Real Talk Time: Why AQ3D Is Testing a New Intro Concept (the Non-Sugarcoated Edition)

Beleen | Friday, January 16, 2026

Why a New Intro Concept, You Ask? Because... Completion Rate %

We always try to be transparent with you and our community, even when it’s awkward, even when it’s messy, and even when it might be to our own detriment. But we genuinely believe honesty is the best policy, so today we’re laying it ALL out for you.

So Why Are We Making Another New Intro?

Here it is, straight up, brutal honesty, bring it on:

Right now, our existing intro just wasn’t performing well enough.

Too many players bounced early
Some basic mechanics were confusing
...and if new players don’t “get it” fast, they leave.

In order to keep AdventureQuest 3D (or any game) healthy and growing, it needs both active players and new players. With the original "Death's Lair" intro, we realized that only a small portion of the new players signing up ever made it to the Town of Battleon. The completion rate of Death's Lair was 90%, but from DragonWatch to Battleon was more like 19%.

Horrified by this discovery that only 19 out of every 100 new players ever actually saw the game, we created Mossmere. It was more story focused, the graphics were better, and the experience was serious. When we released it we did an A/B test. This means half of the new players got the new intro and half got the old one. We compared the numbers. Mossmere's completion rate.... dropped by 1%. Absolutely heart breaking. On the positive side, players who completed Mossmere did tend to become more serious fans of the game. But the overarching problem remained: new players are not finishing the intro.

And when that happens? We can’t afford to promote the game. And if we can’t promote the game, that means less funding so we cannot increase the size of the team.

Less funding —> smaller updates —> losing money —> less funding —> repeat.

That’s the honest and uncomfortable truth, y'all.

We have been weekly-updating AQ3D for a decade and have no intentions of ever stopping. So we are doing something about...

Testing a New Intro Concept

Lemmie be clear: we didn’t make this new intro because the old one was “bad.”

We made it because it wasn’t doing what an intro needs to do in this highly competitive gaming industry of 2026:

Quickly show what AQ3D is
Make it Multiplayer (The previous intros were single player)
Teach the basics without overwhelming
Make a new player say, “Okay yeah, I wanna keep playing this”
...and make other Artix gamers go, “OMG this feels like a modern day AdventureQuest!”

You already love AQ3D.

But new players don’t… yet.

So let’s change that!!

This new intro is about helping new players get there. And fast. When we tested things and read your feedback, we realized something wild ~but~ important:

Stuff that feels super obvious to longtime players like us can feel confusing and totally strange to someone brand new.

So with this intro, we intentionally aimed for:

Less friction
Being Multiplayer
Fewer systems all at once
More playing, more action, and less “wait, where am I supposed to go?”

It sets the tone, introduces the core mechanics, and eases players into the wonderful world of Lore without throwing the entire wiki at their face.

That’s something they’ll graduate into 🤭

This Has Artix Written All Over It. Literally.

Artix worked closely — perhaps too closely — with the team on this new intro. And you can 9001% tell.

The writing, the humor, the pacing, the classic AdventureQuest vibes… it immediately feels familiar in that “oh lawdy this reminds me of 2003 Flash games!!1!!1!one!!” sort of way.

The moment you play the new intro (given by Artix himself; he’s on the Battleon Bridge, can’t miss him), you’ll feel that iconic AdventureQuest energy. And yup, that’s totally intentional. And, hopefully, effective 😜

Important Disclaimer: This Concept was Built Quickly

We need to stress and bold and caps lock that this intro is a CONCEPT.

The concept needed to be built and tested FAST. It only got a tiny fraction of time, polish, or resources as something like Mossmere did. And we did that on purpose. We didn’t want to go all-in again without knowing if this very different direction is something that would help new players get past the intro and join you in the actual game.

This is us testing the waters before committing to swimming across the sea.

Dang Beleen, that’s a really good metaphor. I’ll give myself a pat on the back since working from home means no one can pop in to do it for me — and if they did, I’d assume they were a robber 👀

Your Feedback = Actual Direction Changes

If you play this intro and think things like

“Yeah, it is short and fun”
“I want more bite-sized content like this”
“This feels like the game I want to play”

Then we need to hear that.

Aaaand conversely, if you think other things, then we really need to hear that too.

After finishing the tutorial, you’ll be asked to share your thoughts (100% anonymously) on a short Google Form survey that’ll take about 3 minutes. Just speak to Artix again on the Battleon Bridge and click “Thank you for playing it!”

And yup, we really will read it. Your feedback will directly influence things like how we remaster and re-connect older storylines, and ofc what future new-player experiences look like.

And yup, Artix’s shoulders were really pink during testing. I insisted he keep them that way. They look fabulous!

Be Honest With Us (Because We’re Being Honest With You)

We care about AQ3D. We care about its future. We care about you. We can’t do this without you!

So talk to Artix on the Battleon Bridge. Help us test by playing the new intro concept. Tell us what works. Tell us what doesn’t. And tell us if this is the kind of AQ3D you want more of!

We’re excited to hear what you honestly think. Thank you for being the BEST part of AQ3D!

Gaz’s Last Chance Shop

Sneaky Sneevils always have the best loot. IDK how they get their hands (or, um, hooks?) on all that great gear, but it’s probably best not to ask too many questions. Speak to Gaz in Battleon to access his Last Chance Shop that’s full of — you guessed it — last chance items like weapons, helms, capes, and other promos from 2025.

500 Dragon Crystals Awarded

We were supposed to send these DCs out Wednesday ~but~ since the release was delayed until Thursday, that’s when we were able to award ‘em! If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve got an extra 500 DCs in your account. Sorry for the delay!

And since this week’s release WAS delayed, we also didn’t have time to get in the RAW versions of Frostval items, nor offer the exclusive item for playing through the new intro. That’ll go in next week, promise!

January Promo Item: Star Crown

On the topic of freebies… check out January’s Star Crown!

Just make any purchase like Dragon Crystals, a Guardian upgrade, or the Starter Bundle, and the Star Crown will sparkle straight into your inventory for no additional cost.

Want your glow to reach legendary levels? Go Guardian and you'll also unlock the Guardian’s Star Crown, a golden variant that proves you’re reaching for the stars! Thanks so much for all your support!

Battle on!
Beleen, Artix, Clarion, and the AQ3D team