Black Desert Online adds Olvia Academy progression tracks, tags toughest monster zones, and reworks Star’s End

Black Desert Online’s latest update is live, and it’s mainly aimed at smoothing out progression while also giving endgame players clearer signposts. The big addition is Olvia Academy, a new structured program for players who have at least one level 60 character, with the first enrollment term running now through April 16.

Olvia Academy is split into two tracks. One is combat-focused, built around a dedicated storyline that teaches mechanics and strategy. The other is a Life Skill track that walks players through activities like Alchemy, Cooking, and Gathering, with practical guidance and rewards tied to those systems.

Rewards are heavily progression-oriented. The combat track includes enhancement materials and gear, including a Choose Your PEN (V) Blackstar Weapon box and Darkstar Black Stones for guaranteed enhancement. The Life Skill track offers items like life skill clothes, tools, Cron Stones, and Blue-grade TRI (III) rewards. Pearl Abyss says completing both tracks is meant to set up longer-term “family” progression.

There’s also an Academy-specific monster zone near the campus, built around special rules and weekly quests. Running those weekly quests earns Academy Coins, which are tied into the Academy progression loop.

Outside of the Academy content, the patch adds a new #HighestTier tag on certain Monster Zones to flag areas intended for top-end players. According to Pearl Abyss’ patch notes, those zones come with higher risk and exclusive rewards. The update also reworks Star’s End into what the studio describes as a faster-paced endgame zone, with drops that can be used toward Effect Dyes for Sovereign Weapons and Edana’s Defense gear.

Details are in the official post here: https://www.naeu.playblackdesert.com/en-US/News/Detail?groupContentNo=9608&countryType=en-US.