Neverwinter’s Astral Diamond currency undergoing safeguard modifications

Since Neverwinter launched on Xbox One back in March of this year it has become a huge success for both Microsoft and Cryptic Studios. With over 2 million current users it has become the largest MMO on the console and is also free to play to boot. Executive Producer Rob Overmeyer recently took to the team's official blog to discuss some of the changes coming to the game's Astral Diamond currency on Xbox One to make it easier to earn diamonds and level out the game's economy as well.

If you're not familiar with Neverwinter, the game has two separate forms of currency in the form of Astral Diamonds (in game) and Zen (real cash). These two work hand in hand and Neverwinter also features an exchange where you can trade in Astral Diamonds for Zen if you have enough time to play but not the money for the prototypical "pay to win" mantra. As time has gone on, the Xbox One version of Astral Diamonds has changed, leading to some players complain about the high prices compared with lack of ways to earn enough for items.

Mr. Overmeyer spoke on some of the changes coming to the Xbox One version of Neverwinter in an effort to smooth out the game's currency. This takes some time though as he notes managing one game's economy is hard enough, but two which work together is even more difficult as changes to one need to not negatively impact the other. The first big change that Cryptic is making is the inclusion of a 50% increase in Astral Diamonds for all daily and weekly events llike PvP, dungeons and skirmishes which will result in an immediate increase in Astral Diamonds in the game. Others will include

• Reduced companion purchase cost and upgrade cost
• Daily refinement raised to 36,000 Astral Diamonds
• Exploit fixes
• Lower Wondrous Bazaar prices

Of course, other changes will be coming if the studio sees fit but for the most part both economies have co-existed well since the game's launch in March. We'll keep you updated on any other changes coming to the game as we hear them.

Neverwinter is available now on both Xbox One and PC.