Webzen’s MMORPG R2 is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the ‘Departure’ update. The update aims to enhance the play environment, refine growth elements, strengthen operational stability, and redefine the service’s direction. The R2 team hopes to expand character growth paths and allow users to experience diverse progression more quickly.
Curious about what the ‘Departure’ update includes, built on 20 years of experience? Before the launch, we sat down with PM Song Han-sol to discuss the preparation process and details of the update.
Building on 20 years of experience to create a new ‘Departure’.
Curious about the recent status of the R2 development team.
“The development team is currently prioritizing both the delivery of new content and the renewal of existing content. We are discussing both directions from various angles. Additionally, we are actively incorporating user feedback to improve inconveniences, enhance accessibility, and strengthen our response to abnormal gameplay.
The ‘Departure’ update marks that starting point. As the title suggests, it signifies the first step of a new journey, using the past 20 years as a foundation. To mark the 20th anniversary, we wanted to redefine our future direction based on the time and experience we have shared with our users and capture that in this update.
Could you explain the main focus of the R2 ‘Departure’ update.
“We focused on improving the play environment, expanding growth elements, and strengthening operational stability. Based on recurring user feedback, we have reduced inconveniences encountered during gameplay and made content more accessible.
Furthermore, we have expanded growth paths so that users can develop their characters in various ways. We added elements that provide practical help to ensure users can feel the joy of fast and diverse growth. We are also conducting server environment checks and optimizations for stable service, and we are strengthening our response system against abnormal gameplay.
Curious about the planning intent behind the new ‘Adventure Log System’ and the new fun and experiences you hope to provide to R2 users through it.
“We wanted to diversify growth elements while ensuring users feel satisfied through consistent play. In R2, equipment plays a significant role in character growth. Because it follows a ‘high-risk, high-reward’ structure—success or failure—it is true that the burden on users increases as characters grow. Therefore, we introduced the ‘Adventure Log System’ to allow for steady, incremental growth. We hope users will feel the joy of increasing stats and the satisfaction of growth as they gradually complete the various goals set within this system.
Is there a reason why the Adventure Log System is seasonal.
“We debated this internally quite a bit. However, we concluded that if we applied it as a permanent system, the difficulty and fatigue would inevitably increase. Therefore, we chose to operate it seasonally, allowing us to monitor user progress and provide diverse experiences while reducing play fatigue in the future.
The structure increases the ‘Total Record Completion Rate’ based on the number of records written, which in turn increases various stats. How significant is the stat boost at the maximum level.
“It is difficult to be specific as we do not officially disclose detailed in-game figures. However, I can say that even top-tier users will be able to clearly feel the increase in stats upon completing the entire log.
What is the difficulty level for item collection or monster elimination required to complete the records? Is it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore users.
“The Adventure Log consists of 200 entries. We have prepared a variety of tasks, ranging from very easy monster eliminations and item collections to high-difficulty records that only top-tier users can challenge. Users will be able to find fun and a sense of achievement by filling out records that match their own growth level.
New trait enhancement skills have been added to the ‘Crush Skills’ for each class. How do you expect this to change the combat style of each class.
“With the addition of new trait enhancement skills, significant changes are expected not only in preparation—such as stat settings and skill timing—but also in combat control elements.
For example, if you are under the effect of a debuff from a Summoner or Elf’s trait enhancement skill, using magic or skills recklessly will now result in a significant disadvantage in combat. Therefore, players will need to adopt different strategies to clear debuffs. Additionally, if an Assassin from an opposing guild is strong, players will need to strategically consider different equipment settings, such as prioritizing stats other than critical hits, or sacrificing evasion when facing a Knight or Ranger.
Could you explain the biggest challenges you faced regarding PVP/PvE balance during the class skill improvement process.
“In this update, the focus was on improving the damage of each class’ trait enhancement skills. It was determined that compared to the average specs of current users, the damage impact of these skills was minimal, so adjustments were made to provide value commensurate with the difficulty of acquiring them.
Furthermore, the improvement of trait enhancement skills, which are the foundation of combat in both PVP and PvE, was prioritized to lay the groundwork for future skill balance adjustments.
We intend to progressively work on enhancing various skills and implementing them one by one in the future.
It appears that the mission system revamp will make it easier for players to obtain rewards. What were the main considerations during this process.
“Recognizing user dissatisfaction with outdated missions that were either impossible or overly challenging, our primary goal in this revamp was to address these issues. We took a multi-faceted approach, such as aligning mission content with server characteristics and enhancing the sense of accomplishment upon completion.
Weekly points have been added. What are the key rewards that users will receive at specific intervals through weekly missions.
“While various consumables serve as rewards, the most impactful reward for users will undoubtedly be the ‘EXP Amplification Rune.’ This item has been challenging to acquire in-game, so by offering it on a weekly basis, we aim to enhance the enjoyment of focused hunting at least once a week.
Gameplay is set to become more user-friendly through various content enhancements. Could you highlight the most crucial improvement.
“The enhancement that will have the most noticeable impact on users is the ‘buff to existing trait enhancement skills.’ Recognizing that the additional damage provided by these skills had diminished over time with increasing user specs, we have boosted the damage output to make these skills relevant and useful again. This improvement is expected to make hunting much more seamless than before.
Following the extensive July patch, what is the long-term update roadmap or direction for R2.
“Our primary focus in the long term is to continually introduce new systems that offer users fresh gameplay experiences and entertainment while enhancing the satisfaction of progression.
The development team carefully reviews all feedback received through the customer center or website forums. We encourage users to share their opinions as it greatly assists us in delivering a service that meets their needs.
Finally, do you have a message for R2 users regarding this update.
“First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all R2 players. It feels like just yesterday when I first joined, and it’s hard to believe that two years have already passed. While there have been areas where we may have fallen short in the eyes of our users and moments of personal reflection, this ‘Departure’ update marks the beginning of a new journey. As we take further steps forward, I am committed to giving my best, and I hope you continue to support us with affection. With more than half of the year already gone, I wish all R2 users good health and a joyful year ahead.
Could you please rephrase the following?