Blade & Soul Neo Classic is an exciting reboot of the beloved MMORPG Blade & Soul, bringing the core elements of the game back with updated features, improved graphics, and exciting new content. However, for the game to truly thrive in the long term, certain changes and improvements need to be implemented. These changes are essential for enhancing the player experience, retaining players, and ensuring the game's longevity.

The following points highlight key areas of improvement that, if addressed, could make or break the success of Neo Classic. Let's dive into these recommendations!

1. PVE Content Release Schedule: Transparency is Key

A consistent and well-communicated roadmap for upcoming PVE content is essential for keeping players engaged. In my experience with the Korean server, the lack of clear communication and frequent delays contributed to the game's decline. Without knowing what content is coming next, players are left in the dark, and it's easy for the community to grow frustrated. NCSoft must avoid making the same mistake by giving players a clear roadmap and keeping them updated, whether the news is good or bad. Regular communication is key to building trust and excitement within the player base.

2. More Challenging PVE Content

Once players hit the endgame in Blade & Soul Neo, the PVE content they previously enjoyed can quickly become repetitive and uninspiring. To combat this, there needs to be more challenging PVE content introduced regularly. This could include harder raids, Demon's Bane solo dungeons, and other difficult content that offers rewards such as skill books and high-end gear. The sense of accomplishment from overcoming these challenges is crucial to maintaining player interest. One idea that stands out is introducing legendary skill books as raid drops. Imagine the thrill of completing a challenging raid and receiving a rare legendary skill book—this would add tremendous value to the gameplay experience.

3. Increase Clan Size & Introduce Clan Battlegrounds

Currently, clans in Neo Classic are limited to just 10 members, which makes them relatively insignificant compared to the larger-scale clan systems in other MMORPGs. Clans in Blade & Soul should have a bigger impact on the game's social and competitive aspects. Expanding the clan size and adding Clan Battlegrounds would create more reasons for players to form and join clans. In the original Blade & Soul, clans could compete in clan-specific battlegrounds, earning rewards such as passive buffs based on clan rank. Neo Classic should incorporate this feature, creating a competitive and collaborative environment within clans. This would make clans far more meaningful beyond just a chat group.

4. Incentivize Faction Content

Faction-based content can be one of the most exciting aspects of Blade & Soul, but it currently lacks meaningful incentives. In the Korean version, there were faction-based daily quests where players had to hunt down members of the opposing faction. However, this quest was removed, leaving factions with no significant purpose. In Neo Classic, there needs to be some incentive to participate in faction-based content, such as faction-exclusive rewards, bonuses, or daily quests that encourage PvP. Without this, the faction system risks becoming a pointless feature that doesn't contribute to the overall game experience.

5. Better Marketing & Promotion

Blade & Soul Neo has a lot of potential, but the current marketing efforts seem lackluster. The game's exposure is limited, and many MMO players are unaware of its existence. NCSoft must dive deeper into MMO-specific communities and influencers to promote Neo Classic. Collaborations with well-known figures in the MMO space, such as Canon, Bajera, Forest Gaming, and LazyPeon, could bring significant attention to the game. Even prominent streamers like Shroud, who has an interest in competitive MMOs, could help generate buzz for Blade & Soul Neo. The more visibility the game gets, the larger the player base will grow.

6. Add Equalized Arena: 1v1 and 3v3

PvP content is a cornerstone of Blade & Soul, and its absence in Neo Classic could severely impact the game's competitiveness. While NCSoft has already addressed this issue by introducing limited-time 6v6 battlegrounds, it's clear that the majority of the community desires equalized PvP arenas, such as 1v1 and 3v3 formats. A recent poll I conducted revealed that nearly half of players would be unwilling to play Neo Classic if there were no 1v1 or 3v3 options. These game modes are integral to the Blade & Soul experience and should be a priority to add. Equalized PvP content ensures fairness and encourages skill-based competition, which is key to keeping the competitive community alive.

7. Vitality Overflow for Limited Playtime

Not all players can commit to playing Blade & Soul Neo every single day, and the Vitality system can be punishing for those with busy schedules. Vitality, which is used to participate in certain activities, should have an overflow system where it can stack up over multiple days. For example, players should be able to accumulate up to 300 Vitality (or three days' worth) so they don't feel left behind if they can't log in every day. This would make the game more accessible and player-friendly for those with limited playtime.

8. More 6v6 Playtime & Whirlwind Valley Map

While there is a single 6v6 battleground map, "Beluga Lagoon," many players feel that it's not enough. The introduction of a new map, like the Whirlwind Valley, could refresh the gameplay and provide more variety. Whirlwind Valley is known for being a more balanced and favored map, and adding it would give players a better overall experience. Additionally, increasing the number of hours players can participate in 6v6 battlegrounds would keep the PvP community engaged.

9. Make CC Resist a PvE-Only Stat

The addition of a debuff resistance stat (CC resist) has been controversial, especially in PvP content. While this stat can be useful in PvE to prevent crowd control debuffs, it should never affect PvP. In some instances, I've experienced frustrating moments where both players resist each other's crowd control effects, leading to a stale and unexciting fight. CC resist should be disabled in PvP environments to ensure that fights are skill-based and not decided by random resistances.

10. Legendary Skill Books in PVE Content

Legendary skill books are rare and powerful items in Blade & Soul, and they should be available as drops from high-level PVE content. Currently, there is no guaranteed way to earn these legendary books outside of the cash shop, which feels unfair and pay-to-win. By introducing legendary skill books as drops from challenging PVE encounters, such as difficult raids or dungeons, NCSoft could create a rewarding system for players who enjoy PVE content and don't want to spend money to gain an advantage.

11. Combat Bots and Exploits

Bots are an unfortunate reality in any online game, and Blade & Soul Neo will be no exception. However, there are ways to combat them effectively. NCSoft should implement systems that monitor known "bot hotspots,” areas where players are likely to farm resources, and where bots are most prevalent. These systems could involve periodic monitoring or giving trusted players the ability to flag suspicious accounts for review. Additionally, ensuring that players cannot exploit mechanics, like leaving their characters in front of spinning wheels to farm automatically, is crucial for maintaining a fair environment.

12. Add More Channels for Special Events

Ritual bosses are one of the more exciting events in Blade & Soul, but the current implementation is far from ideal. There are only a few channels available for these events, and they quickly fill up, leaving late players frustrated. NCSoft should add more channels to ensure that all players have an equal opportunity to participate in these events. This would make the game feel more accessible and prevent players from missing out on time-sensitive content.

13. Fix Leaderboards and Add PvP Rewards

Leaderboards are a great way to showcase competitive players, but Blade & Soul Neo currently lacks meaningful rewards for ranking up. In Korea, the leaderboard system is broken, and there are no rewards for high-ranking players. Neo Classic must address this by offering rewards for ranking high in PvP activities like 6v6 battlegrounds. This would encourage players to strive for better rankings and add a competitive edge to the game.

14. Fix Field Boss Spinning Wheels

In Blade & Soul, field bosses drop valuable materials and gear, but spinning the respective wheels to claim rewards can be a nightmare due to overcrowding. Many players use macros to repeatedly spin the wheel, which gives them an unfair advantage. NCSoft should implement a personal wheel spin system, where each player can spin the wheel independently, regardless of how many others are present. This would solve the problem of overcrowded field bosses and make it easier for everyone to participate.

Conclusion

Blade & Soul Neo Classic has the potential to be a great success, but it requires a series of thoughtful changes and improvements to ensure its longevity. From better communication about future content to enhancing PvE and PvP features, NCSoft has the opportunity to create an experience that both old and new players will enjoy. By the way, best place to buy Blade & Soul NEO Classic Divine Gems is MMOexp.com, help you boost easy and fast. Have a good time.

MMOexp BnS NEO Classic Team