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Overview
The traversal system in Vindictus: Defying Fate moves beyond the corridor-based mission structure of the original Vindictus. The game's world features open regions with vertical terrain, gaps between structures, and elevated vantage points. Players have several movement tools at their disposal to navigate these environments.
Movement tools
Players have access to several traversal mechanics:
Climbing: Rock faces, ruined walls, and cliff edges can be scaled to reach higher ground. Climbing is context-sensitive; the character automatically grabs ledges and mantles onto surfaces. Players cannot attack or defend while climbing.
Ziplines: Fixed zipline points connect elevated areas across regions. These allow fast travel between high points and are often the intended route through vertical sections.
Chain hooks: Environmental chain hook points let players swing across gaps or pull themselves to elevated platforms. When a valid hook point is within range, a visual indicator appears.
Crawling: Narrow gaps and low passages require the player to crawl through. These often serve as shortcuts or hidden paths to optional areas.
Ladders and elevators: Standard vertical traversal elements found in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Pushable objects: Some environmental objects can be moved to create platforms or clear paths.
These traversal elements are integrated into combat scenarios as well. Battle areas may feature interactive environments, elevated positions, and environmental traps that both players and enemies can trigger.
Regional terrain
Each region presents different traversal challenges:
Northern Ruins: Crumbling stone structures and forested areas with moderate elevation changes. Chain hook points connect the upper and lower levels of ruined buildings.
Frozen Valley: Icy terrain with steep cliffs and narrow paths. Footing can be treacherous in some areas. The vertical terrain is more pronounced here than in the Northern Ruins.
Ainle: Ancient ruins reclaimed by vegetation, featuring both indoor dungeon-like areas and outdoor spaces with complex verticality.
Connection to campsites
The traversal system ties into the campsite system. As players explore a region and discover strategic locations, they can set up camps that act as rest points and respawn locations. Finding these campsite spots often requires navigating off the main path using chain hooks and climbing mechanics. Camps placed at elevated or hidden positions may offer shortcuts through dangerous areas.
Current limitations
Traversal details remain limited from the alpha test build. Whether swimming or other movement types exist, the full range of chain hook applications, and the degree of freedom in open-world exploration are not yet fully documented. This article will be expanded as more information becomes available from future test phases.