Kwell's June devlog transcript describes changes to onboarding, characters, items, and interactive elements. This page summarizes that dated source; it does not rank the devlog against later releases.
Introducing the Dandy's Bud System
One of the most notable additions in this update is the Dandy's Bud system. Designed to bridge the gap between fresh players and the established community, this system introduces a structured way for new users to learn the core mechanics of the game. When a new player first enters the game, they are greeted by an updated character select screen where Poppy and Boxon are presented with enhanced animations, making the initial selection process more engaging and clear.
Upon spawning into the main hall, players are met by Dandy himself. He introduces them to his shop and provides a series of simple tasks designed to familiarize them with the environment. After these initial interactions, Dandy directs the player to the nearest elevator to begin their first round. During this introductory phase, new players have the "Dandy's Bud" title automatically equipped. This serves as a visual indicator to the rest of the community that the player is in the learning phase.
As a player completes these new player tasks over the course of several rounds, they eventually earn a promotion from a "Bud" to a "Blossoming Bud." The progression continues until the player has earned a total of 1,000 Ichor. Once this milestone is reached, the player "blooms," granting them the ability to customize their title and choose from any of the titles they have earned during their time in the game.
The intention behind this system is to encourage a collaborative environment. The developers hope that seasoned players will recognize the "Dandy's Bud" title and take the opportunity to mentor newcomers. As a form of player guidance, it is worth noting that for every floor on which an experienced player assists a Bud, they earn progress toward medals and contribute to their own personal stat sheet. This creates a mutually beneficial dynamic where veterans are incentivized to help, and newcomers receive the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of the game.
Fin Tune of the Week: Reworks and Rewards
The update also places a significant spotlight on the "Fin Tune of the Week," celebrating the popular fishbowl character. This segment of the update is packed with changes, including a rework for Twisted Fin, updates to Fin's trinket, thematic rewards for the week, and a new type of machine to interact with.
Twisted Fin Rework
Twisted Fin has undergone a mechanical transformation to make his presence on the floor more dynamic. Previously, Twisted Fin would slow down any player who completed a machine on the floor. Following this update, that mechanic has been removed. Instead, Twisted Fin now creates three large Ichor puddles on the floor.
Within one of these puddles, Twisted Fin will toss in Twisted Barnaby. This introduces a new layer of risk for players. If a player steps into a puddle while Twisted Barnaby is active, the character will jump out and latch onto the player. While Twisted Barnaby is attached, the player's location is revealed to Twisted Fin for the entire duration of the attachment.
Crucially, Twisted Fin’s AI behavior has been adjusted to prioritize these targets. Regardless of whether he was chasing another player or had previously spotted someone else, Twisted Fin will always lock his focus onto the player in the cited material burdened by Twisted Barnaby.
To mitigate this, the update encourages team coordination. Fellow players can assist in removing the attached Barnaby. The duration for which Barnaby remains latched depends on the number of players present:
- Solo players: 10 seconds.
- Two, three, or four players: 15 seconds.
- Five or more players: 20 seconds.
Twisted Fin’s behavior also includes splashing and playing within these Ichor puddles, adding to the atmospheric changes of the update.
Fin’s Trinket Rework
Fin’s fishing rod trinket has also received a functional update. Previously, the trinket provided three random items at the start of a round. With the new update, the fishing rod now reveals the locations of machines on the floor at the start of the floor. This change offers a more strategic advantage, allowing players to plan their routes more effectively from the moment they spawn.
New Machine: Swimmy Barnaby
In addition to the character-specific updates, a brand-new machine type called "Swimmy Barnaby" has been introduced. While players can practice and engage with this machine in the lobby, it also appears as a functional machine counterpart during gameplay.
The difficulty of the obstacles within the Swimmy Barnaby machine is dictated by the player's "skill check" stat. To complete the machine, players must collect coins, which constitutes successful skill checks. However, the machine demands precision; if a player hits an obstacle, the attempt fails, and they must start the extraction process over from the beginning.
Final Thoughts and Further Information
These updates represent a significant shift in how Dandy's World handles both player onboarding and mid-game intensity. By formalizing the mentorship process through the Dandy's Bud system, the developers are fostering a more welcoming community. Simultaneously, the reworks to Twisted Fin and the addition of the Swimmy Barnaby machine ensure that even the most seasoned veterans have new mechanics to learn and adapt to.
As Kwell noted in the devlog, players should keep an eye on their V-mail for more detailed information when the update officially drops. The combination of lore-focused content, such as the dedicated lore video for Fin, and the gameplay-focused adjustments provides a well-rounded update that touches on almost every aspect of the Dandy's World experience.
FAQ
How do I earn the ability to change my player title in Dandy's World?
According to the update, new players start with the "Dandy's Bud" title. As they complete tasks and progress, they are promoted to "Blossoming Buds." Once a player has earned a total of 1,000 Ichor, they "bloom," which unlocks the ability to change their title to any other title they have earned.
What happens if I get latched onto by Twisted Barnaby?
If you step into an Ichor puddle while Twisted Barnaby is active, he will latch onto you. While he is attached, Twisted Fin will be able to see your location and will prioritize targeting you above all other players. You can have other players help you remove him; the time he stays attached varies based on the number of players in your session (10 seconds for solo, 15 seconds for 2-4 players, and 20 seconds for 5+ players).
How does the new Fin’s fishing rod trinket work?
After the update, Fin's fishing rod no longer provides three random items at the start of a round. Instead, it now reveals the locations of all machines on the floor at the start of the floor, providing a strategic advantage for planning your movement through the level.