Albion Online Introduces Shapeshifter Staffs, and The Living Legacy Event Returns

mmorpg.com:

 Albion Online has a new dev talk on Shapeshifter staffs, the game’s next weapon line that is in the works now. The team has also announced plans for the sixth anniversary, including the return of the Living Legends event from last year.

Game director Robin Henkys is giving a peek into what’s coming next in Albion Online through a series of new devtalks over the coming weeks. These videos will each cover one new feature, how it fits into their long-term plans for the game, and more information on what they're working on. The first in the series is Shapeshifter weapons–a new option for staff coming in the next major content update.

The form that each staff lets a player shift into is called a “Shape”. Concepts shown include Golem shape, werewolf, Ent, imp, panther, eagle, and bear. When you build up enough shift charge as you play, manipulating raw energy, you will gain the ability to shift into whatever shape your particular staff is associated with. This will then decide what your abilities are, so if you shift into a bear shape, you'll have different options versus whether you shift into an Ent. 

You can also use your collected shift charges to enhance those unique abilities, so the system is designed to encourage shifting. Your human armor stats Change when you shift, so you might find yourself shifting into something that is deadly but not resilient, or resilient, but perhaps, slow and not as damaging. you can choose gear for your human form that balance is out what you shift into, so maybe you are a human tank who then shifts into a bat shape, giving you the option to play even different playstyles on the same character. 

Albion Online is also celebrating its sixth anniversary. Beginning July 12th, on