GAME UPDATE 8: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT IS NOW LIVE! - 01/10/2012

by **DogManDan** Tue Jan 10, 2012 7:59 pm

DC Universe™ Online Introduces Research & Development System in Eighth Game Update

Game Update Also Adds Role-Less Mode for Group Combat Alerts

WHAT: Every hero (and villain) needs a finely-tuned arsenal to succeed, and now DC Universe Online has just the right system! All DCUO players now have access to the all-new Research & Development (R&D) system. This new system allows players to create new and powerful items.

Research & Development brings Equipment Mods - a new type of item that will socket into players' existing gear to give them a stat and combat rating increase. Players can use different Equipment Mods to increase various stats, allowing them to further customize their gear to suit their needs. In addition, players will be allowed to make superior consumables that not only restore health and power, but also provide a stat buff.

Upon reaching level 10, players will be directed to their respective faction's R&D contact in the Watchtower or Hall of Doom for an introduction to the R&D system. R&D parts, Stations and Vendors can be found throughout the game so that no matter what players do, they will be able to make use of the new system.

There are four elements of this system, including:

Finding and Researching: Plans to create Equipment Mods to upgrade gear and consumables can be collected throughout the world.
Gathering: Throughout the open world (including Gotham City, Metropolis and Central City), players (1-30) can find exobytes and other items.
Salvaging: Players can turn unused, uncommon or rare items into crafting materials, and they can recover a rare item and create a useful piece of new equipment.
Collecting: Bosses will drop useful ingredients such as Focusing Elements and Plans throughout the game.
More details about the R&D system can be found here: DC Universe Online Research & Development.
WHEN: The Research & Development game update is now available as a free download for players at all three access levels: Free, Premium and Legendary.
DC Universe Online is licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC Entertainment. For more information about DC Universe Online, visit www.DCUniverseOnline.com.