Can Villains Become Heroes in DCUO? A Guide to Faction Switching

Alignment Changes: More Than Just a Costume Swap

Have you ever stared across the battlefield in DC Universe Online (DCUO), watching Superman soar through the sky, and thought, “You know what? I’d rather be on *that* side”? Or perhaps the allure of Lex Luthor’s cunning schemes has faded, and the idea of joining forces with Batman seems far more appealing. The burning question in the minds of many a fledgling and veteran player alike is this: can you switch from being a villain to a hero (or the other way around) in DCUO?

DC Universe Online, a sprawling massively multiplayer online role-playing game set within the rich tapestry of the DC Comics universe, allows you to create your own hero or villain and embark on a journey filled with epic battles and iconic characters. But what happens when your allegiances shift? The answer, in short, is yes. However, like most things in life (and particularly in online games), there are requirements and considerations to keep in mind before making the leap. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing your character’s alignment in DCUO.

DCUO’s core gameplay revolves around a fundamental divide: the forces of good versus the forces of evil. You begin your adventure by choosing either the hero or villain path, aligning yourself with iconic mentors like Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Lex Luthor, Circe, or The Joker. This choice dictates your starting storylines, early missions, and the overall flavor of your experience. Remember that feeling as you started the game and had to choose between the good and bad side, well now you have the option of switching and experiencing something new.

Each side has its own unique storyline. Think of all the missions and characters that you will be meeting as you go through the other side of the game. The game is split into instances that are designed only for one side. You can’t go to a hero specific zone as a villain and vice versa.

The morality system also subtly influences your character, although it’s not a deeply branching system. Mostly affecting which vendors you can access for various item.

So, the burning question remains: Can you actually make the switch? Fortunately, the answer is a resounding yes! Daybreak Games has implemented a system that allows players to change their alignment, providing a pathway from the shadows to the light, or from the virtuous to the villainous. However, it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. There are certain conditions you must meet before you can undergo this transformation. The primary hurdle is reaching level thirty. This is a significant milestone in DCUO, indicating that you’ve progressed substantially through the game and are ready to explore new avenues. The second requirement is acquiring an Alignment Change Token, which can be purchased from the in-game marketplace using Daybreak Cash or its equivalent. These token are an integral part of switching. Once you have both the level and the token you can start the mission.

Making the Switch: A Transformation Guide

Ready to change your path? Here’s how to make the switch. First you need to make sure that you character is level thirty, this is where the game actually begins, you can start to find better equipment and skills that will make you more powerful.

After that you need to acquire an Alignment Change Token from the in-game marketplace. This requires spending Daybreak Cash. The marketplace is easily accessible from the main menu.

Once you have the token you can use the Alignment Change Token by opening your inventory or accessing it through the marketplace menu. This will initiate a questline.

The questline involves speaking to an NPC who will guide you through the change. You will need to find the appropriate NPC for you side. The hero side requires you to speak to Superman, while the villain side requires you to speak to Lex Luthor.

You will be tasked to complete a mission. The hero mission will involve convincing other villains to change their ways, while the villain mission will involve destroying heroes. The mission is fairly easy, but it will get you acquainted with some characters.

Congratulations you changed alignments and you can continue playing the game with a different prospective. You may need to change some skill points or equipment but at least you can experience something new.

Consequences and Considerations of a Faction Change

Changing your alignment is not without its repercussions. It’s not simply a cosmetic change; it fundamentally alters your character’s standing in the world. After you changed alignment you are no longer part of you old team.

You can no longer access your old safe house, the hero safe house or the villain safe house, since now you will need to purchase a new safe house based on you faction. Your old vendors from the past will no longer acknowledge you and you will not be able to buy from them.

You will now have access to the vendor specific for you and be able to access missions from them. You also can now do quests and explore the city freely without getting attacked by other characters on the side.

Renown and faction-specific currency typically see a conversion or reset. Be sure to check the specifics within the game’s interface, as this can change with updates. You may be able to convert some of your old faction currency to the new faction’s equivalent, but don’t expect a one-to-one exchange. This may require some farming.

Base items and styles acquired during your previous alignment might be retained, but they might not be usable. In some cases, you might find them converted to their hero or villain counterparts. This is something to consider if you’ve invested heavily in customization. You can store the item in the bank for later use if you make another alignment change.

Skill points linked to specific hero or villain abilities might require re-allocation. Be prepared to re-specialize your character to fit their new role. Also consider switching to a new power point for an even bigger game change.

Finally, remember that your general reputation within the DC Universe, specifically your alliance with the Justice League or Secret Society, remains unaffected. You’re still on good terms with those groups, regardless of your overall alignment.

Why Switch Sides? The Motivations Behind Alignment Changes

So, why do players choose to switch alignments in DCUO? There are several compelling reasons.

Perhaps the most common motivation is simply playing with friends. If your real-life buddies are all heroes while you’re stuck playing a villain, changing your alignment allows you to team up and experience the game together.

Another popular reason is to experience the storyline from a different perspective. DCUO offers unique narratives for both heroes and villains, and switching allows you to see the world through new eyes.

Changing alignment also opens up access to different missions and content. You might find that you prefer the types of quests offered by one side over the other. Maybe there is a mission that you just like better as a hero than a villain.

Finally, some players simply want to try out different hero or villain-specific skill points. Each side has unique abilities and powers, and switching allows you to experiment with different playstyles. Maybe you want to try playing with a new power set.

Final Thoughts: A New Beginning, or a Temporary Detour?

Switching from villain to hero (or vice versa) in DC Universe Online is entirely possible, but it requires a commitment of time, resources, and a thorough understanding of the consequences. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Remember that you must reach level thirty and acquire an Alignment Change Token before you can even begin the process.

Before you make the switch, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Consider what you’ll be giving up and what you’ll be gaining. Think about your long-term goals in the game and whether the alignment change will help you achieve them. You might consider trying a new character as a hero or villain before commiting to switching alignment.

Ultimately, the decision to switch alignments is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your time in the DC Universe. So go forth, and forge your own path.