Updated
May 6, 2025
Arena Gauntlet - Release Patch Notes 1.9.0

Illuvium Arena Gauntlet – Release Patch Notes 1.9.0
Rangers,
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.
Major New Features
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.

Balance Changes
This patch includes a targeted balance pass aimed at reducing the dominance of the Tank Meta and improving underused units:
Bulwark Synergy: Resistance reduced from 8/15/24 → 6/12/20
Adaptive Reflection (Augment): Resistance damage reduced from 60% → 40%
Blightfire (Augment): Bonus Health reduced from 450 → 300
Pterodactyl Line: Base Health increased from 1400/1750/2250 → 1500/1850/2400
Bug Fixes
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.
Final Notes
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.
The Illuvium Team
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