Stretch Goal Met: Stealth Unchained

The Camelot Unchained team has let us know that the latest stretch goal has been met: Stealth Unchained. Knowing its controversial nature, the team gave long consideration to its inclusion in the game. The most important factor, we are told, is fun. If the system isn't entertaining for all, it is not implemented right.

The first named archetype, or class, is the archer. They will have access to a more powerful and magical camouflage system that is available to all players. They will have access to camouflage armor and is given to them to take on the ranger-style archer, not a magical one. Further, camouflage is not invisibility -- it simply makes players using it harder to see.

Scouts will have a powerful stealth mechanic, but with a limited duration. Those with Soul Walking will be useful as Assassins and gives them the ability to separate soul from body and to "float through the Realms".

Veilwalkers & Veilstalkers are specifically oriented towards killing other players. They are not one-shot assassins. They have the ability to stay in the Veil for much longer than any others. The longer in the veil, the more damage they can deal, but they will not emerge with full health.

Goal #1 – Design a fun, interesting stealth mechanic and classes that are not seen as “Easy Mode” by non-stealthers

Based on the reactions on the Forums when we were talking about this, I do think we have concepted a number of interesting mechanics and classes. A true scouting class is, in and of itself, a pretty cool addition. Archers with a true camouflage system will also be a good addition to the game. At the same time, the VW/VS setup, as well as other counters, do not make being a stealther “Easy Mode”, as they can, and will be, the target of other hunter-killers. Goal #2 - Do not design a class that is centered around a strong opener, stun, vanish with long/unlimited stealth

Even in the midst of a big battle, the ability to move into the Veil will not be as simple as hitting a button and going poof, you’re in the Veil. Goal #3 – Design a class that has the ability to be very active and sought-after in RvR

The use of scouts, archers, and VW/VS will all add important aspects to the RvR gameplay in our game. Even in the midst of a large battle, having VW/VS hunting each other and looking for targets of opportunity could be important. Scouts that can help disable siege engines and help other players hit their targets, even when there is no line of sight, can be a nice addition to the game. Goal #4 – Design a class that some non-traditional stealthers want to play

I think we did that, but only you folks can tell us for sure. As someone who plays stealthers too (not my main, usually), I would play all three of these classes, so… Goal #5 – Design a class that requires skill to play well, and not just unlimited patience

I think this one is covered by a lot of the above checks and balances. Life as a stealther will be challenging, but rewarding as well. Most importantly, stealthers are going to have to pay attention, at all times, to the game that they are playing. Goal #6 – Design a system where gank groups of stealthers are not possible

I hope that the use of sound, extra damage, and possibly other things, will really discourage the use of gank groups (as opposed to groups on the field of battle). Goal #7 – Design a system that doesn’t affect the launch date of the game

One of the three classes discussed here is already a planned launch class. Another one of the classes is going to be an Extender class, and the third will only be put in if it doesn’t hurt the schedule. Fortunately, that class is also going to require less tech than an archetype such as archers, because of how we are envisioning them. And again, if putting this class in the game at launch would require any additional delay, we are not going to delay the game for the class's implementation.

There is much, much more to read, more details and more about how the stealth system will work in RvR and more. There is also a planned live stream that will talk in more detail and that will allow players to pose questions about stealth.

Read it all on the Camelot Unchained site.