Frostborn Launches Closed Beta with New Character Classes

Frostborn’s Closed Beta: What’s New?

The recent closed beta of Frostborn introduces two fresh character classes that many players report are already shifting gameplay dynamics. Unlike typical expansions that add minor tweaks, these classes seem to challenge established strategies and demand a more nuanced approach to character builds.

What This Means for You

Players who adapt to these new classes early could gain a strategic edge. However, a common mistake is rushing to pick these classes without understanding their nuanced abilities, which often leads to ineffective play and slower progression. Recognising the strengths and limitations of each class is crucial to optimizing your approach.

Common Mistakes When Using New Classes

• Ignoring Synergies: Many players focus on individual skills without considering how the new classes’ abilities interact with existing ones, which can weaken team performance.
• Overinvesting in Offense: A recurring issue is prioritising offensive stats that don’t complement the new classes’ tactical roles, resulting in fragile characters during prolonged battles.
• Neglecting Mobility and Positioning: These new classes often rely on positioning; overlooking this leads to wasted potential and missed opportunities in both PvP and PvE scenarios.
• Underestimating Cooldown Management: The new classes feature several abilities with longer cooldowns, and failing to manage these effectively often leaves players vulnerable at critical moments.
• Misallocating Skill Points: Some players spread points too thinly across various skills rather than focusing on core abilities that define the new classes’ strengths, diluting overall effectiveness.
• Ignoring Defensive Options: The emphasis on tactical play can cause some players to neglect defensive talents or gear, resulting in characters being easily overwhelmed in team fights or boss encounters.

When Not to Use These New Classes

This update is NOT for you if you:

• Prefer straightforward, low-maintenance playstyles that don’t require frequent tactical adjustments.
• Are new to Frostborn or MMORPGs in general; the learning curve with these classes can be steep and frustrating initially.
• Dislike micromanagement or feel overwhelmed by complex resource and cooldown management.
• Primarily engage in solo play and find team coordination challenging, as these classes often excel in group dynamics.
• Have limited playtime and prefer immediate gratification from character power without investing heavily in mastering nuanced mechanics.

In these cases, sticking with familiar classes might provide a more enjoyable experience until you feel comfortable experimenting.

Before-You-Start Checklist for Adopting New Classes

• ☐ Review the new classes’ special abilities and consider how they align with your preferred playstyle.
• ☐ Experiment with different skill combinations in controlled environments before engaging in competitive play.
• ☐ Analyse your current team composition to identify potential synergies or gaps.
• ☐ Prepare to adjust your usual tactics, especially regarding positioning and resource management.
• ☐ Monitor community feedback and patch notes for any balance changes during the beta phase.
• ☐ Test your gear setup to ensure it supports the new classes’ unique demands, including survivability and utility.
• ☐ Familiarise yourself with key enemy behaviours to maximise the tactical advantages offered by the new classes.
• ☐ Plan for longer engagement times, as some new class abilities require patience and timing rather than rapid bursts of damage.

Trade-Offs to Consider

Adopting these new classes involves several trade-offs:

• Complexity vs. Power: While the new classes offer potent abilities, they often require more strategic input, which may not suit all players. Mastering their full potential demands time investment in learning cooldown rotations, positioning nuances, and ability synergies.
• Initial Fragility: Some players report that these classes can be vulnerable early on, demanding cautious play until fully developed. This fragility means you may face setbacks in early PvE or PvP encounters if defensive options are not prioritised.
• Resource Demands: Managing new abilities may increase resource consumption, potentially limiting sustained combat effectiveness if not handled carefully. Players must balance offensive output with resource regeneration to avoid being left powerless in extended fights.
• Team Dependence: These classes often excel when supported by specific team compositions, so solo players or those in uncoordinated groups may find their effectiveness reduced.
• Gear Requirements: Equipping the optimal gear to support these classes’ unique mechanics-such as cooldown reduction or mobility enhancements-may require significant farming or investment.

What to Watch Next

As the closed beta progresses, keep an eye on how the developers adjust class balance and how player strategies evolve. This ongoing feedback loop could significantly alter the meta, making early adaptability a valuable asset.

For Frostborn enthusiasts aiming to stay ahead, understanding these nuances now could save time and frustration when the full launch arrives.

FAQ

When should I consider switching to one of Frostborn’s new classes?

Consider switching if you enjoy tactical gameplay requiring positioning and synergy with team members. Avoid switching during early progression if unfamiliar with the classes’ complexities.