New Challenger: Bewitched Bookcase

February 13, 2022, 5:03 am by

My initial reaction was disappointment like "oh not you too, I don't want this site to be pay to win, what does this mean for the site's future? Is this going to escalate?"

But then I realised that I was probably feeling that way because we're spoilt by how much is free on here. I'm broke and have never spent anything on this site (I buy all my csc with sp), and have so far felt like I have access to pretty much everything except this. But if that way of running the site is not making enough money for you guys to pay for servers and rent, then ok fair enough, do what you gotta do. Thanks for being so transparent about it.

February 13, 2022, 3:49 am by

Is it only giving out books from the Book Nook or from other shops as well??

February 12, 2022, 9:19 pm by

THANK YOU for this challenger! I am still a newbie to battling, only been battling a little over a year, as I never cared for it before. And while I have T10/11 pets, I am still learning which weapon sets work for me. I have really enjoyed this challenger, as it has allowed me to play around with more scrolls, weapons, and such! I am sorry so many seem unhappy, but this is one gal who appreciates all you are doing to keep your user base happy, and bring some new things in. I still don't understand a lot about battling, and couldn't care less about being the best at it. I just want to have fun doing it, and I am. Thank you! ❤

February 12, 2022, 3:25 pm by

Feedback after a couple days of trying it out.

Positive: I like the mechanics and scaling. I love older unobtainable/difficult to obtain items being given out (helping prices drop and/or actual collections. My T8 & T10 pets can both get at least 20 wins, so that's fun (and helps put more of the loot drops into circulation or onto pets for AP). The way it works is handy for folks who cannot subscribe consistently (imo) because you can sub for a month when you're ready and run through it all.

Negative: I don't love that the opponent scales heavily the higher you go but that you are dropped down to 10 experience for every win after 10. I don't love that if you drop your sub, you lose the access - and that we haven't gotten a clear answer yet on if it comes back if you resubscribe.

Neutral: I don't think this is going to have the consistency impact that Subeta is looking for as far as retaining subscribers. I absolutely agree that we need to find real solutions to the issue of people not subscribing/staying subscribed so that the site can have a more functional method of determining monthly income to help with moving forward on improvements, fixes, and new content. I think the feedback is primarily positive here to this but I also think it might be really helpful to bring back a subscription suggestion thread run by staff to take information on what people want to see. I also think the subscriptions need to be fixed so that people can upgrade/downgrade without having to cancel and wait. I also think it would be beneficial to revisit the initially described plan of having different offers within the tiers for people who are not interested in, say, CSC/CWs. I know that is a lot of additional programming but at the very least I absolutely think the upgrade/downgrade situation needs to be fixed as soon as possible. And a feedback/suggestions/ideas for moving the site forward and getting new/retaining older subscribers should be a first stop if the goal is to try to stabilize the incoming funds. This is a neat idea but it's been less than two days and I'm virtually done with it - I have 5 more wins with my T12 that I have to wait on but like....it's not pressing.

February 12, 2022, 3:00 pm by

Bewitched Bookcase challenges you to a fight in the Battle Coliseum! Hmm, will have to try this. I like getting a free CSC challenger for a change since I don't pay for the ones that cost. Hope they do this again.

February 12, 2022, 2:40 pm by

I think this is a bit unfair trying to push people into a sub just to gain a Challenger. Surely there is another way you could do this. Not everyone can afford this in the world we are in now. From a battler I'm sad I'm unable to get challenger

February 12, 2022, 10:40 am by

Eh, after a couple days of seeing this working, this seems like a pretty solid way to reintroduce old items that are either out of circulation or unaffordable to the economy. It pretty easily expands to other item types just by changing the challenger 'theme', and is accessible to people who have low level pets or don't battle much while still being rewarding to people with capped pets because of the scaling and drops.

February 11, 2022, 9:45 pm by

20 battles is the answer for my T8 lol.

February 11, 2022, 8:39 pm by

Thank you for the chance to get these books! Almost all of them are on my WL! It's a slog to get through, but it seems to be worth it. It helps to have a healer, but let's see how far I can keep going!

February 11, 2022, 1:40 pm by

Interesting, I'm curious as to how far I'll get. I half-assedly train my pet but I'm not really a battler. Food-based one for gourmands should be Neverending Salad and Breadsticks. >_>

February 11, 2022, 1:12 pm by

Okay no problem! I just wanted to verify. Thank you for the information!

February 11, 2022, 12:47 pm by

The exp is working as intended. We cannot scale the exp up as the challengers difficulty increases unfortunately.

February 11, 2022, 12:42 pm by

Quick question, as this challenger scales up intentionally differently than typical challengers, should we only be getting 10exp above the 10 wins? I noticed from 11-30 I was only getting 10exp per win and thought I'd ask and Amber is unsure.

February 11, 2022, 12:24 pm by

Sorry I didn't get back to anyone replying yesterday, I fell asleep at like 5pm my time (8pm subeta) and ... woke up at 6am.

Just reiterating, not all challengers will be via subscriptions. This book pal is really the only one planned. Indefinitely. If we change it, we'll give plenty of heads up. Like I said earlier, we don't plan on doing a bunch of challengers this way. About how this challenger works? We'll still have Cash Shop Challengers. This isn't replacing them/free counterparts. :) Oh, I'm not sure about that. That's a or question (I pretend I know battling but I don't!!) If we do eventually retire this challenger, which we do not have any plans to do any time soon, we will give ample warning.

If I missed anyone that ping'd me, please ping me again. Happy to answer questions!

February 11, 2022, 11:28 am by

Whoa I see this blew up like a dumpster fire. For the record I am not white, not American, live in south east asia, and would have no problem with buying subscriptions for additional perks. Do you think it's free to keep a site like subeta running?

February 11, 2022, 10:55 am by

I can see why this would be a useful subscription perk and love the way books are being re-released - thank you!

I also really like 's idea of after a certain amount of time, making the Bewitched Bookcase a cash-shop challenger. Perhaps it could be a little more expensive than typical ones because of the way it doles out loot, and the incentive for subscribing is that users get access to certain challengers first. I suppose it depends on how long staff intend on keeping this challenger around, as well as what similar challengers they plan on releasing, if any.

Some users have already mentioned a food-based one for gourmands, which I think is also a great idea. If staff even wanted to stretch this concept out a bit, there are SO MANY food items on the site from different cuisines that there could be more precisely-themed challengers. For example, a haunted food court that doles out fast food-type items, a malfunctioning ice cream truck for desserts/treats, a cursed waiter who brings out gourmet foods, etc.

February 11, 2022, 10:47 am by

How some people here reacts towards this kind of addition make me feel sad, as if Subeta should be a favor just because they play it. It is INSANE to think that the administrators of a free to play site deserves curses and roasting for implementing ONE more perk on subs to shine a little more something that is entirely an OPTION for the players. I think these people are children who lied their ages on register.

February 11, 2022, 10:16 am by

Can we buy subscriptions for other players without sharing our banking info? Maybe instead of the buddy gold thing we could this?

February 11, 2022, 10:00 am by

Ouch he jumps hard in difficulty at 50 wins, lol! I'll have to subscribe again after I hit tier 13, but I really like the flexibility of this opponent. Well worth the $5 to me (and I acknowledge the privilege that lets me sometimes pay for pixels)

February 11, 2022, 9:54 am by

Honestly, I think this is a good idea as a perk. I can't sub right now, unfortunately, but I'm looking forward to trying out this challenger once I have the funds to do so again. I look forward to seeing what else is added to the sub in the future.

February 11, 2022, 9:22 am by

This is such a cool new feature!

February 11, 2022, 8:45 am by

Not sure if quote scode works on news posts so here we go haha

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Like seriously, between forbidding people from EVER using their mother language and this? Cancelled my subscription after 15 years of playing here and a good 12 of paying to be here. The moment y&;all decide to quit being insanely prohibitive to anyone who isn&;t from the USA or Canada and isn&;t white, I&;ll think about spending my hard-earned money here again.

Aside from your comments being incredibly rude, they are also wrong. Subeta is not country locking paid features. Personally I've played Subeta just fine living in three different non American countries, and a quick google search will teach you Paypal is accessible in so many countries. If someone does not want to sign up to Paypal that's fine, but it's not Subeta's responsibility to cater to them, as this is already a very accessible option they offer.

As for your language comment, Subeta is a website with guidelines that need to be moderated. Staff can't do that in languages they don't speak, it's not feasible. English is not my first language but I don't expect to be able to use my mother language on a website where staff mod in English. They are not asking anyone to do away with their culture or language, they're only asking to be able to communicate us, and keep this site enjoyable and comfortable for everyone.

You're not making a point by cancelling your subscription. No one wants a rude customer to stick around. No one wants to be talked to this way, the money you may have spent here definitely isn't worth it. If you have concerns or questions you can just ask them, instead of being accusatory and cursing at staff.

It's sad to me that after 15 years of enjoying Subeta, that offers plenty to do for free, you would disregard your time spent here because you don't like staff doing the bare minimum they have to do to keep this site up. As another user has already said, it's reading comments like yours that make me less likely to actively engage in the community, not staff releasing items / challengers that I may not have access to.

I hope you reconsider your stance on this matter. Subeta is a free website where you can do so much without having to pay a dime. It is made tempting to buy CSC and subscriptions, because that is what is needed to keep this website up. It's a business - not a charity. They are not slighting anyone by running a business that already offers so much free content, and offering some paid and possibly restricted content. You are not entitled to everything this website offers just because you want it, I don't expect to be either.

February 11, 2022, 8:43 am by

Subscription models are not elegant - we all know this. In all honesty, of course I would love to pay once and be happy, yet web technology doesn't build itself out of thin air. This site has to be maintained, its future has to be evaluated and ensureing that people get something fun out of their monthly payment is what makes this site actually run. You don't lose anything with this challenger - even the book's prices are getting cheaper (which is NEVER a bad thing). Quit crying over payment methods since this is something staff just can't do anything about. Systemic inequalities and capitalism are disgusting - yet nothing you should cry about in here. Criticize the site when it's necessary and apparent that something is clearly going wrong - and it has been. This is not the case with this update and it only frustrates a small group of people that most-likely already struggle with going on with this place. Don't get me wrong, I am all here for being very cautious with every new addition, but this one is a small yet important one compared to the lootbox debacle. Honestly, give people even more for their coin. Any convenience, more old items, pet slots, vouchers, what fucking ever - just know where to draw the line. As soon as finances are stable, getting developers and infratructure will be the very fundamental thing for the site to heal. You demanding everything to be free is an insult to people who decided to drop their money to support a site that is barely making you pay as much as other games.

February 11, 2022, 8:25 am by

Well if it only gives 1k in EXP at 10 wins, then I generally don't think I mind missing out. xD At least the books will become affordable then.

February 11, 2022, 7:02 am by

Ahhh I do enjoy a good bookgasm. Best challenger ever.

February 11, 2022, 7:02 am by

In order to guarantee longer subscription periods, adding a prize for being a member for specific tiers for (half) a year, would be an idea - I look at the unobtainable Fanciful Boxes and event weapons you're not bringing back. And there must be similar incentives for non battlers as well.

February 11, 2022, 5:26 am by

(I hate pinging people, I'm sorry) but one of my questions was drowned in the flood of comments:

if I pause my subscription, will I have access to the challenger again, once I renew?

Quote by indica

how long will this challenger be available to subscribers? will we have access to it indefinitely, or are there plans to cycle it out for other challengers over time?

also this.

I think a full explanation of the mechanics of this kind of challenger in the battle forum would be helpful/mandatory.

February 11, 2022, 5:17 am by

It's just 1 challenger out of the more than 200 currently active and available challengers so unless you've unlocked every challenger there's really no reason for a user to be sour over this. The loot book prices will drop and stablize over time.

Is there any intention to make this available to all users after an extended period of time?

I have the subscription and love this as an incentive, but I do feel for users who will be permanently locked out of an active challenger simply for not having the means or desire to subscribe. What about making it it a regular cash shop challenger after an extended period of time so nobody is permanently locked out.

The other way would be to set up a different way for users to purchase a subscription for others using cash only (No CSC!) . It would bring in more revenue but this side should probably be tracked separate since it wouldn't be a constant revenue stream.

February 11, 2022, 4:22 am by

Wish I hadn't read the comments on this news post, some people really need an attitude adjustment. Thanks for this challenger. Reminds me of the haunted bookcase in Super Mario 64.

February 11, 2022, 4:01 am by

Ahhh I didn't catch it in the discussion, but... Will this opponent retire anytime soon? Or do we have plenty of time to sort out our spare funds and payment options?

February 11, 2022, 3:21 am by

I see I cannot use my credit card, I'm from Australia. Will this change in the near future?

February 11, 2022, 3:00 am by

Just a quick question since the mechanics of the challenger are that it increases in difficulty with every win: shouldn't experience go up to match that? I noticed that for wins 11-20 I was only get 10exp each win. Just checking to see if that is something that is not changing with all of the other changes or if that is an error!

February 11, 2022, 2:44 am by

Is it just not common knowledge that websites cost money to run? Every post about paid features I've seen in the past year has more comments than I'd expect reading like people have no idea how the internet works.

February 11, 2022, 2:41 am by

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The moment y&;all decide to quit being insanely prohibitive to anyone who isn&;t from the US or Canada and isn&;t white, I&;ll think about spending my hard-earned money here again.

for the record, it's people exactly like you on these news posts that have made me stop playing. i came to the comments to see the drops, not this infantile bull. it's not the people of this website's job to cater to you, don't curse at them, don't flat out lie for attention, i am so tired of this complaining. i don't think some of you will ever realize that when you come here like it's your duty to roast the admins do so at the expense of the people around you. you're being so insanely selfish, i am so so so tired. please stop, some of the comments are so far from constructive that they just shouldn't be posted. we could genuinely do without them.

February 11, 2022, 2:00 am by

ok but some of y'all are literally never satisfied lol

February 11, 2022, 1:13 am by

Well. Let me go get me some books.

February 11, 2022, 1:08 am by

I like the idea of this challenger but I don't like the fact that it forces u to subscribe...lol

February 11, 2022, 1:05 am by

I think that we are pretty lucky to have so many things available that don't require a subscription compared to other sites. Yes, I battle. No, I can't permit myself subscriptions as I use food banks, etc. However, I'm thankful for what I can get. Plus, with more books circulating there's a chance I can buy a few whereas before there was no chance. Businesses need a stable income and hard decisions need to be made. I'm an admin for a residence. The board of directors must look into raising the rent to not run in the red. The tenants won't be happy, but those are the type of tough decisions that must be made for the better of the organization. Thank you staff for all that you do ❤

February 11, 2022, 12:29 am by

I didn't think this had any problems until people brought up international payment issues, which is understandable, but it's still better than that Melody item being made into loot for a difficult and limited time challenger after we were promised it would be in a shop (I don't think I'll ever stop being salty about that). These books are more likely to deflate in price than that item is.

I am wondering, though, does this mean no more Cash Shop challengers once you've caught up with last year? I mean, we have lots already, I'm just wondering. I'm also wondering if there will be more free challengers this year or if you're going to take a break until next year to get things back on schedule, or go back to doing throwback challengers.

February 11, 2022, 12:18 am by

I have to wait till I go to town to pay my bills but I'm in this sounds exciting

February 11, 2022, 12:07 am by

I understand people without a subscription who are battlers would be disappointed to miss the battle piece, but the books are going to plummet in price and non-subscribers will benefit from that. There’s a book that’s been on my wishlist for years. I have a link to the shop search for it on my notepad and I check every day. Hundreds of days clicking that link to see none for sale. So, at least from the books/items/collectors perspective (and even battlers needing those alchemy points) it’s a win for everyone on the site.

February 11, 2022, 12:01 am by

Mature reaction: Oh this feature is great. Thank you for the fun challenger and the amazing, rare books loot drop. Immature reaction: WHAT!!!??? I don't get to participate because I don't have a gold account??? Bad Subeta, unfair Subeta. I want what I want and I should get it no matter if I qualify or not.

February 10, 2022, 11:56 pm by

Eh. Don't love it, don't hate it. Wish there was a way for people who don't have the ability to pay with USD to obtain it, via gifting or CSC or something. I get that the site's gotta make money, but I also don't like to see long time loyal members blocked from features due to financial issues. All the other subscriber perks are obtainable in some form or other through time and dedication to the site. I am generally not a fan of any month sub model (other sites/apps included) but typically features granted by subscriptions aren't completely unobtainable to those who can't pay, it just might take them longer/more effort to earn the same things. Unfortunately, I don't see this type of pay model going away any time soon. It's EVERYWHERE. Gone are the days of give money: get product; now it's all give money: gain access to product for x time until you give money again. I can't change it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

February 10, 2022, 11:50 pm by

Omg Ancient Secrets is a loot drop and I just… 😭😭😭😭😭…THANK YOU

February 10, 2022, 11:14 pm by

SUCH a smart and cool way to rerelease some old books. Kudos, this genuinely rocks.

February 10, 2022, 11:09 pm by

I'm going to remind you that there are community guidelines.

We're running a business, and that requires being able to model our income and outflows. We have plenty of opportunities to purchase items, and challengers, and this is one to encourage folks to subscribe to what we think is a much better deal with more perks, in order for us to be able to do backend accounting easier.

I'm sorry to lose you as a customer, but considering that we accept all credit cards and paypal, there are options for international folks. Paypal operates in over 200 countries.

February 10, 2022, 11:00 pm by

I'm not a battler but I love this challenger and the idea behind it! It sounds super fun. :D Also like that we're starting to see more perks to the subscription that can appeal to other folks. <3

February 10, 2022, 10:59 pm by

"Can't" get Paypal, and "won't" get Paypal are two very different things, y'all.

February 10, 2022, 10:48 pm by

I am so confused.

February 10, 2022, 10:45 pm by

Like seriously, between forbidding people from EVER using their mother language and this? Cancelled my subscription after 15 years of playing here and a good 12 of paying to be here. The moment y'all decide to quit being insanely prohibitive to anyone who isn't from the US or Canada and isn't white, I'll think about spending my hard-earned money here again.

Logged Out

New Challenger: Bewitched Bookcase

It's just 1 challenger out of the more than 200 currently active and available challengers so unless you've unlocked every challenger there's really no reason for a user to be sour over this. The loot book prices will drop and stablize over time.

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