Illuvium: Arena Update 1.9.0

Gauntlet Patch 1.9.0 is now live on mainnet, bringing a massive wave of new systems, mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements to Gauntlet. This release builds on everything we've been testing and moves us closer to the complete Gauntlet experience.

Please note: This patch focuses primarily on feature implementation. While some balance changes are included, a broader balance pass is planned for an upcoming patch once all systems are fully deployed and tested.

Gameplay & System Updates

The Forge System

Augments are no longer chosen mid-game—instead, you’ll collect Augment Components and Crates from PvE rounds and forge them yourself for maximum flexibility and strategic control.

Augment Components:

• Fury: Offense-focused
• Defiance: Defence-focused
• Apex: Ability-focused
• Each component gives stats directly and can be forged into one of 6 augment types (Strike, Brawler, Hybrid, Tank, Support, Energy).
  

Forging Mechanics:

• Combine two components to forge augments.
  
  Additional Details:
• • Two methods for forging components:
  • • Place both components on the same unit
    • Hover one component over another in the augment inventory
  • Completely revamped Augment Inventory UI for improved usability with the new systems
    
• Each component combination produces a specific augment category:
• • Fury + Fury = Strike Augments (Full Offense for damage dealers)
  • Fury + Defiance = Brawler Augments (Balanced offense/defense for frontline fighters)
  • Fury + Apex = Hybrid Augments (Enhances both autoattacks and abilities for versatile units)
  • Defiance + Defiance = Tank Augments (Maximum defensive power for frontline units)
  • Defiance + Apex = Support Augments (Focused on team utility, buffing allies and debuffing enemies)
  • Apex + Apex = Energy Augments (Maximizes ability power and effectiveness)
• Choose between multiple augments from the corresponding category.

• Total of 60 unique Normal Augments available.

Crates:

• Occupy bench space until opened, adding depth to bench management.
• Types include:
• • Normal Augment Crates (3 augments of one type)
  • Legendary Augment Crates (4 Legendary options)
  • Base Imprint Crates (3 Base Synergy augments)
  • Composite Imprint Crates (3 Composite Synergy augments)

Bonus: Imprint Augments now provide stats in addition to synergy bonuses.

Scouting Opponents

You can now view other players' boards in real-time:

• Click a player's avatar in the Health panel to switch views.
• Use this to counter strategies and adapt your build mid-match.
• Works best during placement phase; minor issues remain during battle phase.

Triple Augments on Units

All units can now equip up to 3 augments (increased from 2), unlocking new team compositions and build paths.

PvE Loot Drop System

PvE rounds now drop Augment Components and Crates physically on the board:

• Move your drone to collect them, or wait 30 seconds for auto-collection.
• All players receive the same loot per round, ensuring fairness.
• New addition: PvE rewards now auto-collect after 30 seconds.

Region Modifiers

Every match now has a Region effect that changes gameplay for all players:

• Selected randomly at match start
• Each region has unique effects that influence strategies
• Example:

Cinematic End-Game Screen

Revamped match conclusion with a three-screen sequence:

• Your Ranger’s performance + rank changes
• Final team layout and synergy summary
• Match leaderboard with all players’ data

WIP End of Game Spectate Mode

After the match is over, test out our work-in-progress spectate mode and view your remaining opponents' end game. There are known issues, so we appreciate your patience with this feature.

Imprint Drone Augments

Drone augments can now include Imprint options, making it easier to reach powerful synergy thresholds.

Stop Enemy Drone Movement

Tired of distractions from enemy drones flying across your screen?

• Mute a player to stop seeing their drone movements entirely.
• Their drone resets to its default position and is hidden from your view.

Bug Fixes & Other Improvements

• Triple Augments now display correctly on the end screen
• Copy Team button fixed on end screen
• All 8 Regions are now enabled
• Illuvial XP gain reinstated on the end screen
• Fixed bug where enemy Illuvials disappeared after opening a crate
• Removed the Ranked Placement screen from Casual Mode
• Fixed 8th opponent UI element being hidden by the Shop UI
• Ensure the drone’s health is depleted even if the drone animation doesn't start or complete.
• Display the proper ranger customization on the end screen.
• Display a crate visual for crate items instead of the component visual.
• Fix various reconnection issues.

Balance Adjustments

This patch continues to address the lingering dominance of the tank meta. While the previous update significantly reduced its strength, residual effects still favored slower, sustain-focused compositions—particularly those built around synergies like Nature, Templar, and Empath. This resulted in a late-game core often anchored by Illuvials such as Titanor (Beetle) and Blazenite (Shoebill).

To further balance this, we’ve slightly nerfed Bulwark, while also elevating several underperforming primary synergies: Psion, Rogue, Water, and Fire) to create space for more diverse late-game builds. These changes are intended to empower Illuvial lines like Rhamphyre (Pterodactyl), Monarch (Poodlemoth), and Dualeph (Pistolshrimp) to become more viable and competitive.

In parallel, we've tuned down the power of top-performing composites, especially Behemoth and Templar, which had become near auto-picks when offered as Imprints. Finally, we’ve continued refining Augment balance, with a particular focus on boosting the viability of underused augments we hope to see rise in popularity.

We’re entering a transformative phase of Gauntlet’s evolution. This patch establishes the core systems that will define gameplay for future builds. Your feedback is more important than ever—please keep sharing bugs, insights, and ideas.

This patch was made possible thanks to your tireless testing and feedback. Now it’s time to jump in, adapt your strategy, and explore the Forge.

See you in the Arena, Rangers.