Shadow Arena Shifts From 40-Man Battle Royale To 3v3 Trio Mode

January 14, 2021 Marc Marasigan Comments

Pearl Abyss has changed the Shadow Arena main game mode from the original 40-player battle royale to the new team-based Trio Mode. According to the studio, the shift is the result of feedback from the community asking for more cooperative and strategic gameplay. Of course, it may also have something to do with the game’s dwindling playerbase.

The new trio mode will pit two three-player teams against each other with more distinct roles for each of the team’s members. “[. . .] Each hero in Shadow Arena now falls into three distinct categories, with more specific team roles that facilitate teamwork, strategy and a co-operative focus,” explains the devs in the official press release.

Players will be able to choose from three Hero roles listed below:

Brawler: Has high life/defense skills and uses strong crowd control and rush skills to lead battles, but is limited in attack range. Brawler Heroes include: Schultz, Goyen, Jordine Ducas

Dealer: A fast and mobile class with high damage skills but has low HP and defense stats. Dealer Heroes include: Yeonhwa, Haru, Orowen, Ahon

Support: Focused on buffs and healing party members, but is not a strong 1v1 combatant. Support Hero includes: Herawen

In addition, Pearl Abyss has also added new features and balance changes that tie in with the new focus on strategy and teamwork. These include the removal of the Laytenn and Puturum Ancient Weapon summons and the addition of the new Matchlock and Hand of Healing Black Spirit Skills. Several improvements have also been introduced including a more detailed post-match screen, toned down visual effects to increase player visibility, and a new in-game shop.

Players who still want to play the original game modes, including 40-player battle royale, will still be able to do so in private lobbies.