So this has probably been bugging a lot of people for a long time. I know it's been bugging me.
Spiral Knights seems to lack proper endgame content. Once you finish the story, theres nothing left to do. Shadow Lairs were good in theory but not in practice - They are a great challenge but the cost to get in means no one wants to play them unless they have a reason to.
So here's where I come in with my suggestion.
Every MMO does it, why don't we?
RAIDS.
It should go without explaining but I'll explain it anyway - Raids are content that allow a huge mob of people to go into a insanely difficult mission or quest and take on things that wouldn't hesitate to eat them for lunch. They take great coordination, Lots of thinking, and most importaintly, a large group of highly skilled players. These type of content are highly popular for endgame players of any MMO, and I think it's about time we brought the ultimate test to Spiral Knights. Give these knights something to fight for again!
Originally, I thought Raids wouldn't be possible in SK due to lag factor or whatever reasons, But you know what? if Lockdown can be played with 12 people racing around at once, why can't some endgame content? Fighting Mobs compared to players, is a lot slower. Player vs Player lag, won't be a factor in a Raid situation because the mobs are already calibrated to take a player's delay into consideration.
I also think, it is importaint to NOT charge to play these missions. If Spiral Knights releases Raid content, let people PLAY it, not Pay for it. Thats what people want, a good time, not a money sink.
-Summary-
Ideal player ratio per "Raid" - 8-12 Players.
Large, expansive map - lots of bells and cogs. Current SK Levels would be too small and narrow paths to house 12 players. Make sure the map doesnt make the players feel cramped.
Mobs that are tricky - Don't make it just 'beat on the bad guy', Make us fail, and have to rethink our stradegy to take these guys down. Half the fun is learning how to do it.
MiniBosses - Give us a challenge at the end of rooms or levels. Something out of the norm that will really make the players think.
One hell of a ender - On our final destination, give us the boss to end all bosses. Something no small group of players could ever acomplish on their own. Make us coordinate, think out a stradegy, and take SEVERAL tries to learn how it's done. Don't be affraid to mix it up, Don't make it routine like Roarmulous, make us have to think on our feet not follow patterns.
Importaint - DONT CHARGE US. No one wants to Pay to Play. We want to have content we can enjoy, and get our motors running. We've been lazy at the auction house too long.
Rewards - Give us materials or items you CANT GET by any other means! Some maybe even rare drops to keep us going back, Other routine prizes. Make the reward worth earning. If it's materials, you'll still get your money sink from people crafting their finished items. Everyone is happy.
So theres my suggestion, and heres your challenge, SK Developers. Lets get some endgame content we can all enjoy.
I hope you consider this suggestion.
+1