We have deployed v1.8.9, a tactical core balancing and stability patch. This update resolves a critical high-frequency calculation crash affecting Crusader passives during Challenge Rift transitions, completely expands baseline configuration modifiers for your followers, and unlocks custom combat AI skill profiles for previously unmapped monster families.
Follower Utility Customizations & Feature Expansion
- AllSkillsAlways Server Knob: introduced a highly requested server-side variable (AllSkillsAlways = true) inside the [Followers] configuration layout. When enabled, your summoned follower automatically unlocks and casts EVERY single active ability present inside their baseline SkillKit natively, without requiring the legendary "all skills" accessory item equipped.
- CooldownAlways Management: added a customizable cooldown modifier flag (CooldownAlways, default false). Activating this setting instantly slices follower spell cooldowns by 50% across the board without legendary relic requirements.
- Follower Relic Logic Clarification: verified internal parameter validation metrics. Visual debug traces showing missing relic markers purely indicate that the hired companion does not have that specific item slot occupied, confirming that legacy item powers map correctly when active.
Crusader Finery Passive Correction & Structural Null Guards
- Finery Attribute Clamping: resolved over 4,600 recurring tick instances of ArgumentOutOfRangeException inside PassiveBuffs.cs. The Crusader's **Finery** passive was attempting to inject a Strength modifier (-65800) that breached standard core boundaries. Enforced absolute Math.Clamp limitations alongside real-time dynamic bonus updates to prevent the BuffManager from stalling during high-frequency Challenge Rift appearance transformations.
- World Transition Stability: fortified the player's BeforeChangeWorld routine with rigorous, multi-tier null-conditional operators (?..). This permanently shields the server from transitional connection crashes when players pass through map gateways or portals under high network load.
Monster Brain Skill Coverage Expansion
- Unmapped Family Token Injections: resolved an issue where specific monster types (including mummies, rockworms, scorpions, electric eels, and maggots) loaded into maps with incomplete combat profiles due to missing family tags. Added explicit text token mappings to group these archetypes cleanly under canonical Undead and Beast banners.
- Configurable Coverage Flags: exposed new administrative customization strings (AtomicNormalMonsterSkillCoverageExtra*Tokens) within config to seamlessly configure additional monster family filters while preserving native animation compatibility layers.
Expected gameplay impact
- Maximum Follower Combat Support: command ultra-powerful followers capable of unleashing their complete spell books simultaneously right from the start of your session.
- Lag-Free Buff Swaps: seamless attribute recalculations when changing zones, equipping gem-loaded armor pieces, or joining Challenge Rifts.
- Immersive World Hazards: expanded varieties of normal monsters will now execute diverse, authentic combat tactics, matching their lore archetypes without breaking world animations.
If you notice instability, please report hero name, zone, UTC time, and whether .offline was active in Support.
- Zethrone Team
