Capture objectives, wipe out enemy players, and complete special missions to dominate the battleground in a new 24v24 mode. However, Battleground isn’t the only new PvP update coming in the Solisium’s Awakening update on September 18. Alongside a behind the scenes discussion on Battlegrounds, NCSOFT is also excited to share more about the development of the Castle Siege map rework.

Battlegrounds

Learning from Players and Familiarity

Our goal was to create PvP content that involved a broader range of players compared to existing THRONE AND LIBERTY PvP modes. Currently, some high-end PvP content is only accessible to players who meet certain conditions. With Battlegrounds, we wanted to capture the fun and excitement of those experiences while lowering the barrier to entry.

We drew inspiration from the various PvP styles that TL players already enjoy, combining them to shape this new mode. Part of that was playing existing PvP content and closely observing player behavior. That led us to believe that a more accessible PvP mode like Battlegrounds was something TL truly needed.

Initially, we felt that familiarity was key. We considered directly applying TL’s existing dominion mode rules. However, we realized that for a new PvP experience, familiarity alone wouldn't be enough to deliver fun or satisfaction. So, we listed out every element used in existing PvP content and carefully selected the ones that could be reimagined. Through this process, we were able to create a mode with entirely new rules that offers a fresh experience rooted in TL’s core PvP gameplay.

Victory Beyond Combat Alone

We want to strike the right balance between gameplay elements so that victory isn’t decided by combat alone and even those with unique playstyles can enjoy Battlegrounds. While some players enjoy fighting directly, others may not feel confident in combat, but if they have other ways to contribute meaningfully to the team, we believe they’ll find PvP content more engaging.

In many PvP experiences, once players feel that the match is lost, they tend to give up or leave early. That’s why we plan to include more comeback opportunities in all future game modes, so players feel motivated to keep pushing until the end and experience the thrill of turning the tide. Even if a team falls apart, we’re working to ensure that those who give it their all can still be properly rewarded.

Of course, given the nature of PvP, it won’t always be easy. However with every new mode we introduce, we plan to ensure that factors beyond just fighting will play a meaningful role in determining the outcome. We hope you'll continue to follow the evolution of Battlegrounds as it grows.

A Collaboration with Players

We consider Battlegrounds a collaboration with all of the players who’ve enjoyed TL’s existing PvP modes because your gameplay has been a constant source of inspiration for us. We’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you.

We hope you enjoy a blend of familiarity and freshness in Battlegrounds and would greatly appreciate your feedback. New game modes will continue to be added to Battlegrounds over time. As the mode evolves, expect challenges with new and more complex rules beyond what the initial release offers. We look forward to hearing your thoughts along the way.

Stonegard Siege Map Rework

NCSOFT shared additional insight into the goals and inspiration behind the Castle Siege map rework.

New Goals for an Old Map

We’ve been closely monitoring player behavior, feedback, and approaches every weekend during siege events, gaining valuable insights along the way. In the current Stonegard Siege, many areas of the terrain naturally lead to prolonged standoffs, which can make gameplay feel dull. We aimed to improve these terrain features as much as possible to keep the action flowing.

Next, we wanted to encourage strategic variety. By now, most players are familiar with each other’s strategies. Fighting under the same conditions for extended periods of time reduces the overall enjoyment.

While TL’s combat has evolved rapidly, Stonegard Castle hasn’t kept up with those changes. We felt it was necessary to revise the structure and strategic points to deliver a fresh experience. Ultimately, our goal is to increase the frequency of throne takeover attempts and make sieges far more dynamic and engaging.

Challenges Between Both Sides of Stonegard

In the early phases of siege monitoring, combat dynamics shifted so rapidly that it was difficult to confidently say, “This is the right direction.” However, as more data accumulated, a clear vision began to emerge. From that point on, we were able to move forward with a focused plan.

We started with the belief that siege battles needed to become more offense-driven, but we also had to ensure that defending teams who fought hard to claim the castle wouldn’t feel unfairly punished. Striking the right balance between active offense and rewarding defense was one of the toughest parts of the process.

Reworked Playstyles

With the addition of elements that actively trigger combat and more diverse attack routes, we anticipate team positioning and player distribution to become far more important. In the original version, once a team secured a specific entrance or respawn point, there wasn’t much need to pay attention to other areas simply because those “key” points held disproportionately high strategic value. Now, with the introduction of multiple valuable routes and respawn zones, teams will need to respond more dynamically, often splitting into smaller groups and moving quickly across the battlefield.

This is only the beginning of more changes to come. We’ll keep listening to your feedback and the inspiration for how Siege should evolve in the future. Beyond strategic adjustments, we’re also exploring new ways to make Siege Battles more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of players.

Thank you for being part of this journey! We’ll see you on the Battlegrounds of Solisium on September 18.