Why Low TTK Hurts PvP Depth and Why Intrepid’s Changes Are the Right Move for Ashes of Creation
Why Low TTK Hurts PvP Depth and Why Intrepid’s Changes Are the Right Move for Ashes of Creation
Low Time-to-Kill (TTK) in combat often leads to shallow, reaction-based gameplay, where success is determined by burst damage and reflexes. This type of combat limits strategic depth and player agency, as there is little room for meaningful counterplay or adaptation. Research in game design suggests that extremely low TTK results in a less enjoyable experience because it leads to frustration and minimizes player choice. Too high of a TTK, however, can result in drawn-out combat that feels tedious and less impactful. The ideal TTK is one that allows for quick, intense action, but also offers enough time for players to respond, strategize, and outplay their opponents.
Increasing TTK allows for more strategic depth, providing players with time to react, reposition, and outplay their opponents. It creates a more tactical environment where success hinges on timing, positioning, and mechanical understanding rather than simply burst damage. This approach aligns with game design principles that emphasize player agency and customization, contributing to long-term engagement and satisfaction. Research shows that this balance in TTK leads to a higher skill ceiling, creating a more rewarding experience for players who master their mechanics and class.
Intrepid’s recent changes in Alpha Two, including stat balancing and progression tuning, are steps in the right direction. As Steven Sharif mentioned in his latest update:
“With this week’s patch, we’ve officially kicked off the first phase of stat balancing and progression tuning in Alpha Two. This update brings foundational changes to character leveling, gear stat scaling, mana/health regeneration, enchanting, and TTK (time-to-kill). These systems will continue to receive frequent tuning passes over the coming weeks as we dial in the pacing and feel of progression. AKA Don’t lose your shit, instead help us refine the results! ❤️_ — Steven Sharif_
This reflects Intrepid's commitment to refining TTK and gear progression systems. The goal is to create a balanced, engaging combat experience that fosters strategic and mechanical depth. By reducing gear power and continuing to adjust the value of various stats, the developers are working to ensure that gear is meaningful, but not overpowered, and that player skill plays a larger role in combat outcomes.
As Steven Sharif noted, these changes are part of a multi-patch process, with frequent tuning passes that will continue to adjust how gear progression and combat survivability feel in both PvP and PvE. Balancing waterfall stats—the secondary stats influenced by primary stats—takes time and effort, as it directly impacts build diversity and player customization. The developers are iterating on this balance, and while the alpha may look messy at times, this is a natural part of the testing and development process. Player feedback is a critical part of shaping the final system, and Intrepid’s ongoing efforts will help refine the feel of these systems.
This iterative process will help improve PvP by increasing the skill gap between players. The reduced emphasis on raw gear power, combined with a focus on meaningful progression, means that great players will be those who master their class, not simply those who rely on high damage or overwhelming stats. This also ties into the ongoing feedback loop, where players are encouraged to submit their thoughts through Intrepid's dedicated surveys to shape the future direction of the game.
In conclusion, low TTK results in chaotic and reaction-based combat, whereas increasing TTK allows for a deeper, more engaging tactical experience. Intrepid's changes, including reducing gear power and focusing on fine-tuning progression and combat pacing, will lead to a game that rewards strategic thinking, team coordination, and player skill. This shift will help create a more rewarding, skill-based environment, while maintaining a focus on PvE and PvP balance, ensuring that Ashes of Creation evolves into a game that values both player agency and strategic depth.
