Hello, Workers. This is Developer L from Soulworker. With the heavy rainfall continuing day after day during this monsoon season, I am concerned whether everyone has been experiencing any major inconveniences. This is a time when it is easy to become physically and mentally exhausted due to the high humidity and stuffy weather, so I hope all Workers take good care of their health and make sure to enjoy plenty of delicious meals. The reason I am greeting you today through this Developer Note is because I believe it is only right to transparently share with Workers, before anyone else, both the news about upcoming updates and the internal changes within the development team. Developer B, who has been leading Soulworker until now, will be changing roles from actual development work to overall project management. As a result, I have taken over the handover process and will now be leading the direct development operations and live service work for Soulworker. To ensure that Workers do not worry about this sudden change, I will carry on the existing strengths while improving the areas that were lacking. I will do my very best to become Developer L, who can meet the expectations of all Workers. Now, I would like to introduce the update details and future schedule that many of you have been waiting for. Addition of the Mystic Grade for the Akashic Record "Arua". Additional Story Leading from Season 3 Mazes to the New Raid The unfinished story of Season 3 Episode 1, which came to a stop while speaking with Heights at the end of the Season 3 Maze, will finally continue. The interrupted storyline will be resumed, and along with it, new normal Mazes and a new Raid that will continue the long-term progression of the game will be added. New Raid Last Standing Players & Difficulty Designed as a 4-player exclusive difficulty. Raid Boss A new monster, "Pisto", will appear as the main boss. Combat Direction Rather than relying on complex gimmicks (mechanics where players must break specific rules or patterns), the Raid will focus more on players' pure control skills and ability to react. However, there will also be moments where teamwork between party members is required. Entry Requirement The entry restriction Retention (based on appropriate gear level) will be set at 1200. Main Rewards The main reward from this Raid will be the "Core", which will be explained below. New Equipment System: Core First, we would like to introduce the overall direction of the Core options that will be added for each character. The Core system is designed to go beyond simply increasing attack power or damage. It aims to allow players to choose and experiment with different playstyles depending on their character. Various types of options will be prepared, including effects such as: Operation using buffs and stacking systems Changes to channeling and casting methods Enhanced skill combos and additional skill usage New combat mechanics such as extra attacks, deployable objects, and summons Expansion of character-specific systems such as bleeding and special stacks Specialized options that maximize specific playstyles However, we will not reveal which skills each option applies to or the exact option combinations in this Developer Note. The currently revealed options are only intended to share the development direction. We believe that revealing specific skill and option combinations in advance would reduce the enjoyment of researching builds and discovering strategies. Obtaining new Cores yourself, experimenting with various combinations, and creating your own personal setup will be an important part of the fun this system provides. Additionally, the information currently introduced is based on a version still under development. Since internal testing and balance verification are still ongoing, some options may have their performance adjusted, changed into different forms, or even removed if deemed necessary. This includes not only cases where certain options are excessively strong or weak, but also cases where they create unintended gameplay patterns or significantly reduce the value of choosing other options. The final option configurations and numerical values will be announced based on the details available at the time of the update. For the remaining development period, we will continue reviewing and improving the system to provide more diverse choices and a satisfying gameplay experience. Equipment Method A dedicated Core slot will be added. Only Core equipment can be equipped in this slot. Players will be able to freely switch between different Cores. Option Characteristics As previously announced, this is not a system that directly increases a character's base stats. Instead, it is a support system that grants additional buffs to skills. Leveling & Growth Structure Like Growth Equipment, Cores will have levels. Each time a Core level increases, three random choices will appear. Levels 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 Simple numerical adjustment options will appear, such as: Increased skill damage Reduced cooldowns Increased/decreased range Levels 3, 6, and 9 Options with special effects will appear. Depending on combinations, they will function as "Triggers and Buffs" that can dramatically enhance certain skills. Reset System Both of the following reset methods are planned: Full Level Reset Individual Reset Reset costs will primarily use in-game currency (Zenny). We will carefully balance this system so that players can use it comfortably through normal gameplay without inconvenience. New Maze System (Higher Difficulty Expansion) Planned To encourage Workers' continued desire for challenges and provide clear motivation for further growth, we plan to add a system that allows players to challenge higher difficulty versions of existing dungeons. We are designing a system where obstacles accumulate by stages, such as: Debuffs Areas that continuously deal damage in specific zones Other mechanics that interfere with clearing the content We are currently building detailed systems that allow players to experience the value of more precise control and stronger character progression. New Collaboration: [Soulworker × TalesShop] We have exciting collaboration news for Workers. A collaboration with TalesShop, a company loved by many for its unique storytelling, is planned for Q4 2026. 『SomeSome Convenience Store』, 『Miracle Snack Bar』 Currently, both companies are in the planning stage, utilizing resources from both sides to deliver the highest possible quality to Workers. Detailed collaboration content and schedules will be announced again once they are finalized. Soulworker AI Story Chat Service in Preparation To allow players to enjoy Soulworker's attractive world and characters more deeply outside of the game, we are preparing an official "AI Story Chat" service based on Soulworker in collaboration with AIplay. The service will provide a unique format where players can communicate with characters based on Soulworker's official universe and existing story content. Reviewing Secondary Creation & Monetization To support Workers' creative activities, we are also considering active support measures. We are positively reviewing ways to provide an environment where users can create their own Story Chats using Soulworker's characters and world setting. Furthermore, we are considering a direction where creators may be able to receive legitimate compensation through the secondary-created Story Chats they produce. ※ Since this utilizes Soulworker's official IP, minimum regulations will be established regarding: The range of characters and materials that may be used Monetization standards Guidelines (including expressions that may be difficult to permit) More detailed information will be provided through a future announcement. Closing Remarks The development team is always listening carefully to the voices of Workers and doing its best to provide a better gaming experience. In addition to the content introduced today, we will continue working on detailed bug fixes and optimization improvements to provide a more comfortable environment. Although starting in this new position comes with a heavy responsibility, I will continue thinking day and night about how to make sure the time Workers spend in Soulworker is always enjoyable. Please stay safe on the rainy roads, and we will return next time with even more substantial and polished news. Thank you. — From Soulworker Developer L —