The reviewed June development-log transcript presented by Kwell describes changes intended to improve onboarding and add Fin-themed content. It covers Dandy's Buds, changes centered on Fin, and a machine type; it is an archival report and does not establish the present update state.
The Dandy's Buds System
A core component of this update is the introduction of the Dandy's Buds system. The design philosophy behind this feature is to assist new players in learning the fundamental mechanics of Dandy's World while creating a structured way for experienced players to mentor newcomers.
When a new player first opens the game, they are greeted by a revamped character select screen. In this updated interface, the characters Poppy and Boxon are presented with enhanced clarity and new animations. This visual update serves as a welcoming introduction to the game’s aesthetic and character variety.
Upon spawning into the main hall, new players will encounter Dandy himself. Dandy provides a guided introduction, showing players his shop and assigning them simple tasks to complete. This guided path culminates in Dandy directing the player to the nearest elevator, effectively streamlining the entry process. During this initial phase, the Dandy’s Bud title is automatically equipped to the player, signaling their status to the rest of the community.
The progression system for these players is structured around the completion of tasks. New buds are expected to finish their assigned tasks over the course of several rounds. Once these tasks are completed, Dandy promotes the player to a "blossoming bud." This transition is a key milestone. After a player has earned a total of one thousand Ichor, they "bloom." At this stage, the player gains the freedom to change their title to any of the ones they have earned during their progression.
The developers have expressed a clear hope that this system will encourage seasoned players to interact with and teach the "buds." As an incentive, for every floor where an experienced player assists a bud, they earn progress toward medals and contribute to their own personal stat sheet. This creates a symbiotic relationship where veteran players are rewarded for their patience and mentorship, while newer players receive the guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of the game.
The Fin Tune of the Week
Beyond the onboarding improvements, the update highlights the "Fin Tune of the Week," a celebration of the game’s favorite fishbowl-themed content. This initiative brings a variety of changes to the character Twisted Fin, updates to Fin’s personal trinkets, and new themed rewards that players can earn throughout the week. Furthermore, the developers have included a lore video specifically dedicated to Fin, adding depth to the game’s narrative.
One of the most notable mechanical changes involves the rework of Fin’s trinket, the fishing rod. Previously, the rod provided three random items at the start of a round. Following this update, the fishing rod now functions differently: it reveals the locations of machines to users at the very start of the floor. This change significantly alters the strategic approach to floor navigation, allowing players to plan their routes more efficiently.
Twisted Fin: A Reworked Threat
The update introduces a comprehensive rework for Twisted Fin. Previously, Twisted Fin would slow down any player who finished a machine on the floor. This has been replaced by a more complex and interactive mechanic.
Under the new system, Twisted Fin creates three large Ichor puddles on the floor. In one of these puddles, Fin will toss in Twisted Barnaby. If a player steps into one of these puddles while Twisted Barnaby is active, the entity will jump out and latch onto the player. While Twisted Barnaby is attached, the player’s location is revealed to Twisted Fin for the entire duration of the attachment.
Crucially, Twisted Fin’s AI behavior has been adjusted to prioritize these targets. Regardless of whether Fin is in the cited material chasing another player or happens to see someone else on his way, he will always prioritize the player who has Twisted Barnaby stuck to them.
The developers have provided mechanisms for counterplay. Fellow players can assist in removing Barnaby sooner than the natural expiration time. The duration that Barnaby remains latched depends on the number of players present:
- Solo players: 10 seconds
- Two, three, or four players: 15 seconds
- Five or more players: 20 seconds
In addition to this, Twisted Fin now interacts with the environment in new ways, including playing and slashing around in the Ichor puddles. He also interacts with "Boom," the new machine type introduced in this update.
The New "Boom" Machine: Swimmy Barnaby
The update introduces a new machine type referred to as "Boom." This machine features a counterpart called "Swimmy Barnaby." While players have the ability to play and practice with this machine in the lobby, it also appears as a functional machine within the game rounds.
The complexity of the obstacles within the Swimmy Barnaby machine is determined by the player’s skill check stat. To complete the machine, players must collect coins, which are tied to performing "great" skill checks. If a player hits an obstacle, they fail the machine and are forced to start the extraction process over from the beginning.
This addition adds a layer of mechanical skill to the game, requiring players to balance their movement and their ability to execute precise skill checks while potentially under the pressure of being chased by a Twisted character.
Community Guidance and Future Steps
As with any major update, the developers have encouraged players to stay informed through the in-game V-mail system. When the update officially drops, the V-mail will contain further details and specific information regarding the new rewards and lore.
The introduction of the Dandy’s Bud title and the incentive-based medal system for helping new players is a clear move toward building a more collaborative player base. The developers emphasize that everyone starts somewhere, and the goal is to make that transition as smooth and rewarding as possible.
The changes to Twisted Fin and the introduction of the Swimmy Barnaby machine represent a shift toward more dynamic and interactive threats. By moving away from simple slowdown mechanics and toward location-based tagging and environmental hazards, the developers are increasing the skill ceiling and requiring more teamwork to overcome the challenges presented by the Twisted.
For those looking to optimize their performance, the change to the fishing rod trinket is particularly impactful. By shifting from random item generation to reliable information about machine locations, players can now prioritize speed and objective completion. Players are encouraged to experiment with these new mechanics in the lobby to get a feel for the Swimmy Barnaby machine before attempting it in a high-stakes round.
As the community adjusts to these changes, the focus remains on the "Fin Tune of the Week" rewards. Players should keep an eye on their notifications to ensure they don't miss out on the limited-time events and lore content associated with this update. Whether you are a new "bud" just starting your journey or a seasoned veteran looking to earn medals and master the new machine mechanics, this update provides a substantial amount of content to explore.
FAQ
How do new players earn the ability to change their title?
New players start with the Dandy’s Bud title equipped automatically. After completing their initial tasks assigned by Dandy, they are promoted to "blossoming buds." Once they have earned a total of one thousand Ichor, they "bloom," which grants them the ability to change their title to any of the ones they have earned.
How does the new Twisted Fin mechanic work?
Twisted Fin now creates three large Ichor puddles on the floor, and in one of these, he tosses in Twisted Barnaby. If a player steps into a puddle with Barnaby active, the entity latches onto them. While attached, the player's location is revealed to Twisted Fin, who will prioritize targeting that specific player above all others.
What is the purpose of the new "Boom" machine?
The "Boom" machine, featuring "Swimmy Barnaby," is a new machine type where players must perform skill checks to collect coins. The difficulty of the obstacles is determined by the player’s skill check stat. Failing to avoid obstacles results in a failed machine attempt, requiring the player to restart the extraction process.