type. Throughout our history we have seen several powerful Elemental Dragons raise armies and attack our towns. They are extremely hard to kill since only certain weapons can even hurt them. Thankfully, these Elemental Dragons are smart and tend avoid conflict unless provoked. Should you encounter one of these dragons... draw and weild your sharp wits before your sword.

Great Dragons

Massive, impossibly powerful, god-like Dragons... they are also bigger than the largest Titans. The last Great Dragon we saw in our word was the Great Fire Dragon, Akriloth. Few survived through the tragic war he started to tell the tale of what actually happened. There has not been a single sighting of a great dragon since. Which means either they are all extinct... or really, really, really, well hidden away somewhere. Sleeping. Dreaming. Waiting.

EXTRA: It should be noted that the egg of Akriloth's grandchild was reported to be discovered, but it never hatched. Museums from many towns are sending treasure hunters to try to secure it for their collection.

Energy Dragon (On Twitter I mistakenly called it a Frost Dragon, but "I saw the light"... well, the lightning breath.)

Today, as I write this to you, Dage is finishing painting the first of Xero's AdventureQuest 3D Dragon Models. Which is good news for all of you DragonSlayers out there... because it means we will see at least one Dragon go live with the BETA.

February 25, 2015

New Game Updates on Feb. 27

Dage's Birthday Shop The Dark Lord is leveling up! On Friday, harness Dage’s evilest & newest Items. And then... prepare yourself... because the Legion DoomKnight Class arrives Monday!
Coming Soon! ShadowFlame Dragon War War is on the horizon... are you ready for battle, soldier? Brandish your blade and prepare for the ShadowFlame Dragon War!
AQ DRAGONS fan art contest: happening now! Attention Dragon Masters! A new contest has started and we want YOU to create AQ DRAGONS fan art. Read more here!

February 18, 2015

New DRAGONS Game Update!

Introducing Leaderboards and the Exclusive Cookie Clicker Dragon

Have you played Artix’s newest mobile game, AdventureQuest DRAGONS?

If you haven’t… now is the best time to do so! Because the easy-to-pick-up and hard-to-put-down DRAGONS game was just updated with global leaderboards and the exclusive Cookie Clicker dragon, “Krumblor.”

Download the free app at
www.AQDRAGONS.com 

Fast fact time GO GO GO!

• Over 5,000 shining reviews on Google Play!
• Sharing AdventureQuest DRAGONS with 5 friends gets you the Cookie Dragon
• Introducing Leaderboards... with all bugs squashed!
• DRAGONS Fan Art Contest starting soon
• Web version of AQ DRAGONS hatching soon-ish

Do you have what it takes to become the best Dragon Master? Then prove it at www.AQDRAGONS.com!

December 17, 2014

New Game Updates for Dec. 19

Game Changing Release: WorldBreaker Rising 

A whole new AQ Worlds begins! The Queen of Monsters obliterates an entire continent to build her fortress. Rally your friends & BATTLE ON! Read more here.  

Lineup of Frostval Shops in December 2014

Jingle bells, Quibble sells rare items in the game; 12/19 & 12/30 there’ll be new items for you to claim! 12/23 begins Limited Quantity Shop, too!

12 Days of Gifts & Holiday Boosts

Log in each day for a new FREE gift when you talk to Tinsel in Battleon! Earn double Gold, XP, Rep, and CP boosts over the holiday weekends. More info can be found here.

Play our New Mobile Game, AQ: DRAGONS!

How do you train your dragon? Raise 12 dragons in our new free game. AQ: DRAGONS is available on Google Play and iOS; coming soon to web! GET IT HERE, DRAGON MASTER!

New Holiday Art Contest: Enter Today!

Happy Holidays and Seasons Beatings! A new holiday contest has begun and we want YOU to create AQW-themed art. Click here for full details.

Bundle up and Battle ON!

xoxo Beleen =D

November 19, 2014

The New Newsletter!

New Releases for November 21^st

Looks like the newsletter leveled up and evolved into its new form! Check out all the new NEW happening this weekend in everyone’s favorite adventure game, AdventureQuest Worlds!

Click here to see the new glorious newsletter before it hits Inboxes worldwide.

And share your thoughts on this new layout on my Twitter @BeleenAE!

November 12, 2014

New Game Release Nov. 14

Extinction Games: Hero Under Fire

Inspired by the hit series the Hunger Games, AQW launches the Extinction Games: Hero Under Fire this Friday!

• Deadliest Game in the entire game
• Machines desire Human annihilation
• Battle through the Packaging District and save mankind from being processed and pureed!

If you want to hit the #1 spot on the Hero Leaderboard, you've got to save Meeta, Kale, and Katnip from becoming the main course!

Draconic DoomKnight Tier

Gold is good, but AdventureCoins are so much better! Bonus: harness the Draconic DoomKnight set when you buy your AC package!

• 2000 ACs = Draconic DoomKnight Armor Set
• 5000 ACs = Set plus Dark Dragon Daggers & Cape
• 12000 ACs = Set plus Dagger, Cape, Polearm, and Pet

Become the Draconic DoomKnight starting Friday, November 14th, at 12:01 AM EST!

Order your 2015 Calendar!

The time has come! HeroMart just received the 2015 Dragons Calendar!

• Includes Chrono DragonKnight CLASS!
• Breathtaking dragon art work month after month
• Includes 7 in-game items for AQW
• ED, MQ, and DF items included as well

We only ordered a limited amount of these beautiful Calendars, so get yours starting Friday at HeroMart.com!

Next Week: Dragon’s Dawn

The dawn is over the horizon; on the fateful day of November 21, everyone will discover the Dragon Ancestors!

• Team up with the DragonMasters of Lore
• Locate the fabled Dragon Eggs of the mighty dragon ancestors
• New Limited Quantity Shop includes:
• Dragon Gear, 2 Dragon-Themed houses, and a FREE PLAYER PET!

Spoiler Alert: your actions will determine which Dragons will rule in the upcoming mobile game, AQ: Dragons!

Like the AQ:Dragons FB page here!

November 05, 2014

New Game Release on Nov. 7

Dark Harvest Seasonal MMO Event Returns

Prepare for a cornucopia of adventure this Friday!

• Harvest holiday zones return
• Seasonal Rare armors, weapons, pets, & more
• Kung Food Fighter Achievement badge
• Upgraded Legends will fight the Turdraken boss
• Legends also unlock Shop & Seasonal House

Talk to Oishii in the /cornycopia map to get your Dark Harvest adventures underway!

New: BrightFall Warlord Armor

A brand new 12 Month Upgrade Package arrives this Friday, November 7^th. Dage the Evil is creating a masterpiece inspired by your fellow player Reki!

• BrightFall Warlord Armor Set:
• 1 Armor
• 2 Helms
• 2 Capes
• 2 Weapons
• Character page Achievement Badge
• Unlock TONS of Legend-only Perks with your Upgrade

Thank you so much for supporting AQWorlds, and when you Upgrade with the 12 Month Package, you shall become the BrightFall Warlord! 

Over the Horizon: Dragon’s Dawn

What came first—the Dragon or the Dragon Egg? On the fateful day of November 21, everyone will find out!

• Team up with the DragonMasters of Lore
• Locate the fabled Dragon Eggs of the mighty dragon ancestors
• New Limited Quantity Shop includes:
• Dragon Gear, 2 Dragon-Themed houses, and a FREE PLAYER PET!

Spoiler Alert: your actions will determine which Dragons will rule in the upcoming mobile game, AQ: Dragons!

Coming Soon: A Feast of Souls

The people of Lore aren’t just harvesting crops this year… because Dage the Evil wants to harvest some souls!

• New Thanksgiving Holiday Event: Dage’s Rage
• As Dage prepares the ultimate feast, you must prepare for the ultimate battle!
• 2 Opposing Factions will duke it out (just like the in-laws)
• New Rare and Seasonal Rare items aplenty

It’s going to take some time to cook up a release of this magnitude, so sharpen your blades (and turkey-cutting knives) and prepare for your just desserts!

March 05, 2012

Desoloth War: Evil Wins!

Desoloth the Final Battle

In the all-out battle against Desoloth the Final, heroes chose to fight for Good or Evil... or betrayed their compatriots and joined sides WITH Desoloth! In AQW's first 3-way war, Evil has prevailed!* The overwhelmingly Evil nature of so many of Lore's champions has determined Desoloth's fate. Now it's up to YOU to see it through to the final death!

Not only a dragon dies this day.

After your battle, Desoloth will be nothing more than a pile of bones resting inside the Cor Draconis. At least, as far as YOU know! But things aren't always what they seem on Lore, and Desoloth's final battle may NOT be his last!

* And we were so SURE that Desoloth's side would win!

A Prime Engine Change

Yorumi made some awesome changes to the game's engine for this boss battle! We won't go into the dry coding details, but know that in this battle, the Primes will be with you and they will aid you in your fight!

The Fire Prime's aid will increase your damage!

As you reduce Desoloth's health, each Prime will aid you in some way. We've never before been able to have art directly affect your character's stats before, so this is a really fun change that we can use again in the future!

Alignment notes

 Your choices WILL matter! In the pre-boss battle, you'll be able to choose between Good, Evil or Desoloth. That will set the tone for your boss battle. AFTER the battle, you'll be able to choose again. Choose carefully, because how you answer Hs'Sakar's last question will change the way the Etherstorm NPCs view you after you've completed their storyline!

The Final War Rewards!

There's a LOT of corpse to loot after this boss battle. (A big boss means big loot!) Desoloth has a chance to drop the member-only Elemental Dissonance armor and helm (goes great with the Horned Crown of Dissonance in the Rares shop!) as well Desoloth's Bane, a wicked weapon forged by Dage the Evil!

Will YOU adopt one Omom's babies?

And don't forget to look for an Omom's Babies pet while looting the boss! (Omom's Youngest, the cape, can be found in the War Rares shop!**) You won't want to abandon them after seeing the cutscene! Non-members can look forward to the cunningly crafted Crimson Dragoon armor and helm!

Which do YOU prefer: Dragoon or Dragon?

MAN you guys finished this war FAST! We couldn't believe it was over on Sunday. We had all three endings planned out, but didn't want to animate one until we saw which side was going to win. And when it became clear that EVIL was going to be the winner, we had to create a MAJOR new piece of art! J6 really rocked it out; you'll know it when you see it, and THIS creature will appear in the final battle against Chaos!

NOTE: More design notes will be coming in a bit. Right now, we want to release the boss fight and cutscenes!

What to Expect This Week in AQW!

• Xan returns! Look for this hot-headed pyromancer to really heat things up for some poor, unsuspecting townspeople!
• Dage's shop will remain until next Monday!
• Limited Time Shop: Spring Theme!
• Treasure Chest hoard update!
• The next I Can Has Mod contest starts this week!
• J6 t-shirts are sold out but we ARE ordering more, so keep an eye on HeroMart's website! 

More details of this Friday's release will come throughout the week! And thanks to multiple players on Twitter (like Bladebrawl and 1023404), tomorrow's Design Notes will see a more in-depth look into what we do to make a week's release happen. There's a lot of little things you guys never see, and more Chaos involved than ever makes it in-game!