The world of Brighter Shores witnessed a historic moment recently when a player, known as Toopy, became the first to complete the Monument in Hopeport (Episode 1) through the Forager profession. This milestone marked nearly a month of dedicated effort, inspiring curiosity and excitement across the community. Players speculated on what this monumental achievement might unlock—ranging from new teleport destinations and boss dungeons to innovative spells or even whimsical rewards like a teleportation device to the moon.
But the outcome was, to put it mildly, unexpected. The reward for completing the Monument? Nothing.
The Great Letdown: A Monumental Non-Reward
When the final Monument piece was slotted into place, anticipation was at its peak. But instead of an awe-inspiring unlock or game-altering reward, the completed Monument simply stood as a static structure. There were no new abilities, no quests, and no special events triggered. The revelation was a major disappointment for many in the Brighter Shores community.
The player who completed the Monument, however, took the lack of reward in stride, stating they were happy to finish it for the achievement itself. Yet, for others, the lack of any tangible payoff raised questions: Was this an oversight, or could there be a deeper mystery tied to the Monument?
Developer Response: A Glimmer of Hope
Not long after the reveal video went live, Andrew Gower, the creator of Brighter Shores, addressed the situation on đť•Ź. In his post, he admitted that the reward wasn't yet implemented and praised the community's dedication: "we will put a reward on the monument, you completed it sooner than expected!"
While the statement suggests future updates to make the Monument worthwhile, the delay has left many players frustrated. For now, the Monument remains a symbolic achievement—proof of dedication but little more.
Speculations and Theories: Is There More to the Monument?
The Monument's lack of immediate reward has fueled speculation within the community. Some players theorize it may tie into Episode 2 content, while others suggest it could unlock new interactions or quests involving the Obelisk or specific NPCs, such as the Philosopher.
Others wonder if there's a hidden puzzle to be solved. With its mysterious design and potential links to other game elements, the Monument might hold secrets yet to be unraveled. Could a combination of professions or additional conditions be required to activate its true purpose?
Community Reactions and Moving Forward
The response to this revelation has been mixed. Some players expressed outrage, feeling that such a significant grind should yield an immediate reward. Others, like Toopy, are content knowing their efforts helped bring attention to the need for improvement.
The larger community is hopeful that future updates will justify the effort required to complete the Monument. Many are calling for a meaningful reward, such as exclusive spells, expanded storage, or even access to new areas. Until then, the Monument stands as both a testament to player perseverance and a symbol of unfulfilled potential.
Conclusion: A Monument to Patience
While the initial Monument completion ended in disappointment, the event has sparked valuable conversations about player rewards and developer communication in Brighter Shores. Andrew's acknowledgment suggests that changes are on the horizon, hopefully soon. Whether the Monument becomes a cornerstone of future content or remains an ornamental achievement, one thing is certain: the Brighter Shores community is not one to give up on its dreams.
Stay tuned for updates as the story of the Monument—and its eventual reward—unfolds.
(We recommend skipping ahead to the 8:05 mark in this video.)