Luvinia Online: Zendo Tour

Last week, Luvinia Online released a major new update introducing Zendo, a new region designed for players above level 40. Offering over a hundred quests, a special reputation system, and more, Zendo promises plenty of hours for mid-to-high level players. MMOHut was offered the chance to get an up-close look at what the Zendo Hunting Grounds had to offer, with GM Refresh serving as the tour guide.

We began our tour in the Zendo camp, reachable through the Hunting Altar in the Core of Aurora. This area has a tribal feel: a great bonfire sits in the center, surrounded by totems, roasted pigs, and plenty of hanging boar and rabbit just waiting to be cooked up for guests. Zendo is occupied by a lion-like people, who value the hunt of great, rare, and dangerous beasts – and this is where players can come to test their skills in the hunt. In exchange, players can earn “Zendo Hunter’s Fame,” reputation that can be exchanged for dozens of prizes – including a rare mount.

Three types of hunting quests are available: Normal Hunting, Collection, and Special Hunting. Players may choose to begin with Normal Hunting quests, available from the NPC Radork Hunting Eagle. He offers hunting quests for players in five level groups, starting with levels 40-49, and ending for players level 80-89. Hunting down the monsters he requests will grant the player gold, SP, experience, and Hunter Fame. Radork also accepts Hunter Fame to reward the player with reputation points, which help players unlock certain areas and the ability to purchase certain reputation prizes.

Collection Quests are available from the Old Hunter, Fuller Pharmicist. This NPC will send players to places like the Nusal Oasis, where they can gather special crafting materials. These materials, in exchange, may be used at the Hunting Tool Table or Grill Rack in camp, allowing players to create their own hunting tools or bait. The tools or food created here let players summon over twenty types of monsters. Once summoned – and killed – players can then visit Gold Hunter Catalina for rewards. Catalina can also guide players in how to attract and summon specific monsters, making it easy to hunt, collect, and kill these enemies for rewards. Players may also encounter world bosses during their daily hunts, which Catalina also offers rewards for defeating.

Finally, players can also embark on special hunting missions, available through Angory and the Behemoth Blitz Board. Here, players can visit one of three “taboo” areas: Eguna Icy Cliff, Cave of Smelting Magma, and the Desert of Sand. Designed for groups, these areas can be challenged after level 60, and feature special bosses that drop rare materials when defeated. We were escorted privately to these areas, and introduced to such beasts as the Blood Drinker Hastex, the Two-Headed Fenrir, and the fierce Nakerence. Each of these bosses have their own tactics to use against players, and are pretty tough, so don’t expect to simply roll over them without any troubles.

So what about rewards? Players can visit Rones Hotflame, the chief of the tribe, to check their reputation. The entourage of NPCs behind him, for a chance to exchange the fame they have earned for special rewards. One of the most coveted rewards here is the Desert Panther, a special armored panther that begins as a 7 day mount, but can be converted to a permanent mount with Planar Essence. Other rewards include high quality belts, cloaks, and masks. Weekly champions of the Zendo also will earn special rewards from Rones.

Zendo introduces about 130 new quests, and dozens of item rewards for players to find. With a wide level range, any player can quickly jump in and begin their work toward mastering the hunt, earning great gear and a unique mount. This alternate area is something new and gives players more to do than just quest and level, and is worth checking out even at veteran levels.

More Zendo Screenshots…