Sky: Children of the Light has introduced one of its biggest social updates yet with Update 33.5. The familiar Friendship Tree system that players have used for years has been redesigned into a brand-new Friendship Tier progression system.
This update has sparked discussions throughout the Sky community, with some players praising the new design while others miss the traditional Friendship Tree. If you’re confused about the changes or wondering how the new system works, this guide will explain everything.
What Changed in Update 33.5?
Before Update 33.5, friendships in Sky were managed through a branching Friendship Tree. Players unlocked emotes, interactions, and special friendship abilities by spending candles, hearts, and Ascended Candles along specific paths.
With the new update, the Friendship Tree has been replaced by a tier-based progression system. Instead of following a fixed path, players now earn Friendship Progress and unlock new tiers as their relationship grows.
The goal of this redesign is to make friendship progression more flexible, scalable, and focused on actual social interactions.
How Does the New Friendship Tier System Work?
The Friendship Tier System works similarly to leveling up a relationship.
As players interact with friends, they gain Friendship Progress. Once enough progress is earned, new Friendship Tiers become available. These tiers unlock additional emotes, interactions, and social features.
This system allows players to focus on building relationships naturally instead of following a rigid progression path.
New Ways to Increase Friendship Progress
One of the most exciting changes in Update 33.5 is that friendship progression is no longer based solely on spending resources.
Players can now increase friendship progress through various social activities, including:
- Sending Heart Gifts
- Lighting friends’ candles
- Completing adventures together
- Participating in social activities
- Unlocking friendship interactions
This change encourages meaningful interactions between players and reinforces Sky’s core message of friendship and cooperation.
New Friendship Emotes and Unlocks
Update 33.5 also introduces additional friendship emote levels. Some existing friendship interactions have been expanded, allowing players to unlock new animations and visual effects.
Players may notice changes in how emote levels are displayed. Certain emotes now include extra progression stages, making friendships feel more rewarding over time.
These improvements add more depth to the social experience and give long-term players additional goals to pursue.
Why Did Thatgamecompany Change the Friendship System?
As Sky continues to grow, the original Friendship Tree became increasingly difficult to expand.
Each new social feature required additional branches and nodes, making the system more complicated for new players. The new Friendship Tier System provides a more organized structure that can support future updates and social interactions.
The redesign also shifts the focus from spending candles to actively engaging with friends, which aligns closely with Sky’s vision as a social adventure game.
Community Reactions to the Update
The Sky community has had mixed reactions to the Friendship System redesign.
Many players appreciate the cleaner interface and more flexible progression system. They believe the new design is easier to understand and offers more opportunities for meaningful interactions.
However, some veteran players miss the iconic Friendship Tree and feel nostalgic for the original system. Others are still adjusting to the new interface and progression mechanics.
As players spend more time with the update, opinions may continue to evolve.
Is the New Friendship System Better?
Whether the new Friendship System is better depends on your perspective.
For new players, the tier-based progression may feel simpler and more intuitive. For veterans, the loss of the classic Friendship Tree can feel like a major change.
What is clear is that Update 33.5 represents a significant shift in how friendships are built and maintained in Sky: Children of the Light.
The new system places greater emphasis on social interaction, cooperation, and long-term relationship growth.
Final Thoughts
Update 33.5 marks a new chapter for Sky’s social experience. By replacing the traditional Friendship Tree with Friendship Tiers, thatgamecompany aims to create a more flexible and engaging way for players to connect.
While the community continues to debate the changes, one thing is certain: friendships remain at the heart of Sky: Children of the Light.
Whether you prefer the old Friendship Tree or the new Friendship Tier system, the update offers fresh opportunities to strengthen your bonds and create unforgettable memories with friends throughout the kingdom of Sky.
What do you think about the new Friendship System? Share your thoughts and experiences with the Sky community.
