LORDNINE 12th Dev Letter
Greetings, Lords!
As I write this twelfth dev letter, I naturally find myself reflecting on the past year.
Having taken its first steps in July 2025, LORDNINE is now approaching its 1st anniversary.
A great deal has happened during that time. New content was introduced one at a time, and the game's systems were steadily refined and improved.
Above all, the trust we've built together with our Lords has become the most valuable achievement of all.
Last June, we had the opportunity to welcome Lords from Vietnam through the launch of the new server, "Sven." While there were some disappointments during launch, including device compatibility issues and problems with certain products, the issues are being addressed as quickly as possible. We would like to thank all the Lords who have embarked on this new journey with us on Sven.
The coming July holds special significance for LORDNINE. To celebrate the game's 1st anniversary, we are preparing a variety of updates, including the Option Enhancement System, improvements to Looting Permissions, the Status Preset System, and a brand-new anniversary weapon, the Scythe.
In this dev letter, we would like to share details about the July update, as well as provide an update regarding the changes to the World Merge schedule that we mentioned in our previous letter.
▣ Option Enhancement System
Evolving into More Powerful Gear
The Option Enhancement System will be added, allowing you to take your current gear to the next stage of growth.
Until now, gear progression has primarily revolved around increasing enhancement levels or replacing gear with higher-tier ones. With the new Option Enhancement System, you will be able to strengthen the options on your existing gear, allowing you to unlock and make use of the full potential of your favorite gear for much longer and in greater depth.
What is Option Enhancement?
Option Enhancement is a new progression system that increases the effectiveness of each option on a piece of gear. Even identical items can differ greatly in value depending on their Option Enhancement levels, allowing an ordinary piece of gear to become something truly exceptional through your efforts.
Requirements for Use
Option Enhancement can be applied to Rare or higher weapons and armor.
- Applicable Tier: Rare / Epic / Legendary / Mythic
- Applicable Gear Slots: Weapon, Sub Weapon, Armor, Cloak
Spare Gear Used as Enhancement Material
As you venture through hunting grounds and dungeons, unused gear naturally begins to pile up in your storage. With the Option Enhancement System, these spare gear can now be put to use as enhancement materials.
If you've been hesitant to dispose of gear you no longer use, those items will now gain a new purpose. The gear you've collected over time can become a valuable resource, helping to make your primary gear even stronger.
Same Option Bonus
The key feature of Option Enhancement is the Same Option Bonus.
If the gear used as enhancement material has the same option as the item you are enhancing, you will receive additional EXP. This adds a layer of strategy to the system, making the choice of enhancement materials more meaningful than simply consuming any available piece.
Strategic Material Selection
- Using Standard Materials: Grants base EXP
- Using Materials with Matching Options: Grants both base EXP and bonus EXP, allowing for faster enhancement
The more efficiently you collect and use gear with matching options, the faster and more powerfully your gear will grow.
A New Dimension of Progression
The Option Enhancement System is more than just a new feature. It adds a new layer of depth to gear progression in LORDNINE. From now on, even identical pieces of gear can yield vastly different results depending on your choices.
▣ Looting Permission Improvements
For Better Group Hunts
To make cooperative play more convenient, we are improving the looting permission system for party and rally content.
《 Party Looting Permissions》
All Party Member Acquisition
A new option that grants item looting rights to all members of the party.
When the All Party Member Acquisition option is selected, all party members will have equal eligibility to obtain dropped items.
This is especially useful when hunting with close companions, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience without having to worry about loot distribution.
《 Rally Looting Permissions》
Even more looting options will be added for rally content.
All Squad Member Acquisition
An option that grants looting rights to all members belonging to the same squad.
Rewards are shared on a squad basis among members who operate together within a rally. This option is best suited for players who coordinate and cooperate closely with their squadmates.
Priority to Squad Commander
An option that grants looting priority to the squad commander.
This option grants looting priority to the squad commander, recognizing their leadership role in organizing the squad and coordinating strategies.
Priority to Commander
An option that grants the highest looting priority to the rally commander.
The overall commander leading a large-scale rally will be given the first opportunity to obtain dropped items. When valuable items are dropped, this option ensures priority is granted to the commander responsible for the rally's overall strategy and coordination.
Scope of Permission in Rally Content
For All Squad Member Acquisition and Priority to Squad Commander options in rally content, item looting permissions apply only to members of the squad to which the player belongs.
In other words, even if you are participating in the same rally, you will not be granted looting rights to items dropped from hunts conducted by members of other squads. This setting is intended to preserve the independence of each squad, so please keep this in mind when selecting your looting option.
We hope these improvements will make it easier and more enjoyable for you to cooperate with your companions in both party and rally content.
▣ Status Preset System
One Character, Five Loadouts
The stats you need can vary depending on the situation, but having to reconfigure them every time can be a hassle. To make this more convenient, we are introducing the Status Preset System.
Save Up to 5 Presets
You can save up to five presets for a single character.
Saved presets can be switched instantly with a single click, allowing you to quickly apply the optimal build for any situation.
Greater Freedom to Take on New Challenges
With the Preset System, you can preserve your existing setup while freely experimenting with new builds without any risk or hassle.
Save and switch between a variety of stat combinations tailored to different situations and weapons, and enjoy a more flexible and dynamic playstyle.
▣ 1st Anniversary New Weapon - Scythe
1st Anniversary, A Special Gift
The Scythe will serve as a special gift for Lords who have been with LORDNINE throughout the past year, offering the excitement of new builds and combat styles. For those just beginning their journey, it will showcase a whole new side of LORDNINE's combat experience.
Symbol of Death, Reaper's Scythe
The Scythe is a massive two-handed weapon modeled after the Reaper's Scythe.
Despite its massive appearance, the Scythe is a melee weapon that excels at swiftly maneuvering across the battlefield. Combining powerful strikes with exceptional mobility, the Scythe will introduce a brand-new combat style to LORDNINE.
Scythe Key Features
Relentless Attacks with Short Cooldowns
Despite being a massive two-handed weapon, the Scythe features a fast-paced combat rhythm.
Unlike traditional heavy weapons, the Scythe is capable of delivering a relentless chain of continuous attacks. Its greatest appeal lies in the constant pressure it puts on enemies, leaving them little to no opportunity to recover or respond.
High-Mobility Melee Combat
Despite its heavy appearance, a Lord wielding a Scythe can move with remarkable speed.
You can freely traverse the battlefield, launch attacks from advantageous positions, and quickly disengage when danger arises. By reducing the usual drawbacks associated with melee weapons, the Scythe enables a more aggressive and proactive combat style.
With swift footwork, you can slip into an enemy's flank and cut them down. This combination of speed and devastating power creates a striking combat style that is unique to the Scythe.
Unique Scythe Mechanic - Soul Absorption
The Scythe's most distinctive feature is its Soul Absorption system.
True to the nature of the Reaper's Scythe, the Scythe does more than simply defeat its enemies, it harvests their souls and turns them into its own source of power.
How Soul Absorption Works
There is a chance to absorb the souls of defeated monsters, and the souls collected can be used to empower the Scythe wielder's skills.
This goes beyond a simple stacking mechanic and creates a unique combat rhythm for the Scythe. The more you hunt, the stronger you become, and when your soul reserves are full, you can unleash a devastating blow.
A New Combat Experience
The Scythe is more than just a new weapon. With its unique combat mechanics, it is a bold addition that brings a new dimension to LORDNINE's combat.
To the Lords who are with us for our 1st Anniversary
We have prepared the Scythe in the hope that it will serve as a fitting gift to commemorate this special 1st anniversary.
We hope it will bring new excitement and fresh challenges to all the Lords who have been with LORDNINE throughout the past year.
As we begin a new chapter with the Scythe on LORDNINE's 1st anniversary, even more spectacular battles await.
▣ World Merge Schedule Change Notice
First and foremost, we would like to apologize.
The World Merge schedule, which we previously announced would take place in mid-July, has been postponed and is now scheduled for late August.
We sincerely apologize to all the Lords who were looking forward to the original schedule. In particular, we deeply apologize for any confusion caused to those who adjusted their plans and prepared for the merge based on the previously announced July timeline.
Reason for the Delay
World merge involves everything that our Lords have built and achieved up to this point.
It is a highly sensitive process that involves transferring your characters, items, guilds, and the many cherished memories you've created along the way.
Not a single piece of data can be allowed to be lost or corrupted.
During our internal review process, we concluded that additional validation is necessary to ensure the complete protection of all player data. We determined that proceeding on the original schedule would not allow us to fully eliminate the possibility of data-related issues occurring, however unlikely that risk may be.
As a result, the World Merge schedule has been moved to late August 2026. During the additional six weeks we have secured, we will focus on repeatedly validating data migration simulations, conducting stability tests in the integrated environment, reviewing response scenarios for exceptional situations, and further strengthening our backup systems.
Details regarding the schedule and procedures on the day of the World Merge will be provided through a separate notice. We will share the necessary step-by-step so that all Lords have ample time to prepare for the merge according to the revised schedule.
Once again, we sincerely apologize to all the Lords who may be disappointed by this schedule change.
Even if it means taking a little more time, we will proceed with the utmost care to ensure that every Lord's data is protected and that the World Merge takes place in a stable and secure environment.
We kindly ask for your understanding and patience.
▣ Closing Remarks
Lords, thank you sincerely for reading until the end.
This is already our twelfth letter. One letter at a time, month after month, they have come together to tell the story of an entire year. To all the Lords who have remained by our side throughout that journey, we offer our heartfelt thanks.
In this letter, we shared several updates coming in July, including the Option Enhancement System, Looting Permission Improvements, the Status Preset System, and the new weapon, the Scythe. Each of these additions has been carefully prepared to make your adventures in LORDNINE even more rewarding.
We would also like to once again ask for your understanding regarding the change to the World Merge schedule. We will make the most of this additional time to ensure a more stable and thoroughly prepared process, so that all Lords can approach it with confidence.
Looking back on the past year, LORDNINE has grown alongside its Lords. As we enter our second year, we hope to continue building that journey together. And through the many moments that lie ahead, we will remain by your side, just as we always have.
We know there will still be areas where we can improve. Whenever those moments arise, the honest feedback and voices of our Lords serve as our greatest guide. We encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts and suggestions with us.
One year we've built together, and another year that lies ahead.
We hope you'll look forward to the next chapter of the journey we will share together with all our Lords.
Thank you.
