Netmarble Monster Launches RAVEN2 Fresh Start Server ZERO

Netmarble Monster opened the Fresh Start Server ZERO for its dark fantasy MMORPG RAVEN2 on September 15th. The new server introduces sweeping changes designed to lower barriers for new players and reduce pay-to-win pressure, according to an interview with the game's Head of Development published by PocketGamer.

The development team, led by Head of Development Doo-Hyun Cho, stated that the creation of ZERO was driven by the difficulty new players faced catching up on mature existing servers. The goal was to build an environment where players could experience the core of RAVEN2 without the previous progression hurdles. Cho explained that this required moving away from some of the game's established operational approaches.

Key Changes for New Players

Several major system overhauls define the ZERO server. Peace Zones have replaced early- and mid-game field bosses to reduce player-killing pressure. The accuracy system has been rebalanced to minimize misses caused by large power gaps between characters. Perhaps most significantly, the server excludes the Mythic-grade and Awakening systems entirely, which the team says will make competitive content more accessible by narrowing power disparities.

A new in-game currency called Farming Crystals is central to the revised progression. Players can earn these crystals through hunting and use them to purchase Crystal packages from the shop. These packages contain items that previously required real-money purchases. The team has also substantially increased drop rates for high-grade equipment compared to the older servers.

Tackling Progression and Pay-to-Win

Cho identified the difficulty of progression and the widening gap between players as primary barriers for newcomers. On existing servers, progression demanded significant time, and low drop rates for top gear were maintained to preserve item value. This slow pace could lead to lost interest, while spending differences created large power imbalances.

ZERO aims to address both monetization and achievable gameplay. "Both," Cho said when asked if reducing pay-to-win pressure involved changing monetization or gameplay rewards. The design allows players to earn valuable resources through play to accelerate their progress. The team is running events to ensure players feel their characters grow stronger with time investment, providing a consistent sense of advancement.

Balancing Pace and Long-Term Health

The developers face the challenge of balancing faster progression with long-term engagement. Their plan is to introduce content aligned with the player base's overall pace. A variety of field, PvE, and PvP content is prepared, but it will not all be available immediately. The team will monitor progression speed and roll out content accordingly.

The introduction of Farming Crystals, rather than simply boosting existing rewards, is a deliberate choice to avoid inflation devaluing items. Cho noted that frequently dropped equipment might not be valuable depending on where a player hunts. Farming Crystals come with an acquisition cap but provide reliable access to meaningful packages, creating a structure where invested time reliably leads to progression. These crystals can also be converted into tradable Crystals using Exchange Tickets.

Cho expressed the team's excitement in finally sharing ZERO with players after extensive reflection during RAVEN2's live service. The Fresh Start Server ZERO is now live globally. Players can join by downloading RAVEN2 from the App Store or Google Play.