Aug 25
Restriction vs Efficiency
The restrictive star system can be very punishing if there are abandoned professions, neglected goods or unfair prices.
It can completely halt progress, especially if the player won't return or can't be negotiated with.
It would be helpful if all skills are accessible and stars are spent on efficiency bonuses etc instead, therefore incentivizing specialization.
This way struggling players, towns and civilizations can still progress by filling the needs(at lower efficiency). I have played MMOs with a specialization system and I found it quite enjoyable.
An existing solution is star refunds, but star refunds are exploitable, so I have never seen it enabled. And I still think a specialization system would be more dynamic, helpful and fun.
Closed
Hello legril, we have no plans to remove the profession specialization mechanics, they are an integral part of Eco's design - hence I'm closing this suggestion. However, we plan to expand the star mechanic to become sort of a currency where different professions depending on their content require different amount of stars. Stars would also be required to apply modules to worktables with the new module system and to unlock new talents in the new talent system. This should effectively provide the same outcome.