Bastion Mode
To bring additional diversity to high-Tier battles, we’re introducing a new experimental mode called ‘Bastion’ in version 0.5.8. Currently, it is only available on the map “The Atlantic”. The main feature of this mode is its onshore installations, designed to give fire and reconnaissance support to the team that captured them. There are two types of such installations in the game:
- Forts, which are fortifications armed with an array of large-calibre main guns and an air defence battery. It’s a powerful force, even with minimal support from allied ships
- Surveillance stations, which are fortifications that provide their team and forts with additional ways of detecting enemy ships
On-shore installations can be captured or temporarily neutralised by main battery gunfire or bombs dropped by aircraft. These actions reduce the real effectiveness of the enemy team and earn advantage points similar to the Domination mode that players are already familiar with. To win, a team should be the first to earn 1,000 points by suppressing and capturing enemy fortifications and destroying their ships.
Matchmaker Changes
In version 0.5.8, we will launch a new and improved matchmaker for the Random Battles mode. The purpose of this change is to exclude situations where players can immediately guess the outcome of a battle by the composition of the teams, and to make confrontations more honest. The features of the new matchmaker are as follows:
- Situations where opposing teams appear to have different numbers of players are completely excluded
- Aircraft carriers in opposing teams will continue to belong to the same Tier
- In every battle, we have “Battle Tiers”, i.e. the maximum tier of a ship for a given battle. Ships of Tiers corresponding to the Tier of the battle are called “tops” or “top ships”. The following rules will apply to them:
- Permissible difference in the number of divisions between the teams is limited and now equals 1
- Permissible difference in the number of destroyers between the teams is limited and now equals 1
- Permissible difference in the number of battleships between the teams is limited and now equals 1
- Permissible difference in the number of cruisers between the teams is limited and now equals 2
- For each type, the number of top ships will be strictly symmetrical. For example, if in a Tier VIII battle one team has two Tier VIII battleships, two Tier IX cruisers and one Tier VIII destroyer, the other team will also have two Tier VIII battleships, two Tier IX cruisers and one Tier VIII destroyer
- The above rule also applies to battleships belonging to a Tier that is one step lower than the Tier of the battle. For example, if in a Tier VIII battle one team has one Tier VII battleship, the other team will also have one Tier VII battleship
Here are some of the new features that have to be tested to determine whether they’re necessary or not:
- The new matchmaker logic does not provide for any ‘mixing’ of ships by nation, i.e. theoretically, there could be a situation where three Japanese destroyers will encounter three U.S. ones
- If it takes too long to assemble teams for a battle for whatever reason, battles may be fought between teams with incomplete lineup (11х11, 10х10 etc.)
- Balancing the lowest Tier ships outside of their type is allowed. For example, a tier VIII battle could involve a Tier VI destroyer against a Tier VI battleship
- Balancing two same-type ships with enemy ships of adjacent Tiers is allowed if they are not in the top of the team and if they are not battleships. For example, in a Tier VIII battle, a Tier VI cruiser could find herself against a Tier VII cruiser on the opposing team
- Divisions may include ships of various Tiers (low-Tier ships are allowed to divisions with high-Tier ships)
Meanwhile, the World of Warships developers would like to express their gratitude to all commanders who sent in their ideas and comments regarding the matchmaker. We will continue to collect your feedback on update 0.5.8 to make the process of selecting ships for a battle fair and enjoyable for all players.
New Maps
In update 0.5.8, we add two new maps for Tier VII-X ships:
- The “Sea of Fortune”
- The “Loop”
Cruisers Armour Protection
As part of our improvements to the game, we have revised all armour models. Our aim is to bring the armour models created at different stages of project development to the same level of detail. In version 0.5.8, we redefined armour models for cruisers more precisely. In some cases, this resulted in around 5% of HP being redistributed between the ship’s parts. The improved level of detail of the inclined protective deck and ship’s lines increased the chances for a ricochet of armour-piercing shells in some scenarios, particularly when hitting the ship on the bows or stern. Armour interaction with high-explosive shells and bombs is not affected.
Rotating Turrets and Main Battery Mounts
In update 0.5.8, we have added a special feature to enable a 360-degree rotation of certain turrets and turret mounts. This change will make the gameplay more comfortable on certain ships and allow their commanders maneuver more aggressively, reducing losses in firepower when shifting fire from side to side.
Others
- For a better visual distinction between AP and HE shells as well as between a player’s own and other shells, the tracer color scheme has been adjusted
- Players who wish to get more detailed information on their actions in a battle may use the “Detailed Badges” option
- Improved the logic of the “Situation awareness” skill operation. From now on, the detection indicator is displayed in all cases when the ship is visible to the enemy team
- Enhanced sound configuration capabilities, including “National” voiceovers for Commanders
- Added a friendly fire notification to the team members. The notification is displayed at an interval of at least 10 seconds
- We have enhanced our Personal Offers mechanism, so be ready to receive different offers during the Public test. Please note that all prices and discount rates will be set in testing purpose and will be changed in release version
