Today Battleborn will receive its largest patch with the Winter Update. The update includes everything from changes to PVP game modes and a new character to redesigned UI and technical improvements.
There have been quite a few changes to help newcomers. Previously every character could be unlocked by leveling up Command Rank or completing a challenge, but now they will instantly unlock after completing the prologue. Players will also have access to a new game mode called Dojo. In Dojo players start at level 5, level up faster and are given 100,000 Shards. Players then are free to test new character builds and Gear lodouts on waves of minions. Another tool for beginners is the new Versus Tutorial. The new tutorial will teach players the ins and outs of online competitive play such as the Helix system, buildables and minions.
Returning players also get a few changes targeted at them. Command Rank has been raised from 105 to 150 and rewards will be given for every rank past 100. Core loot packs will be given out most levels, a legendary loot pack will be given every 10 levels along with new titles. Character Ranks have been raised from 15 to 20. Faction loot packs and new character related titles will be given out for every rank past 15. Achievements such as First Among Heroes and Battleborn will be earned at the original max ranks of 15 and 100.
A new quest system is being added. There will now be “main quests” and “daily quests”. Main quests are one-time completed task meant to train new players. Daily quest are three quest that change everyday. Completing any quest will reward the player with various things such as in-game currency.
In PVP a pick and ban system has been implemented. Now teams will vote to ban certain characters before a match begins and in turn have to work around the opposing team’s bans. Private matches have the additional option of Captain Bans in which a single person on each team has control over bans.
While there have been a number of changes to all PVP game modes, Meltdown has received the largest change. Meltdown will now have a new end game section called Finale. When a team reaches 300 score or 20 minutes have passed, Ultra Minions will spawn for the remainder of the match and the first team to score wins the match. The leading team will have advantages such as stronger Ultra Minions or uncontested waves depending on how big the lead a team has.
On the technical side there have been several major changes. The UI for almost everything have been redesigned to look and display information better. Those on console now have choice between 1080p and a soild 30 FPS or 1080P and up to 60 FPS. The one exceptions being the Xbox One when running splitscreen co-op. PlayStation 4 Pro users have an the additional option of 4K and 30 FPS. All consoles will have the option between minimum and normal particle effects.
Beatrix, the last planned Battleborn character, is now available for Season Pass and Digital Deluxe owners. She is a support character focused on debuffing enemies and doing damage over time. Her full ability list can been seen in the video above. Beatrix officially launches January 26 and can be unlocked for free with in-game currency.
Finally the last big news is the release of Mike vs. Battle School. The DLC focuses on Oscar Mike as he tries to redeem himself after being exiled from Planet Mike, the home planet of all Mike clones. Season Pass holders can download today. Those without the season can buy the DLC standalone or with a Season Pass.
For the complete list of changes including character and gear balancing click here.