A new class is always a good excuse to revisit character creation. The Bellaphones have an interesting twist: an aura that moves with the character, with a choice between covering more ground and concentrating its power.
The preview describes tanking, positioning and healing, using water, air and earth. That tells us the broad idea, not how strong each build will be. We have not played the class yet: the following separates the announced mechanics from the questions we want to test.
A bigger aura is not always a better aura
The aura surrounds your character and follows their movements. When activated, it can deal damage and apply effects to entities inside. Spells will let you increase or decrease its size.
A wider aura
Reaches more targets and allies, but reduces the power of its damage and effects.
A smaller aura
Concentrates that power, while requiring more careful positioning of the targets you want inside.
For example, spreading the zone could help reach separated allies; shrinking it could suit a smaller group. That is an illustration of the trade-off, not a tested spell rotation. The preview does not explain activation timing or the cost of changing size, so standing next to a Bellaphone should not be assumed to trigger constant effects.
Six lineages to unlock, not one permanent choice
Each lineage is linked to a primordial dragon and its Dofus. It determines the aura element, starting size and effects, as well as the character's appearance. All six can be unlocked in the order you choose, with a dedicated selection interface.
The unlock conditions and restrictions on switching have not been detailed in this preview. Six lineages do not mean six solved builds: without spells and numbers, declaring a best healer, tank or PvP choice would be premature.
The neutral form appears during character creation, the tutorial and the Daedalus. It is not an announced seventh specialisation.
The Source continues, and Tainela gets new neighbours
The September introductory quest for the Source will have a second part at the end of the year, expanding the Bellaphones' story and opening access to their temple.
A new area near Tainela is aimed at level 65 adventurers, with a monster family, a dungeon and achievements. It could be worth visiting on a new character, but there is not enough information here to recommend an XP route or promise specific rewards.
The area connects to Welsh & Shedar. TemporiX players will recognise Kaenn: the character returns in this story. That is not an announcement that the temporary server or its special rules are returning.
November: two separate dates to keep straight
The beta is announced for November, without an opening day in this preview. The next DOFUS Touch Ankama Live is on November 9.
November 9 is the livestream date, not a confirmed beta opening or a final class release date.
What we want to check before recommending a build
- When does the aura activate? A visible zone is not necessarily a permanent effect.
- What does resizing cost? Resource costs and spell limits will decide how flexible each turn really is.
- When can we change lineage? Unlocking all six is announced; the practical conditions still matter.
- How do healing, damage and survival compete? Having three roles does not prove the class can replace every specialist.
For now, I like the idea of a class whose playing space moves with it. Before spending kamas on a final set, though, I would wait to test those limits. There is plenty to look forward to without calling it essential before we have played it.
Source: Ankama's official reveal recap (Spanish). Original game artwork: Ankama.