Wardog’s boss reveals the truth on balance XP and the broken endgame
The journey into the world of Wardogs has proven to be a fascinating mix of adrenaline, strategy, and a serious XP grind. While the game is celebrated as a unique sandbox shooter where no two matches are ever the same, the deeper players have begun to notice the delicate art of balancing a dynamic environment.
As the game enters its early access phase, a natural tension emerges. Players are grappling with the sheer amount of progression required, especially when chasing the highest tiers of vehicles, armor, and weaponry. This intensity often leads to discussions about how the game should evolve, particularly concerning the increasingly complex endgame.
Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer has offered some insightful perspective on this challenge, highlighting the studio’s philosophy: the game is fundamentally a sandbox, not a pure competitive FPS demanding perfect, static balance. Brammer suggests that sometimes, keeping the experience fresh is more important than perfect equilibrium. He admitted that the goal is occasionally to allow items or classes to be slightly overpowered for a season, only to be underpowered the next, simply to maintain the necessary level of interest.
This approach shifts the focus from rigid competitive perfection to dynamic gameplay. The frustration players sometimes feel—facing heavily armored opponents with lighter gear—is a natural part of the asymmetrical firefights that define Wardogs. Rather than demanding a change in the core asymmetrical format, the philosophy suggests embracing the chaos.
The experience of playing Wardogs also hinges on adaptation. As player styles evolve week to week, focusing on building or attacking Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) becomes just as viable as traditional hot-zone fighting. The true fun, it seems, lies in pivoting: learning anti-air tactics, mastering piloting skills, or adapting to the current shape of the match, rather than simply pushing a single objective.
Looking ahead, Bulkhead is preparing to deepen the progression with systems that reward repeated action. Future updates promise the introduction of Tarkov-style skills, allowing players to build persistent abilities through repetition, such as tactical sprint duration or staying in-scope while cycling a sniper rifle bolt. This promises a tangible evolution for progression that goes beyond simple XP and currency.
Furthermore, the introduction of a new “intel” resource is slated to unlock a deeper layer of customization, allowing players to acquire advanced gun parts, attachments, and more, pushing the limits of the gunsmith system. As Brammer put it, players are currently enjoying Wardogs, and the next evolution will ensure that the journey remains both thrilling and rewarding.
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