The alpha playtest for Riftstorm is now live! The community is buzzing, and players are flocking to try it out, so whether you’re a casual gamer or a looter-shooter enthusiast, this playtest is your chance to get a sneak peek at what’s looking to be a great game.
A Closer Look at the Mythic Protocol
Available as a free demo on Steam, Riftstorm has already shot to the top of the charts and was trending as the #1 free game on Steam for a few days. From October 16th to October 30th, you can jump in and see what it’s all about.
One of the big changes in this alpha playtest is the increased focus on Riftstorm’s theming. In previous tests, players were confused about their role in the world and the Mythic Protocol, a secret organization that protects humanity from cosmic threats.
Confiction Labs has rewritten the tutorial to immerse players deeper into the lore. Now, players are dropped into the world of the Mythic Protocol, fighting against eldritch forces with unique skills and advanced weapons. This should make the story more engaging and more integrated with the gameplay.
New: Dungeon System, Weapons and Crafting
The Riftstorm alpha has some big gameplay changes, starting with Dungeon System 2.0. This new system allows for more flexible map design and more interactivity in the environments, so players will face more dynamic challenges as they play through the different dungeons. Whether it’s haunted ruins or futuristic industrial landscapes, the environments are more rich and immersive.
The alpha also updates the loot and crafting system, giving players expanded access to an armoury inventory they can share across all characters.
Competitive Edge: Leaderboards and Challenges
For those who love competition, Riftstorm has brought back the leaderboard system. In this alpha, players can compete in timed runs and endurance challenges, with daily standings on the game’s website and social media.
The leaderboard system challenges players to push themselves in timed challenges or endurance runs in the Challenge Tower, where they must survive waves of enemies. Whether you want to be at the top of the leaderboard or beat your personal best, the competitive elements add an extra layer of fun to the game.
Riftstorm Assignment Dashboard
New in the alpha is the Assignment Dashboard, where players can manage and complete tasks to earn rewards and XP. This system tracks three main components: Proof of Humanity, Proof of Exposure and Proof of Network. These contribute to a player’s Clearance Score (CS), which determines their Clearance Level and unlocks exclusive content in the game.
Proof of Humanity allows players to verify personal milestones and achievements, like sharing their real-life experiences, which will increase their standing in the Riftstorm community. Proof of Exposure allows players to get recognition for their contributions, like streaming or sharing the game with others.
Fiannly, Proof of Network allows players to invite friends to the game, each successful referral will increase their Clearance Score. The Assignment Dashboard allows players to engage with the Riftstorm ecosystem at their own pace and get personalized rewards and recognition based on their activity.
Daily Check-ins
The alpha also has a daily check-in system where players can log in and complete specific tasks to earn points. Completing these assignments will keep players engaged, give them rewards, and boost their overall clearance score. The check-in system keeps players involved in the development process and gives them reasons to play regularly.
What’s coming next?
In September, Confiction Labs joined forces with the Xai to bring blockchain technology to Riftstorm. This partnership played a big role in pushing their vision for Collaborative Entertainment, where players can directly influence and shape the game’s universe.
The current alpha is all about gameplay and narrative, but Riftstorm will integrate Web3 features in the future. These blockchain-based features will allow players to own and trade NFTs like exclusive skins and items in the game. These features are not live yet but will be part of the post-launch roadmap and will give players more control over their in-game items and more engagement.
As Riftstorm gets closer to launch, Confiction Labs is building the community around the game. They are also working on making the game cross-platform so players can play on PC, mobile and console. For now, alpha is a crucial step in refining the core mechanics, getting feedback from the community, and making the final product as good as possible.
Editor’s note: Written with the assistance of AI – Edited and fact-checked by Jason Newey.
