Midnight Expands PvP with ‘Slayer’s Rise’ and Introduces Dynamic ‘Prey’ System
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A new era of player-versus-player combat and open-world challenges is coming to Midnight, according to recent interviews with key developers. The game is poised to deliver a more engaging PvP experience alongside a unique “Prey” system designed to reward exploration and skill.
Evolving PvP: From Comp Stomp to The Voidstorm
Training Grounds, a new feature, represents the next iteration of the popular Comp Stomp brawl, which remains Blizzard’s most successful PvP event to date in terms of player participation. This mode will allow players to hone their skills against AI-controlled opponents in a battleground setting, serving as an accessible entry point to PvP concepts.
However, the most significant development lies in Slayer’s Rise, a massive 40v40 battleground set within The Voidstorm zone. Inspired by the classic Alterac Valley, Slayer’s Rise distinguishes itself by being not just an instanced battleground, but an integral part of the open world. A senior official stated that all future outdoor PvP development will be concentrated within The Voidstorm, moving away from the scattered PvP encounters seen in previous expansions. The team is committed to refining this area based on community feedback. Notably, the entrance to the Voidscar Arena dungeon is strategically located within Slayer’s Rise, creating a natural flow between different types of endgame content.
The ‘Prey’ System: A New Kind of Challenge
Midnight is introducing the Prey system, designed to offer rewards comparable to those found in delves, including access to Vault slots. This system features a dedicated Journey track, mirroring the structure of delves, offering both progression tools to simplify the Prey experience and cosmetic rewards such as pets and mounts.
The core mechanic of the Prey system is a dynamic hunt. Players will be pursued by their assigned “prey” while engaging in open-world activities within the designated area. The game will provide subtle clues to aid players in locating their pursuer, potentially offering hints like “you’re getting closer.” According to a company release, Nightmare preys are intended to be as challenging as high-tier delves, though scaling will be adjusted based on feedback gathered during the Alpha and Beta testing phases.
Additional Updates Streamline Gameplay
Beyond PvP and the Prey system, several quality-of-life improvements are on the horizon. Players will be able to access Apex talents starting at level 81, with no additional requirements beyond reaching that level. The game will also introduce decor trophies, awarded for both exceptional performance and consistent engagement, with PvP being a key area for earning these rewards.
Finally, skyriding is undergoing a significant overhaul. The traditional Vigor bar is being replaced with a system of six shared charges that replenish over time for abilities that previously consumed Vigor. Whirling Surge will now operate on a separate 30-second cooldown, independent of these charges, promising increased player mobility overall.
These updates signal a commitment to refining the Midnight experience, focusing on both competitive gameplay and engaging open-world content.
