14 DAY TRIAL // DC Universe Online has gained a big number of new players once it went free-to-play last year, and Sony now wants to give them even more reasons to continue playing, thanks to a special “Research and Development” crafting mechanic that will be included in a new update.
DC Universe Online became quite popular since its release almost a year ago, but it quickly began to lose its appeal, both on the PC and the PS3. Once Sony Online Entertainment made it a free-to-play title, however, the interest in the game skyrocketed, with lots of players trying out the superhero game.
Now, for those who got tired of fighting crime and going on all sorts of adventures, SOE has prepared a special new crafting mechanic that will be included in a new update.
Called Research and Development, this system relies on players gathering Exobits and Exobytes, which are now scattered in and around the game’s various cities, like Gotham, Metropolis or Central. Potential crafters also need to be on the lookout for research plans, which contain recipes for items like equipment mods or consumables. Last but not least, you can also deconstruct gear your find in the game to get extra components.
Check out the full description of the research and development mechanic below, straight from Sony.
Since Brainiac's arrival, scientists and engineers the world over have been working tirelessly to learn everything possible about the Exobytes Lex Luthor released into the atmosphere. Though many of the Exobytes have found their way to human hosts, still more have gone dormant and begun to decay. Finally, breakthroughs in nanite technology will allow Heroes and Villains to find and utilize these unclaimed Exobytes in the form of powerful Equipment Mods and Consumables! Beginning at level 10, players can begin to enjoy the benefits of modified technology.
Gather Exobits and Exobytes!
The first step in harnessing the untapped power of the Exobytes lies in finding them. Residual Exobytes in the world have broken down into units called Exobits. These smaller pieces are scattered around Gotham City, Metropolis, and Central City. Gather the Exobits, then forge them into new Exobytes of varying qualities at Research and Development stations.
Research Plans!
Of course, before construction can begin, you must decide what kind of item you wish to create. Equipment Mods can be socketed into gear for powerful benefits, and various Consumables will lend you bonuses for short durations of time. Plans for the creation of either can be found throughout the world or purchased at new Research and Development vendors.
Develop Equipment Mods and Consumables!
Once you have learned the appropriate plan, collect the necessary components, including Exobytes, and assemble the new item at a Research and Development station. Equipment Mods come in various colors which, when matched with similarly colored sockets on your gear, can provide even further bonuses and power.
Salvage!
Finally, some gear found in the world can now be deconstructed at Research and Development stations to aid in the process. Salvaging these items will return Research and Development components that can be used in other recipes. DC Universe Online will get this crafting mechanic with the free Game Update 8, which is set to be released in the near future.