Over the past two weeks, selected Tibia players have had the chance to test the game’s first new playable class since the game’s launch in 1997. The Monk brings a fresh dynamic to Tibia’s fantasy world, which has long been defined by the four vocations Knight, Paladin, Sorcerer, and Druid. At the request of the players, the current test phase was extended throughout the past weekend. The product manager behind the project, known as Niadus in the community, shares his initial insights:
“It’s been amazing to see players take control of the Monk for the first time during the playtests. The feedback so far has been really positive, with players highlighting its unique yet fun gameplay. While tweaks still need to be made, the first tests have revealed a vocation that not only adds new opportunities for players but also stays true to the spirit of Tibia. A big thank you to all players who took part in the tests and shared their valuable feedback. We’re already looking forward to the next test!”
The next test phase will run from March 18 to 25. Players with a premium account will gain access to the test server starting March 18, while all other players can join in from March 24 for a chance to try out the Monk before its release in the second quarter.
Development Insights
The development team has shared fascinating insights into the creation of the Monk vocation. Every line of code related to vocations, from NPCs and quests to conditions for using potions, was carefully reviewed. The result: More than 130,000 lines of code had to be adapted to bring the Monk into the game.
New mechanics and new UI elements also contributed to the extensive development effort. Want to learn more about the programmers’ work?
Design Challenges
The graphic designers faced challenges during development as well. The Monk’s appearance evolved over time. It originally featured tiger elements, which were later removed. New weapons like nunchaku and sai were introduced, and existing equipment sets were adjusted. Additionally, the new mechanics required significant changes to the user interface.
