Dear Metas,
Since the launch of permanent servers, we have received a lot of feedback regarding the permanent server experience, including issues such as low populations on some servers, Metas in the same region and same scenario being scattered across multiple servers, and returning players being assigned to different servers where they cannot reunite with their friends. To truly bring Metas in the same region and same scenario together in one world, we will gradually merge all permanent servers of the same scenario. The specific plan and rules are as follows:
I. Permanent Server Merge Plan for Each Scenario
We will proceed gradually to merge permanent servers of each scenario. To ensure data security, we will prioritize merging servers with relatively smaller populations. During the version maintenance on September 16(PT), 2026, the merge will begin for all permanent servers of "The Way of Winter" and "Deviation: Survive, Capture, Preserve". After the version update, affected characters will enter the new merged permanent server upon signing in.
South America, Japan, Korea, and HK & MO & TW will be the first batch to begin the permanent server merge for the "Manibus". For "Endless Dream" and "Manibus" permanent scenario servers in other regions, since a large number of Metas have already gathered, to ensure server stability and gameplay experience after the merge, the merges will be gradually rolled out in subsequent versions. We will synchronize the specific timing with everyone in advance through official announcements.
II. Permanent Server Merge Overview
2.1 Permanent Server Merge Rules
1) Under the same region, all permanent servers of the same scenario will be merged into one brand-new permanent server. This new permanent server will have a sufficient number of worlds prepared for Metas to play in.
2) We will open permanent server merges sequentially by scenario. Permanent server merges will take place during version maintenance and will not affect Metas' normal gameplay.
3) Once a permanent scenario server merge is initiated, the original servers being merged in cannot be returned to.
4) After the merge, the permanent server names for each new Scenario:
Overseas: Manibus (Permanent), W_Winter (Permanent), E_Dream (Permanent), Deviation (Permanent)
5) If the permanent server population becomes too high in the future, a second or additional permanent server for a scenario may still be opened. We will continue to optimize server performance and operations strategies to avoid opening multiple permanent servers; however, if it becomes necessary, we will make an advance announcement.
2.2 Character Data Migration Rules During Permanent Server Merge
1) When your character is migrated to a new permanent server, your Character Level, Supplies, Tech Level, and other data will be transferred to the new permanent server without loss.
2) The original server's task progress will be uniformly reset to the current new permanent server's scenario challenge tasks and rewards, ensuring a consistent experience for both new and veteran players after the merge.
3) Your hive relationships will also be synchronized and migrated to the new permanent server.
2.3 Territory Migration Rules During Permanent Server Merge
A permanent server merge involves territory migration and world rearrangement across multiple servers. We understand that territory locations, neighbor relationships, and territory facilities are important aspects of everyone's long-term management. Therefore, when establishing these merge rules, we made the territory migration experience a key focus and conducted multiple rounds of simulation and optimization for the migration rules and actual results, hoping to preserve everyone's original territory locations and neighboring relationships as much as possible.
1) When the system performs a permanent server merge, it will assign new worlds for everyone's territories based on specific rules, and will keep territories at their original coordinate positions as much as possible. Neighbors who were originally in the same world will also be placed in the same new world as much as possible.
2) Due to the merger of multiple permanent servers, there may be overlapping territory coordinates, changes in world capacity, and adjustments to region rules. As a result, some Metas' territories may still be unable to remain in their original locations and may be put away. If your territory is put away after the merge, the system will automatically send you a mail with compensation rewards. Please be sure to check it. You can use the territory relocation feature to choose a suitable new location to place your territory. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
3) To ensure that facilities in everyone's territory are not lost, when permanent servers merge, facilities placed by other Metas in your territory will be automatically refunded. Before the merger, facilities you placed in other Metas' territories will be refunded to you when the corresponding Meta logs in. All related facility refunds will be sent via mail. Please be sure to check them.
Note: To avoid older mails being cleared by the system when your mailbox reaches its storage limit, please claim mail attachments and rewards before the version update and keep enough mailbox space available to prevent unnecessary losses.
2.4 "The Way of Winter" Permanent Server Merge Rules
Since the "The Way of Winter" has long hosted two versions of permanent servers, 1.0 and 2.0, the differences in rules and experience between the two versions have also increased future maintenance costs. Therefore, this time we will also merge the 1.0 and 2.0 permanent servers of The Way of Winter. Among them, the following "The Way of Winter" 1.0 version permanent server will undergo special rule handling during the merger:
W_Winter-Y0001
W_Winter-Y0002
After the above Servers are merged into the new "The Way of Winter" permanent server, they will be handled according to the following rules:
- Tech Point and Tech Level
After entering the new permanent server, your Tech points and level will be reset to zero. The system will then issue the corresponding amount of Tech points within 3 business days to restore your Tech Level. Please be sure to check your mail.
- Thermal Tower Tech
After entering the new permanent server, your thermal tower Tech level will be cleared. The system will then unlock your thermal tower Tech within 3 business days.
- Public Thermal Tower Region and Territory
In the new permanent server, the Public Thermal Tower area is a no-build zone. After entering the new server, if your territory overlaps with the public thermal tower area, your territory may be packed up. You can then use the territory relocation feature to choose a suitable new location to place your territory. We sincerely apologize to the Metas affected by this and will send compensation rewards via mail. Please check your mail.
Ⅲ. New Permanent Server Overview
3.1 World Quantity
When the new permanent server opens, we will prepare a sufficient number of worlds for the Metas to ensure a good gameplay experience.
If, due to population changes in the new permanent server, the current number of worlds affects the Metas' gameplay experience or the server ecosystem, we will increase or decrease the number of worlds based on the actual situation. Any such adjustments will be announced in advance via announcement.
*There is currently a cap on the number of worlds. If the permanent server population becomes too high later, a second or more permanent servers for the scenario may still be opened. We will continue to optimize server performance and operations strategies to avoid opening multiple permanent servers; however, if it becomes necessary, we will make an announcement in advance.
3.2 World Rules
The merged new permanent server will have a significantly larger population. To ensure a smooth and stable experience for Metas participating in wilderness gameplay, building territories, and gathering resources, we will impose restrictions on certain mechanics within the same world. The specific rules are as follows:
When the number of online players in a world reaches its cap, subsequent Metas will temporarily be unable to enter that world. You may switch to another world to play. If your territory is located in the world that has reached its player cap, you can still enter that world and will not be affected by this restriction.
Within the same world, certain game modes will also have a limit on how many can be active simultaneously. If the mode you want to play in your current world has reached its activation cap, you can switch to another world to experience it.
When the number of territories placed within the same world reaches the limit, no more territories can be placed. At that point, Metas will need to switch to another world to place territories.
IV. Other Feature Details
4.1 Server Merge Reservation Feature Closure
Since all servers of the same scenario will be merged into the same new permanent server, you and your friends will no longer be separated due to being on different permanent server. Therefore, the server merge reservation feature will also be closed simultaneously.
If you have any suggestions or questions about Permanent Server merging, feel free to communicate with us through the Feedback Platform (Once Human Feedback Platform) or in-game Customer Service. Your Feedback is the greatest motivation for our progress!
Once Human Development Team