Version 1.23.0 Released

Version 1.23.0 is here.

This update focuses on one of the oldest and most important parts of Knights of Crystalis: equipment.

The original plan was to add more equipment sets.

After auditing the current game, however, it became clear that KoC already has an extensive set system with 77 runtime-registered equipment sets.

So instead of adding another layer of redundant loot, version 1.23.0 takes a different approach:

Make the equipment already in the game more interesting.

This update introduces real combat mechanics for several existing set bonuses, adds a new Legendary Affix system for high-end non-set equipment and expands Runic Crafting with Legendary Imprinting.

Equipment Set Audit

The existing equipment set system received a deeper technical and balance review.

During that audit, an old issue was discovered in the original core sets.

For several of these sets, the displayed 2-piece and 3-piece bonuses did not perfectly match the actual combat calculations.

In some cases, those bonuses were effectively being applied twice.

Version 1.23.0 corrects that behavior.

The affected core sets now provide exactly the values shown in their descriptions.

This is technically a reduction in some previously unintended bonuses, but it brings the system back in line with its intended balance.

Real 5-Piece Set Keystones

The more important change is what happens at five equipped pieces.

Several of the original core sets already described distinctive 5-piece effects, but internally many of those bonuses were still represented by comparatively generic stat behavior.

Version 1.23.0 turns the original core set bonuses into actual combat mechanics.

A complete set can now meaningfully change how a build plays rather than simply increasing another percentage.

One example is the Duelist Set.

Its progression is now correctly applied as:

• 2 Pieces: +12 Speed
• 3 Pieces: +10 Dodge
• 5 Pieces: Every third Basic Attack repeats at 55% effectiveness

The third attack therefore becomes part of the build's rhythm instead of the full set simply providing more passive stats.

Ten original core sets now use dedicated 5-piece Keystone mechanics.

Legendary Affixes

Version 1.23.0 also introduces Legendary Affixes.

These are special effects that can appear on eligible high-end equipment and are designed to change gameplay rather than simply provide more Strength, Crit or Defense.

The first release contains 10 Legendary Affixes.

Their effects cover mechanics such as:

• Skill echoes
• Execute damage
• Temporary barriers
• Critical-hit healing
• Cooldown manipulation
• Defensive triggers
• Rift protection
• Other build-specific combat effects

The purpose of Legendary Affixes is to give otherwise ordinary high-end equipment its own identity.

Two items with similar base stats can now support very different builds depending on their Legendary effect.

Which Items Can Receive Legendary Affixes?

Legendary Affixes are intentionally restricted.

Eligible equipment must generally be:

• Legendary or Ultimate quality
• Level 35 or higher
• Non-set equipment

Certain special item categories are deliberately excluded.

Legendary Affixes cannot be added to:

• Set equipment
• Unique equipment
• Forgotten equipment

These categories already have their own identity and progression rules.

The goal is to strengthen regular endgame gear without making specialized equipment obsolete.

Legendary Imprinting

The Runic Crafting system now includes Legendary Imprinting.

Eligible equipment can be taken to the Forge and given a Legendary Affix.

Existing Legendary Affixes can also be rerolled.

Imprinting costs resources including:

• Gold
• Transmutation Prisms
• Reforging Orbs

The exact item itself is preserved.

Imprinting does not replace:

• Standard affixes
• Item Quality
• Sockets
• Base equipment identity
• Existing normal stat rolls

Only the Legendary effect is changed.

This makes Imprinting a new endgame optimization path without forcing players to rebuild an otherwise excellent item from scratch.

Hard Caps and Proc Limits

Adding new effects to a mature combat system creates an obvious risk:

Runaway stacking.

Because of that, the new Legendary Affixes and Set Keystones were implemented with explicit internal limits.

Effects involving repeated attacks, skill echoes, healing, barriers and similar mechanics use bounded proc behavior.

The intention is to create unusual builds without introducing:

• Infinite skill loops
• Infinite healing chains
• Recursive attack triggers
• Unlimited cooldown resets
• Unbounded defensive stacking

Equipment should become more interesting, not break the existing combat model.

Build Identity

This update changes the role of high-end equipment.

Previously, many late-game comparisons ultimately came down to:

Which item has the larger numbers?

Version 1.23.0 begins moving the system toward another question:

Which item actually fits my build?

A slightly weaker weapon with the right Legendary Affix may now be more valuable than a statistically superior weapon that does not support the player’s strategy.

A complete equipment set can now create a distinctive gameplay loop.

And Runic Crafting gives players more control over the direction their endgame build takes.

Existing Sets Remain Intact

This update does not replace the existing equipment-set catalog.

All 77 runtime sets remain available.

Version 1.23.0 specifically improves the mechanical behavior of the original core set group while preserving the larger collection of later sets already present in the game.

This also provides a foundation for future updates.

Additional existing sets can receive more specialized Keystone mechanics over time without requiring an entirely new equipment system.