Dark and Darker is rolling out Hotfix #91, which focuses on reintroducing solo queue for dungeons and improving random modifiers on accessory items. These changes follow the developers’ recognition of room for improvement in loot satisfaction and their desire to support both solo and party play experiences more distinctly.
After removing solo and duo pools earlier to concentrate players into a mixed-party mode, the devs realized this approach didn’t quite meet solo players’ expectations. Now, they’re bringing back a solo queue with the goal of giving it a distinct identity while keeping the party system enabled for social interactions. It’s a smart move because solo players deserve their own space without sacrificing the option to team up if they want to.
Alongside this, random modifiers on accessories have been improved without risking combat balance. They’re also tweaking damage ratios on different hitbox areas, which might disrupt combat strategies a bit. I’m curious to see how these changes will affect fights, especially since some hitbox damages have been notably lowered, such as those for arms and legs.
Bugfixes:
- Fixed an issue where using Warlock’s Evil Eye allowed movement outside the map from the Down Room waiting area.
- Fixed a problem with the shield VFX not moving properly during the Ghost King’s jump pattern.
- Fixed a plant in the Stables module blocking hits incorrectly.
- Fixed long chat messages only partially showing in notifications.
- Deleted chat messages no longer reappear when switching characters after clearing chat history.
- Item link popups now appear correctly when hovering over chat links.
- Highlight effect now applies properly when selecting Arena in the map selection UI.
- Chat HUD preview appears correctly when typing in Arena.
- Magic Penetration and Cooldown Reduction Bonus now show in the Goldsmith Enchant list.
Game Updates:
- Changed in-game queue modes to Solo/Trio.
- Improved scroll visibility in the Karma UI.
Balance Updates:
General
- Random modifier values increased or newly added, keeping combat balance intact.
- Damage ratios adjusted:
- Arm: 90% → 80%
- Hand: 90% → 70%
- Leg: 85% → 60%
- Foot: 85% → 50%
- Headshot damage reduction for Lizardman and Lycan raised from 10% to 15%.
Item
- Movement speed adjusted for feet equipment.
- Plate armor rating slightly increased.
Class
- Warlock’s Phantomize movement speed bonus reduced from 10% to 5%.
These tweaks show how the devs are listening to player feedback and are willing to make changes to support different playstyles. I wonder how many players will jump back into solo mode now that it’s back and how these loot changes will affect the grind.
What do you think about the solo queue return and these balance updates? Are you excited to test the new modifiers or notice the hitbox damage changes?
