Concord's Variant System: Unlocking Unique Playstyles in the Hero Shooter Arena

Concord, the highly anticipated hero shooter, is set to make waves in the genre next month. But what sets it apart is its innovative Variants system, which promises to add a fresh layer of depth and customization to the gameplay experience. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into the intricacies of Variants, explore how to unlock them, and uncover the strategic implications they hold for players.

Unlock the Potential: Mastering Concord's Variant System

Variants: Reshaping the Freegunner Landscape

Concord's Freegunners, the playable characters at the heart of the game, each possess a unique set of weapons, abilities, and Combat Traits. The Variants system, however, introduces a game-changing twist. While maintaining the core identity of each Freegunner, Variants offer an alternative set of Combat Traits, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences.Each Freegunner in Concord has a Variant Level, denoted by a Roman numeral, with the initial Variants currently capping at Level 2. These Variants do not stack with the original Combat Traits; instead, players must choose which set of traits to utilize, creating a strategic decision-making process.For instance, Lennox's default Combat Trait allows him to reload his weapons while performing a dodge roll, a valuable asset in the heat of battle. However, his Level 2 Variant trades this ability for an increased magazine size, forcing players to weigh the tradeoffs and determine which playstyle best suits their needs.

Variant Aesthetics: Showcasing Your Progression

Concord's Variants not only offer unique Combat Traits but also come with distinct visual identities. Each Variant features a unique skin, setting them apart from the default character models. This visual distinction serves as a badge of progress, allowing players to showcase their mastery of a particular Freegunner and the strategic choices they've made.These unique skins also provide valuable information to other players, signaling that the Variant they're facing will possess a different set of Combat Traits than the standard version. This visual cue can help opponents anticipate and adapt their strategies accordingly, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.

Unlocking Variants: Earning Your Upgrades

The process of unlocking Variants in Concord is not a straightforward one, at least not in the current Beta phase. The first Variant players have been able to experience is the Level 2 Lennox, but it seems this was made available for testing purposes rather than as a permanent unlock.However, the Teo character does offer a Level 2 Variant that players can earn through a specific challenge. By dealing 8,000 damage with abilities, players can unlock the "Tactical Storm" skin and the "Extra Munitions" Combat Trait, which grants Teo extended weapon magazines and additional grenades.The presence of a countdown timer above this challenge suggests that more Variants may become available in the near future, potentially on a weekly basis. This could incentivize players to regularly engage with the game, rewarding their dedication and persistence.

Variant Implications: Balancing the Freegunner Roster

The introduction of Variants in Concord adds a layer of strategic depth to the hero shooter genre. Players must now carefully consider the tradeoffs between the original Combat Traits and the Variant alternatives, weighing the pros and cons of each option to determine the optimal playstyle for their preferred Freegunner.This decision-making process can have significant implications for the overall balance of the game. Developers will need to carefully monitor the impact of Variants, ensuring that no single Freegunner or Variant becomes overpowered, while still maintaining a diverse and engaging meta.Furthermore, the Variants system opens up the possibility for future content updates and character progression. As new Variants are introduced, players will have even more opportunities to customize their Freegunners and explore unique playstyles, keeping the game fresh and engaging over time.In conclusion, Concord's Variants system is a game-changing feature that promises to elevate the hero shooter experience. By offering players the ability to tailor their Freegunners' Combat Traits, the game encourages strategic decision-making and rewards player investment. As the Concord Beta continues to evolve, the Variants system will undoubtedly be a key focus for both players and developers, shaping the future of this exciting new entry in the genre.