Episode IV Adjusted, Rebalanced, Made More Awesome
Starting March 30, 2006, players who travel to Episode IV will notice some new changes. We have taken some time to balance and rework many elements of the experience that should make the game more enjoyable for questing parties. Take a look at some of the changes below:
- The item drop rates have been balanced; players will have more opportunity to find rare items from Episode IV enemies and item boxes.
- Enemy resistances to all schools of magic have been lowered and general enemy parameters have been balanced.
- Enemy drop tables have been adjusted to offer different, and often better, drops to all section ids.
- Players will find that items will spawn at different rates per difficulty (previously the rates were fixed). This should make rare hunting in Episode IV much better.
Difficulty
Episode IV is more challenging than the other episodes. Be sure to get together with a good group and train hard to meet the new Difficulty requirements:
| Normal |
All players can play and explore within Normal Difficulty |
| Hard |
All Hunters must be level 40 or higher |
| Very Hard |
Hunters must be level 70 or higher |
| Ultimate |
Hunters must be level 110 or higher |
Enemies
The crater area is home to never-before-seen enemies. They may look similar, but don't be fooled, these enemies are tougher than you might expect. Here are a few enemies to look out for:
| SATELLITE LIZARD |
 |
Description |
A basic enemy that appears on the overworld map. |
| Attribute |
Native. These enemies use their head to deflect incoming ranged attacks. Beware of their dangerous poison attack. |
| ASTARK |
 |
Description |
A mid-boss that appears on the overworld map. |
| Attribute |
Altered Beast: This cricket-resembling insectoid spits fire and punches in rapid succession.
|
| GORAN |
 |
Description |
A basic enemy that appears on the underground map. |
| Attribute |
Dark. They attack in large groups, overwhelming a player with their razor sharp arms.
|
Items
While Questing in the new outer lying crater areas, players will have the opportunity to discover brand new items. Below is a selection of some new weapons you may encounter in the field.
| KUSANAGI |
 |
Type |
Saber |
| Description |
A saber inlaid with an Eastern-style design. |
| FLAMBERGE |
 |
Type |
Saber |
| Description |
A saber with a wavy blade that maximizes damage potential. |
| HEAVEN STRIKER |
 |
Type |
Handgun |
| Description |
A handgun based off secret military blueprints. |
