By Fiene
In the ever-evolving world of Forge of Empires, preparing for fresh challenges is an essential part of the journey. With this doctrine in mind, we are excited to announce the beta release of a new feature: the Guild Expedition Trials. This additional layer enriches the existing Guild Expedition, promising not only increasing challenges but also additional rewards for committed players. Here’s everything you need to know about this addition.
Introducing the Guild Expedition Trials
Referred to in our beta announcement, Guild Expedition Trials transform your expeditions by offering an optional layer of difficulty on top of the existing framework. Starting January 28th, players have the opportunity to choose from current trials that add complexity and additional challenges. Players can now not only maintain the current challenge level but also adjust it to make gameplay either simpler or more arduous.
The Mechanics of Trials
At the beginning of each Guild Expedition (GEX), players can select a trial that suits their abilities. Each trial offers distinct levels of difficulty, associating higher rewards with more challenging endeavors. Starting with Trials 1 to 3 already unlocked, players will also receive insights into recommended attack and defense boosts alongside a preview of potential rewards.
Throughout the trials, players will face an array of escalating challenges:
- Increased Enemy Army Boosts
- Higher Negotiation Resource Costs
- Enhanced Fortification Build Costs
Once committed to a trial for the week, players cannot change it.
Additions and Enhancements
Dynamic Attack and Defense Boosts: Each encounter will now feature varying attack and defense boosts, creating a more dynamic battle environment. Importantly, this distribution ensures every player experiences identical conditions, enhancing the fairness and competition within trials.
Expanded Negotiation Pool: With the addition of new special resources such as Mars Ore, negotiation becomes a richer part of the strategy, pushing players to use more diverse resources for successful outcomes.
New rewards: We the new trials we have also added additional levels of existing rewards like the Silver and Gold Terrace Farm, the Tiny Fountain of Youth or additional levels to the Serpent Statue.
To accommodate these changes, fortifications have been overhauled to bolster both defensive and attacking armies across all difficulties, introducing the Twin Serpent Temple to allow for strategic advantage switches within encounters.
What’s Coming Next?
While the trials are designed to add diversity and depth, we recognize the possibility of needing adjustments based on player feedback. As players engage with this new feature, their insights will be invaluable in perfecting it.
For those eager to dive into testing, our beta market is open and awaiting your feedback: Join the Beta!
A Nod to the Past and a Look to the Future
In our Product Head Matt’s Community Letter from December, the notion of additional trials was teased, aligning with our ongoing commitment to enrich gameplay with evolving challenges and rewards. This feature is not just an enhancement but a testament to our dedication to keeping Forge of Empires vibrant and engaging.
Thank you for your continued support and feedback. We look forward to your thoughts on the Guild Expedition Trials and to seeing you conquer these new challenges.
RJ 
Alina - Game Designer