We’d like to start by thanking everyone who shared their feedback on our esports formats throughout Season 11. Your feedback has been key to helping us evaluate what worked well, what could be improved, and how we can make the competitive experience more engaging throughout the season.

With that in mind, we’re excited to share some of the major changes coming to Eternal Return esports in Season 12.

<ER: Challenger Series – Americas>

During Season 11, we tested two different formats for ERCS: Phase 1 and Phase 2. After reviewing the results and listening to community feedback, we found that the Phase 1 format was more positively received.

Based on that feedback, we will be returning to the Phase 1 format for ERCS in Season 12.

<The Introduction of Circuit Points>

ERCC will also return with a new format featuring Circuit Points, designed to create more meaningful competition throughout the season.

Circuit Points

Circuit Points will be awarded based on the tier of each tournament:

• S Tier: ERCS Phase 1 & Phase 2
• A Tier: 2-day partnered tournaments [16 teams]
• B Tier: 1-day partnered tournaments [8 teams]

A and B Tier tournaments will provide players with more opportunities to compete, gain experience, and earn Circuit Points throughout the season. These tournaments will be hosted by approved ER Creators and teams from our Scrim Server community.

<ER: Challenger Cup: The Road to the Championship>

Our revamped format will give teams multiple ways to work toward ERCC throughout the season. The top 8 teams based on Circuit Points will receive a direct invitation to the Semifinals, while the remaining 16 teams will compete in the Play-Ins for the final 8 Semifinals spots.

The 16 Play-In teams will be selected based on MMR, for a total of 24 teams competing in ERCC.

<Prize Changes>

With the changes to this season’s esports schedule, formats, and tournament duration, the prize distribution has also been adjusted accordingly.

ERCS Americas Phase 1 & 2

Total of 1000 USD will be distributed to the players according to their final rankings.

ERCC 

Total of 1600 USD will be distributed to the players according to their final rankings.

<Introducing a New “Fair Play” Rule>

Throughout the seasons, we observed multiple instances where teams avoided standard fights and repeatedly targeted a specific team, which resulted in an unhealthy and unpleasant viewing experience.

We believe esports is a form of entertainment built on top of the game, making it important to avoid situations that viewers or participants may perceive as unfair. While multiple teams targeting the same team can naturally occur in a battle royale environment, situations that appear to involve unnatural or intentional cooperation between teams are something we need to address through our rules and systems.

Although these situations were more noticeable under the Checkpoint system, similar behavior should not occur in any ERCS or ERCC match. Therefore, we will supplement our Esports Rules of Conduct with a “Violation of Fair Play” clause.

The following actions may be penalized as a Violation of Fair Play:

1. Intentionally allowing an opponent to take items without interference.

2. Guarding an opponent so they can comfortably secure objectives.

3. Moving along the same path within close range (such as basic attack range) without engaging in combat.

4. Using your own team's resources to perform plays that benefit an opponent.

5. Allowing downed enemies to be revived or regrouped when a risk-free kill is possible.

6. Abnormally casting skills into the air for the purpose of signaling.

The “Violation of Fair Play” clause will apply to both ERCS and ERCC matches. Penalties for violating the Fair Play policy range from point deductions for minor infractions to up to a 180-day ban from competition if intent and repetition are proven.

Any decision regarding a Fair Play violation and the severity of the resulting penalty must be agreed upon by both authorized referees overseeing the match.

Please note that the actions listed above will not automatically lead to sanctions in every situation. Since players operate with limited in-game information, they frequently make choices that differ from what observers, who have full visibility, might consider optimal. The intent of adding this clause is to penalize cases where such actions occur without logical reasoning and harm the fairness of the match.

We will continue to refine our rules and systems to ensure that unfair situations like these do not disrupt future matches.

<Season 12 Schedule>

Regarding the timing of the Europe tournament, we have adjusted the schedule.

*The schedule is subject to change.