Brighter Shores Update Introduces New Botanist Profession

Fen Research rolled out a major update for Brighter Shores that introduces the new Botanist profession, replacing the old Gatherer system. Players of the free-to-play MMORPG who previously invested in Gatherer have not lost their progress, as all XP, KP, and levels have been transferred to Botanist. Equipment has also been adjusted: the sickle has been swapped out for the watering can, with upgrades and enchantments carrying over. Items tied to the old system have either been converted into new Botanist materials — like stalks becoming rosemary — or removed entirely, with removed items converted into coins at a favorable rate.

Botanist gameplay revolves around harvesting and nurturing plants throughout Hopeforest. Unlike before, plants require care to grow, with players using standard techniques such as watering, fertilizing, raking, and treating pests, alongside advanced techniques like bamboo staking and willow water. The “Growing Plants… Fast!” book in the Greenhouse offers in-depth guidance, while new passive and venture activities, such as growing plants at the Botanist station and brewing willow water, expand the profession further. To support this, new tree types — bamboo and willow — have been added for Woodcutters, feeding directly into Botanist mechanics.

The update also rebalances and restructures several other professions. First, Foragers now manage bones, which have been relocated to Hopeport along with expanded map areas and reorganized foraging spots. Second, for Alchemists, most potions now have single recipes regardless of level; some potions have been reworked or removed, and new Strength potions have been introduced. Potion crafting is split between standard and potent stations. Third, Fisher gameplay has been streamlined, with bait assignments adjusted so that each fish type has a unique bait source. Fourth and fifth, Chefs and Merchants have seen ingredient and trade item changes, with some items removed or shifted into new systems.

Additional quality-of-life improvements include reworked combat drops, the early introduction of storage rifts for managing items, and significant adjustments to Ventures. Ventures now yield more items, stack up to 100, have reduced prices, and run slightly shorter to keep daily schedules consistent. Existing venture items in player inventories have been multiplied to preserve value after these changes. 

Finally, under-construction areas have appeared on the map, teasing new rooms, side quests, and future expansion under Project Milestone.