Gothic 1: Reworked - News from Mod Development (Crafting System)

Some time ago, I shared several posts about Gothic 1 Reworked.If you're interested in those articles or the page itself, feel free to search for more information online. Now, let’s move on to the new feature.

A Word from the Author – Rezu

As I mentioned previously, I’d like to present one of the original new features that will be introduced in the upcoming modification. This time we’re talking about crafting, which is divided into various skills such as Alchemy, Blacksmithing, and Bowmaking. There are also other disciplines like rune crafting, resource gathering, or ammunition production. But in this post, I’ll focus specifically on Alchemy, since that’s where a new system has been implemented – and I’d be happy to hear your feedback on it. 🙂

So – the skills of Alchemy, Blacksmithing, and Bowmaking now have three development levels:Basic / Advanced / Master.

Each level allows the player to craft more powerful items – in short.In the case of alchemy, I came up with the idea to bring back the system from Gothic 1, where permanent stat-boosting potions existed in three variants. For example, with strength potions: Essence, Extract, and Elixir.However, that system had its problems – mainly, there was little point in crafting an Essence when you could just wait and make a much stronger Elixir using the same plant.

That’s why I’ve developed a progression system specifically for permanent-effect potions (excluding special ones!). This applies to potions of Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Health, Mana, and Endurance.

How does the system work?

Very simply – even at the first level of alchemy, if you find or purchase a recipe (e.g. for a Dexterity potion), you can immediately start brewing its basic version – the Essence.Once you fulfill a set of requirements (brewing a total of 50 potions of any kind, 5 Essences, and advancing to the next level of Alchemy), the recipe upgrades to the next tier – allowing you to brew Extracts, which grant a greater bonus.The final version is, of course, the Elixir (Level 3), which offers the most powerful effect.

Why is it worth it?

All the above-mentioned potions that you’ll find or buy in the game world will only ever be the base version – Essences, which provide the smallest boost.This makes potion brewing a far more valuable investment, especially when playing on Torment difficulty. 🙂

To wrap things up, I’m including a few screenshots showing off the crafting menu (not just alchemy!) and how this system looks in practice.

And this is what it looks like when crafting runes: