Artifact Armor +2

[Yinnyth]

Hi,

I'm sorry, I might just be blind, but I can't find any dev responses to the idea of Artifact Armor +2, or even any threads dedicated to its creation. I searched the term limbus, and I even checked the dev tracker all the way back to October, and all I found were announcements about changed entry conditions. Could someone please help me out here? I'm really curious to see what the devs think about the idea. Thanks!

I think this might be the post they're talking about:

Happy Friday everyone!

I have some more information on the Limbus renewal I’d like to share:

• Any plans for area instancing?
Changing the non-instanced Limbus after the fact to be instanced would require large changes to the entry area and the process as well as the possibility that it affects other instanced content, so considering these aspects it is not something we can easily do.

As an alternative direction for congestion, we are making it so that every participant will receive the key item when clearing route 1. This removes the need to repeat runs over and over to get everyone this key item and makes it easier for players to get together and challenge the content.
　
• Why are metal chips included in the participation requirements?
This is basically a continuation of the regular Limbus progression flow, receiving ancient beast coins as well as various chips, and using these to progress to the higher tier version of the content.

If we were to eliminate this process, it would definitely become easy to access the higher tier route, but congestion would become an issue. Based on this idea we have set the rewards and would like to maintain the current metal chip requirement.

Instead, we plan on making adjustments to go along with the large amount of ancient beast coins that are consumed. For example, adding a system for exchanging the chips required for the original Proto-Omega/Proto-Ultima battles for ancient beast coins and other ways to obtain them while also making sure there are merits for doing the currently existing Limbus content.
　
• How many ancient beast coins will drop in the higher tier expansion areas?
We are currently adjusting the drops right now, but we are thinking it will be possible to obtain around 40-50 coins if you defeat all the enemies in Temenos/Apollyon.
(What we are imagining is if the drops are good, then you will be able to obtain a metal chip in a single run.)
　
• Any plans for AF+1 revamps?
We understand that there are a lot of requests for this, but we feel that this would take players away from the new routes, so we will only be adding revamped Homam/Nashira and new gear.

[Samm]

I think this might be the post they're talking about:

Thanks for finding that for me! I think I actually read over that and managed to skip the end part But this is good news! It sounds like they're not opposed to the idea of Artifact Armor +2 at all! They just didn't want it to be part of the Limbus changes. So maybe there's still hope

[wildsprite]

I am for the whole AF+2, I love the looks of my AF gear. I would love to see it upgraded to something more useful for higher levels

the whole "we feel it will take away from new routes" excuse is total garbage, sorry but you could add new routes specific for this, you did it with the Relic Equipment for Relic Equipment +2 sets, so really it is more of a "we don't want to" thing

[Yinnyth]

I sorta read that as them just not wanting to take the time to put it in Limbus. Seemed like they had the whole thing set up for Ultima and Omega, then people started requesting AF+2. Since they didn't want to put the whole thing on hold for a couple months to add and balance a drop system and the stats for AF+2 itself, I'm guessing they just fed us this side note and merrily went about their business.

Or hey, maybe they've always had plans for AF+2 in SoA and just didn't want to leak that info too soon.

[Mirage]

Even though they said no some time ago, I would really like to see AF1+2 gear make it, sooner or later.

[Zhronne]

Neo Limbus was added well before October, and the discussion we're talking off took part before neo limbus actually hit the live servers, so you're gonna have to scroll further down I'm afraid

[Mnejing]

I guess this would be it:

We do not have any concrete plans for artifact armor upgrades. If we were to implement them it would be around the time when we adjust Limbus content. However, we feel that Homam and Nashira adjustments take a higher priority, so we can’t make any promises.

[Economizer]

I sorta read that as them just not wanting to take the time to put it in Limbus.

Then don't put it in Limbus.

Honestly I think they should add it to the Sea NM system mobs. ZNMs got a new reason to do them with Pandemonium Warden dropping that item for the 95->99 Mythic upgrade (although I feel the could have upgrades for some of the gear from ZNMs, such as making some of it recraftable or something), and the Sky NM system has major reasons to do (especially if the mob drops Earthen scraps), so why not the Sea NMs?

I'm thinking they could add a point system around the Sea NMs where you get something for fighting Jailers (and around the same time make the places to pop them less obnoxious on respawns and where they are, there should be multiple spawn areas if possible). It should encourage party play so larger groups of people do the fights as well, with more and more points for the stronger Jailers.

Combine this with having to obtain more of the crafted gear for upgrades (especially if it was something that was only ever used for the AF1+1 quests like Holy Leather), turning in a set amount of Virtue Stones or Virtue Stone Pouches, and you have a quest going. It could either be through the usual NPC or through one of the "In the Name of Science" NPCs for upgrades.

Something, something, give me Healer's Mitts +2 already.

[Zarchery]

I feel so spoilt for choice already. But I suppose Temple Cyclas +2 that further boosted Chakra would be nice. Except then I'd be jealous because I don't have the connections required to get them.

[Samm]

Then don't put it in Limbus.

That's what I'm really hoping for So far all the replies from the devs sound like they just didn't want to put it in Limbus. That doesn't mean they can't put it somewhere else though!