The first open qualifier for the KARDS 2023 World Championship has now concluded. Congratulations to the top 56 players, who will be moving on to the top 128 player Knockout Stage along with our pre-qualified players! You can see a list of all qualified players so far in the Details menu in the World Championship hub in-game.
The second open qualifier starts this weekend - so for those not yet qualified, there’s still a chance to make it to the next stage. The top 57 players from this second round will complete the top 128 players. Remember - anyone who participates in the top 128 player Knockout Stage will receive 300 diamonds and have a chance to make it to the top 4 Grand Finals, playing for the 12,000 USD prize pool and the title of KARDS 2023 World Champion in Iceland during the first weekend of December!
The top 500 players from each open qualifier also receive the KARDS 2023 World Championship Cardback. Make sure you seize the opportunity to earn this unique reward!
The second qualifier qualification sessions will be held on the following dates:
23rd of September: 16 - 20 UTC
24th of September: 12 - 16 UTC
30th of September: 16 - 20 UTC
1st of October: 12 - 16 UTC
7th of October: 16 - 20 UTC
8th of October: 12 - 16 UTC
Each player needs to successfully complete a minimum 3 out of 6 sessions to post a legal qualifier score.
Check out the full schedule of the World Championship below. Note that in order to compete in the World Championship Grand Finals, players must be willing and able to travel to Iceland - no Grand Finals matches will be played remotely.
Competing in a Qualifier
Each qualification session lasts for 4 hours, during which a special World Championship qualifier queue will be available for the bravest among you!
Players need to complete at least 9 games during those 4 hours to successfully complete a qualification session. We also recommend playing a few extra games during the session, as these may improve your chances in the event of tiebreakers.
To enter a game, open the World Championship hub, accessible on the main screen or in the Play menu button. Press the Play button in the World Championship hub, select your deck, and head into battle! Note that you cannot join the World Championship qualifiers with a deck containing cards currently in the Reserve pool.
For each win during the first 9 matches, a player receives 5 points for the qualification ladder. For each loss in these matches, the player receives 1 point. A player’s final score is the combined total score from their best three sessions out of six sessions in the qualifier.
To post a legal qualifier score, each player needs to successfully complete a minimum of 3 out of the 6 sessions in a qualifier.
Tiebreakers
If players end up with the same score, a tiebreaker system is used to order them. This is based on several things, the most important being the strength of your opponents. Being matched against a very strong player might make for a difficult match, but will improve your chances in the event of tiebreakers, regardless of the match result. Additional games played after your first 9 games in a qualifying session contribute to your tiebreaker score as well.
We are getting closer to American Arcadia’s season premiere, but this time we want to take a look back and dig into Arcadia’s past and how it became the perfect city for luxury and comfort that it is today.
Arcadia was never meant to be a big megalopolis. In fact, it began as a dream in the mind of a visionary filmmaker turned city planner. Today, we delve into the captivating history of Project Arcadia, a city that was conceived by the legendary Elijah Walton and brought to life by his unwavering determination.
Elijah Walton: From Small-Town Dreamer to Hollywood Luminary
Elijah Walton's journey began in the quiet corners of Minnesota, where he was born in 1900. From a young age he was captivated by the works of Jules Verne, who fueled his dreams of becoming a novelist or scientist. However, destiny had other plans and lead him to the bustling world of Hollywood's film industry.
In the 1930s, Elijah, alongside his brother Donald, founded Walton Pictures. Together they embarked on a cinematic journey that produced numerous box office hits, many of which have since become timeless classics. Yet, Elijah yearned for something more, a way to reach a broader audience beyond the silver screen.
Architects of Tomorrow TV Show: A 1950s Sensation
The breakthrough came with the advent of television, as the innovative 3D audio and video system, Visi-O-Rama, brought forth the legendary "Architects of Tomorrow" TV show. A Saturday night staple in the 1950s, the show was renowned for its unique songs, the seamless blend of live action and animation, and the heartfelt goodbye message delivered by Elijah Walton himself as he cruised away in his prototype electric car, aptly named The Waltonmobile.
Project Arcadia & Walton's Dream Unfolds
The pinnacle of Walton's ambitions arrived when Walton Media, formerly Walton Pictures, set its sights on an audacious project—the creation of a city of the future, Arcadia. Alongside his trusted partner and "Architects of Tomorrow" host, Arpad Kovacs, the first prototype of the Arcadia Project began to take shape. Today, this prototype community is known as 'Classic Arcadia' or 'Old Arcadia.'
The Tragic Loss of Elijah Walton
Tragically, the visionary mind behind Project Arcadia would not live to see his magnum opus completed. On June 3rd, 1963, the world lost one of the 20th century's most talented minds to a sudden heart failure.
In the wake of his brother's passing, Donald Walton stepped up to lead the company. Under his stewardship, Project Arcadia was brought to fruition according to its ambitious schedule.
The Unveiling: American Arcadia's Premiere
American Arcadia's premiere was an event that rivaled even the Apollo XI Moon landing in viewership. Yet, what the first residents of Arcadia didn't realize was that their private lives were being broadcasted to the nation.
Arcadia's Meteoric Rise and the Burbank Act
The city's success drew a flood of new residents, rapidly outgrowing Old Arcadia. It was clear that a larger, more modern city was needed to fulfill Elijah Walton's grand vision. Through the collaboration between Walton Media and Senator Milton Burbank, the Burbank Act was passed, allowing Arcadia to expand to the size that had always been envisioned.
So, if you've been intrigued by the tale of Project Arcadia and want to dive deeper into its mysteries, we encourage you to stay tuned for the release of American Arcadia!
Be among the first to explore this fascinating narrative and immerse yourself in a world where a perfect life is nothing but a perfect lie.
Follow us on Twitter at @AmericanArcadia and if you haven’t done it yet, wishlist American Arcadia today on Steam
Hey, stealth enthusiasts and master burglars in the making,
Community Challenge: Unlock the Ultimate Loot — A Hefty Launch Discount!
If you accept our mission, the huge Thief Simulator 2 community challenge will reward the cunningest and most devoted of thieves. Your job? Gather your fellow thieves, improve your heist techniques, and make sure everyone is playing Thief Simulator 2 on Steam. The launch discount you'll unlock increases as we gain more followers. Keep in mind that our strength lies in our numbers!
The tiers are as follows:
13,250 followers - unlock a 5% launch discount
14,500 followers - unlock a 10% launch discount
17,000 followers - unlock a 15% launch discount
20,000 followers - unlock a massive 20% launch discount
We know that thieves prefer freebies, but hey, a generous discount isn’t half bad, right? So, gather your burglar buddies, spread the word, and let’s hit that 20,000 followers mark — because even thieves love a good bargain!
So just do a simple click here! Follow & add to your Wishlist so you don't release the launch discount and game release!
It's crucial to become familiar with the tools you need as you polish your abilities for the ideal robbery. These aren't just any tools; they are the tools that will make you the greatest thief in Thief Simulator 2. They are your keys to success, your henchmen, and your tools of the trade. Let's examine a few in more detail:
Lockpick This isn't your everyday lockpick; this tool allows you to tackle medium-difficulty locks and even cut open windows for that silent entry. It's the Swiss army knife for burglars! And there are a few versions of this tool!
Neon Bot’ Drone Scoping out your heist location has never been easier. Use the drone to mark tenants, inspect the area, and plan your path to victory. Remember, a well-prepared thief is a successful thief!
Hacking Laptop Some loot is behind high-tech security systems. But worry not, with your hacking laptop, disabling security panels and unlocking electronic doors will be a breeze. Make sure to map out the correct path and secure your prize.
Sleeping Gas Ensure a silent and undisturbed heist with the Sleeping Gas. It's your silent partner in crime, allowing you to swoop in and snatch valuables while everyone else is in a deep slumber. It's not just a tool; it's your ticket to a hassle-free burglary.
Here is the full arsenal at your disposal:
Flashlight
Crowbar
Basic Lockpicking Tool
Lockpick
Automatic lockpick
Glass Cutter
Micro Camera
Binoculars
Noisy walkie-talkie
Dog meat
Baton
Stethoscope
Car lock pick gun
Car signal hijacker
Blowtorch
Sleeping Gas
Respirator
Tranquilizer gun
Tranquilizer dart
Car disassembly toolbox
Shovel
Neon Bot' drone
Quiet shoes
Ski mask
Jewellery tools
Night vision goggles
Hacking laptop
ATM Hacking Tool
Hacking PDA
A word of advice, using the tranquilizer gun or sleeping gas won’t raise alarms as it ensures your victims won't call the police upon waking up, unlike when using a baton.
We've only begun to scrape the surface of the playground for thieves, so stay tuned. The following time, we'll delve even further into Thief Simulator 2's underworld and uncover even more tips and tricks to help you become a master of your trade. Keep in mind that knowledge is your biggest ally in the realm of theft!
Keep an eye out and get your tools ready until then. The next revelation is quickly approaching. Future master thieves, let the games begin!
Tidbit 1: The 9th mobile unit is notorious for its problematic characters and low sense of propriety despite being in the police force. Whenever they are dispatched, destruction is inevitable, so many members of the metropolitan assembly fear them and consider them the bane of Neo Tokyo’s existence.
Kei Sakuragi Formerly a delinquent that joined the police acadamy because she was promised she could “be as destructive as she wants”. After strict training, she’s reformed(?) and is currently in her third year within the police force. She may be rough around the edges, but her comrades in the Scramble Vice respect and trust her. Her father was also a policeman that died in the line of duty 7 years ago.
Jotaro Jinguji Captain of the Scramble Vice (aka the 9th mobile unit.) Despite its problematic members, he manages to keep the team together and lead them to protect Neo Tokyo. Serious and stubborn, he puts his trust in every one of his men unreservedly. He is also the one responsible for reforming Kei, partly because he feels he owes her father having been in his care in the past. Married with two kids, he’s also a doting dad.
Cliff Emerson Vanguard of the Scramble Vice. A ladies man through and through, even the reason he became a policeman is because “chicks dig heroes”. He looks and behaves like a playboy but has a surprisingly strong sense of justice, and would never leave a damsel in distress. He’s been trying his moves on Kei, who rejects him mercilessly, but never lets that get him down.
Professor Formally an Assault Suit Driver from Public Security Intelligence. He seems to have a dark past, but hides it will with his chill attitude. He’s helped the 9th mobile unit get out of sticky situations using the dirt he has on politicians several times. Old, but not rusty. He may have a low regard for the law, but he’s as chivalrous as it gets.
Changed the visual design of the capital city, removed the collider for walking and crossing issues in some areas.
Fixed the sound effect issue with small pools and torches in the capital city map.
Fixed a bug in 'terrain' in the Wolfshaman Forests that caused the player character to fall off the map.
NPC and Quest Improvements:
"Market Place Manager" NPC's name has been changed to 'Market Place'.
A special indicator has been placed on the 'Market Place' NPC's to indicate that it is related to trade.
On the quarantine island, 'Healer' has been placed in the teleport area in the Capital for those who were unable to deliver the 'Report for Healer' quest.
Fixed a quest bug that prevented access to King Guivre valley.
Improved the design of the Petrun character.
Fixing In-Game Bugs:
Fixed a bug x8492E-CODE that caused the item to disappear when upgrading items.
Fixed a signing bug that caused heclient.dll to be deleted on client startup (restart steam for this)
A new setting has been selectively added to the "**ESC>Game options>target board**" tab so that when the target is right-clicked, their current rate will appear above the HP and Mana bars.
Fixed a screen GUI bug x8491E-CODE related to PlayerHUD.
Fixed a slippage in Sculp.
Fixed a GUI bug overriding mouse sensitivity.
Fixed a bug where the cursor would not appear in the game when you selected the original mouse cursor.
Fixed a script bug that was blocking the countdown timer when you log in to Naga Run.
Difficulty Levels and Group Requirements:
Minotaur Run has been reduced from requiring a group of at least 4 people to 2 for playtest servers.
Wuzhein Run has been reduced to 2 people for playtest servers, requiring a group of at least 5 people.
Fixed a bug that increased the difficulty of the "Black Wolf" gangs on Quarantine Island and reduced them to normal level (they die easily now).
Various Improvements:
Fixed multiple bugs in English translations.
Fixed a bug when adding stones to items (Armor and Weapons).
Fixed a bug that was causing items (Armor and Weapons) to constantly break when adding gems.
The limit of 5 character creation per account has been increased to 25 on playtest servers.
Fixed a bug that caused ,,Black Wolf'' mobs on Quarantine Island to give 100% poisoning.
Increased the XP and HeroPoint rates given out by ,,Black Wolf'' mobs on Quarantine Island.
Caching speed of loading screens (loading_screen) has been increased. So you will be able to log in faster.
PerCCU (per player) server calculation technical values have been upgraded to improve ping, lag and loss issues by 30.004%.
The DirectX-based advanced optimization module has been installed on the server, so it now offers a better graphics-based display.
We will conduct hot update maintenance on September 20 at 09:00（UTC+8）. After the hot update, all monarchs can log in to the game again to experience the latest updates and maintenance content.
Patch Notes:
I. Efficiency Optimization 1.Optimize the client's retry mechanism when network connectivity is abnormal 2.Optimize the storage of client art resources and reduce the client's occupation of local storage
Optimised the logic of exchange transaction full selection. Fixed the problem of obtaining the CG of the Data Library side quests. Fixed the issue of displaying information of trade items in Reykjavik port in the map interface. Fixed the issue that boarding cannot be triggered by using a ramming horn under certain circumstances.
- Apply hair physics to cutscenes - Fixed an issue where the game would quit when interacting with an object while wearing a specific skin. - Replacement of street light mesh in outdoor garden (optimized performance) - Reduce tree shaking in outdoor gardens - Fixed an issue where the arms of the “Cheeky Maid” costume appeared transparent.
