We chat about videogames and videogame accessories.

We are removing mist energy for a couple of reasons. First, so that elevators will stop requiring the use of energy. Second, from a design perspective, we want to encourage Spiral Knights players to experiment with more of the game than our research shows that they currently do. It turns out that providing energy to players in greater or lesser amounts does not encourage them to try out different weapons and gear, something we have always believed was a core part of the Spiral Knights experience.

NO FUCKING SHIT

but...now they're making the items required for crafting as drops....

which doesn't fill me with confidence given the prospect of the rare drops system

well, the way they're talking about it is making me think they're gonna be common drops

Orbs of Alchemy for Crafting

Orbs of Alchemy can be found as loot drops as you play in the Clockworks, and will be used instead of energy for crafting. Orbs exist for each star level in the game (save for 0 star). As you play, you will find over time that you have more orbs than you need for the upgrade of your initial choice of weapons, and that you have the resources to build a broader arsenal of gear. This, in turn, will make it easier for Spiral Knights players to experiment with more varied equipment and gameplay styles. Orbs of Alchemy, in addition to being found in the Clockworks as loot, may be bought from the Supply Depot.

and besides, if you really want a lot of drops of the items, the easy solution is that "well now you aren't limited by mist, go grind for as long as you want to"

this will basically make several of the steam achievements a thousand times easier, too