VU17: DirectX 10 fallback support

In one of the better decision MindArk has made since any of the graphical updates is the back support for systems with hardware not compatible with Direct X 11.

Since the recent graphical update, a number of people have been reporting receiving a message on  starting, that many graphic cards have been not been compatible with the new Direct X version.

In the most recent patch, fallback support for DirectX 10 has been added. When the system detects that you have a graphics card that only supports DirectX 10, it will fallback to using DirectX 10.

However, this fallback process may be removed in the future when weMindArk adds graphical features that DirectX 10 cannot handle. If your graphics card does not support DirectX 11, we recommend upgrading to a newer card before the fallback support is removed.


Most of the recent version of windows usually comes with DirectX 11 by default, older version of windows may need to download and install it, to check your DirectX version

1. Click Start.
2. Search and Click Run (Start > All Programs > Accessories > Run)
3. Type "dxdiag" in the Run window
4. If DirectX version is less than 11: Download DirectX 11 (Official Microsoft Website)

Note: Even if you have DirectX 11 is installed, your hardware might not be compatible with it. Cards older than Nvidia's 400 GT series or AMD's HD 5000 series are not be compatible with DirectX 11, even if you have it installed.

VU17: Tiering and enhancers update in December

More information has been released today by MindArk about the upcoming version update in December. In the upcoming update several changes and improvements will be made to the item tiering and enhancers systems to make it cheaper and easier to use.

MindArk plans to lower the cost of using these systems to help increase the usage of enhancers, this is to help stimulate an increase in crafting activity by increasing the demand for enhancers. It has also been stated that further updates will also contain further improvements to these systems.

One of the major improvements will be that 100% of the ingredients will be return in trade terminal value as shrapnel. A persons tier level will not longer be involved in salvaging ingredients when upgrading a tier of an item.

100% of the trade terminal value of enhancers will also be returned in the form of shrapnel when an enhancer breaks and enhancers inserted into limited items will now break much less often.

With the changes to the item tiering process, the "Tier Upgrader" profession will no longer have any purpose, and will be removed completely. Any remaining skill points will have its value converted to a corresponding "Tier Upgrading Skill Implant" and compensated at a markup of 20000% in early 2020.

In the meantime, anyone wishing to convert their existing "Tier Upgrading" skill points to PED can list "Tier Upgrading Skill Implants" on the auction and a MindArk Official avatar will buy any implants listed for 20000% markup or lower, once per week.

A few minor changes to the interface which will greatly improve the smoothness of the interactions will be the ability to attach and remove attachments and enhancers without unequipping the item first, and no longer needing to drag items from the inventory or storage to the tier upgrading window. Items from your inventory as well as items from an open storage terminal will automatically be used in the tier upgrading window. Items in vehicles or container storage will not be used.

Another minor improvement which improves the information the interface will provide to the user is the addition of a second decimal place to the tier level. This will provide more finer detailed information about the progress to the next tier level.

VU17: Graphical update in December

The upcoming release scheduled for early December will include the biggest visual update since the switch to the CryEngine, this update will greatly improve processing of light and colours.

MindArk is not switching from the CryEngine, but using features within the engine to improve post processing effects, colour, bloom and lighting to give a more natural and photographic appearance allowing planet partners to create better looking assets within Entropia.

Before and after shots have been provided by MindArk showing a visible difference of what the next update can provide. The first thing many will notice are the shadows are clearly more defined and look more natural. Light is more vibrant and reflections bounce light off of glass better and water is much more clearer. Even growing light emitting signs are much more clearer and easier to see from further away.

Important Note:
This update will effect older machines running Windows XP as the upgrade uses DirectX 11. DirectX 11 is only compatible with Windows Vista or later operating systems.
To found out more about how this can effect your system: Click Here.