On the 29th, Kakao Games announced the direction for combat system improvements in the MMORPG 'Chrono Odyssey', which is serviced by the company and developed by Chrono Studio.

These details were released via a developer note on the official Steam page. Following previous notes that covered lighting system overhauls, performance optimization, and improvements to cameras and hitboxes, this update focuses on refining combat controls, visual effects, and the overall flow of battle, reflecting player feedback and internal development discussions.

This developer note primarily covers the advancement of character movement and control systems. The previous version, which restricted movement direction based on the camera view, has been changed to allow character control independent of the screen direction. The development team explained that this creates a flow that allows for flexible responses to enemy movements during combat. Additionally, a dedicated strafing movement has been added, increasing the flexibility of character movement even while locked onto a specific target, and expanding options for various combat situations, such as moving to an enemy's flank after dodging a wide-area attack.

Attack methods have also been improved. When using basic attacks and skills, the attack is now triggered based on the character's orientation rather than the camera, allowing movement direction and attack trajectories to connect naturally. This establishes a structure where the player's intended inputs are immediately reflected in combat results. Furthermore, the responsiveness of the sprint action has been enhanced, allowing for natural acceleration even while moving or after jumping. Automatic follow-up actions after jumping have been removed to provide a more intuitive and clean character control experience.

Visual feedback for when a character is hit during combat has also been strengthened. Clearer reactions are now displayed upon taking damage, increasing the tension and immersion of combat. This is intended to emphasize a combat flow where timing and response are crucial, rather than simple stat exchanges. A 'Guard Crush' element has been introduced to the defense system, broadening strategic choices. If a player is attacked while blocking, a separate resource is consumed along with health, and defense is broken once a certain threshold is reached. Notably, blocking is designed to be limited when attacked from the side or rear, emphasizing the importance of positioning and situational judgment during combat. Additionally, the overall combat tempo has been adjusted to reduce excessive character knockback, and certain constraints previously applied to some enemies have been redesigned to be conditional, expanding options for different combat scenarios.

The consumable item system during combat has also been completely restructured. Health recovery has changed from consumable items to a rechargeable system, allowing for immediate use without separate equipment management. Especially in challenge-based content, health recovery potions are automatically replenished even upon death, preventing interruptions in gameplay flow caused by returning to town. Food items are now classified as auxiliary means to provide long-term buff effects, allowing them to be used as strategic elements in the pre-combat preparation phase by providing continuous effects such as stat increases or movement speed boosts. Special potions that provide powerful effects for a short time have also been added, serving as options to turn the tide of battle at critical moments.

In 1v1 duel content between players, the combat area and end points are now clearly displayed, allowing for intuitive recognition of the start and results of a duel. Visual effects for weapon swapping during combat have also been reinforced, making it easier to recognize the current state even amidst various visual effects.

The development team stated, "This combat system upgrade is a process to more clearly deliver the action and strategic fun that 'Chrono Odyssey' aims for," adding, "We will continue to enhance the overall player experience based on user feedback."