Dawn of Defiance News

[h3]Happy Halloween, Spartans![/h3][p][/p][p]May Nyx offer you a wonderfully dark and spooky evening! But before you run off to your costume parties and trick or treating, we wanted to bring you a quick production update![/p][p]We’re in the thick of Q4, our estimated window for Dawn of Defiance “Desert Reign,” and we’re happy to say we’re still progressing for the major update's release before the end of the year. But since you still have some time before you’ll be able to continue your odyssey in the Ancient Desert, here’s some snapshots of development (that we don’t mind spoiling) since our last community update.[/p][p][/p][h2]Production Recap[/h2][p][/p][h3]Level 25 Skill Perks![/h3][p]As we shared in our initial announcement of “Desert Reign,” this next update will be increasing the skill level cap which will include new skill perks, but there’s a couple other changes you should know! The skill system is being overhauled to have skill progression driven by different entities in the world, so performing more difficult actions result in larger skill gains! This can be seen from mining harder rocks, to killing fiercer enemies. Some skills like hunting also reward skillful players, multiplying skill XP when the player is undetected, hits crit zones, and achieves higher star ratings.[/p][p]At this new skill cap, there’s now perks at level 10, and 25, which are already in our Dev-build for testing. That’s at least 28 New Skill perks! Some examples include: LvL 25 Hunting | Butcher’s Bounty: 20% chance a carcass placed on a butchers block will produce double resources; and LvL 25 Foraging | Nimble Reaper: Harvesting flowers gives grants 200 increased movement speed for 10 seconds.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Raid Implementation![/h3][p]Elevators are lifting, traps are triggering, switches are toggling! Ah, yeah. It’s all coming together. Part of the team is focusing on getting the new core mechanics of the next raid online. You won’t be able to rely on the same archery and puzzles solutions as Sisters of the Deep to get you through this next update! In the Ancient Desert, there’s new challenges at the minor shrines and through the raid which aim to integrate more of story and myth! And that means all new obstacles for us to implement and test. For instance, one room has quadrants with timed triggers to unlock the centermost room![/p][p]This work also includes boss fights and lesser enemy encounters! We’re in the process of improving new variants to skeletons and soldiers and their interactions within the new environment, plus prepping integration of boss voice-lines, among other specifics.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Environment Progress![/h3][p]While our engineers and designers are hammering in the functions of the raid and new shrines around the Ancient Desert, our artists have been bringing in all the assets to replace existing placeholders en masse, from cliffs, walls and doorways, to pathing, props, and foliage-- many of which are new assets unique to the raid zone! The artists progressed from the temple exterior, to the raid entry room, and so on… By the end of today, they will have all temp-art replaced, allowing our remaining production time to revisit and polish![/p][p]From our props, there is the new Lore Tablet, which will be found in select locations to offer you more optional, narrative information on your encounters. And to capture the palatial atmosphere of Poseidon’s temple, our environment artist made new hedges and lavender bushes. Can you guess how these hedges might be used in a royal garden…[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]
Female Animations![/h3][p]Besides the ton of work going into the character creator, such as bringing the new customization features and UI Art into the game, revising the flow of the front end UI, and very specific functions like thumbnail generation of completed characters, we’ve also been progressing on the implementation of the female player model![/p][p]While the 3D art for the revised female armor sets continue, just this month, our animator has taken up the daunting task of revising ALL animations for the new female model. Idles, light and heavy attacks (for every weapon), tool use and interacts, swimming, gliding, crouching….you get the idea! That is 383 animations (including 82 for just the bow)…of which he is nearly already complete! Below is an image of his task spreadsheet...Godspeed.
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Audio Preparations![/h3][p]Nearly every asset, enemy, location, and animation that is added to the game necessitates a change or addition to the sound design. This month. our audio director has been working on new sounds for fauna, boss abilities and idles, interactions like door variants, and adjusting playback locations and audio loops. On the list of unsung specifics, they are experimenting with how to allow for NPC footsteps to accommodate enemies interacting with water...[/p][p]Our audio director’s goal for the tonal bed of Poseidon’s temple was to build suspense and create a contrast with the beautiful environment. As many community members may know, he captures the audio himself! Here’s a clip of how he captured part of the raid soundscape, followed by the edited version coming to a raid near you![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]***

Again, this is only a glimpse at the work from October. In addition to the above, our developers have been working on special abilities for the new Legendary weapons, making quests repeatable, adding story beats, new fauna behavior trees, and more…! As with Sisters of the Deep, we’re intentionally reserving our coolest development highlights for you to experience yourself when the update releases! [/p][p][/p][p]Lastly, as a Halloween treat, we dare you to witness the tricks that our wonderful game has played on us since our early access launch: the Horrors of Early Access!! i.e., A collection of our favorite bugs! And with that, let us say a big thank you for your support during our open development. It may not always go perfectly, but we think it is always worth it![/p][p][/p][p]Happy Halloween… but an even happier Halloween to QA devs everywhere![/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
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[p]You could buy coordinating togas for Halloween, or you and your friends could get Dawn of Defiance on sale today and become real Greek heroes. Or you could do both. Both is good. [/p][p][/p][p]The Steam Autumn sale has begun, and that means we're now 30% off until Oct 6th![/p][p][/p][p]If you've been on the fence about grabbing Dawn of Defiance, consider getting us on sale before our next major update "Desert Reign." Start planning your cozy, autumn dates by buying your partner a copy ahead of the update's new character creator feature, including the female player model, plus more content like a new raid in the Ancient Desert, the myth-inspired champion Taurok the Crownbreaker, new legendary gear, and more! [/p][p][/p][p]See our previous news article for the latest announcements regarding "Desert Reign!"[/p]

[p]Last week, we streamed a ton of behind-the-scenes art of the upcoming "Desert Reign" content. The stream began with a reveal of the next final boss: Taurok, the Crownbreaker who awaits you at the end of the Temple of Poseidon! Art Director Dwight and Game Director Tony then chat through a slide deck covering the female player model, the WIP character creator, new environments, new gear, and finally a couple additional enemies! Tomorrow is the last day to watch the VOD on Twitch, but you can now watch the full stream here on our YouTube channel! You'll see the video with some convenient timestamps for you.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]However, we know livestreams aren't the format for everyone, so we wanted to break out important highlights for all players. Keep in mind, what you see below is not EVERYTHING covered in the livestream, but here's a quick rundown of key topics you might have missed:[/p][p][/p][h2]Female Player Model[/h2][h3]Concept Art[/h3][p]Yes! "Desert Reign" will introduce the new female model. This addition has been a long time coming. Rather than a simple reskin and minor adjustments to armor and animations, our directors set out to redesign them to be both practical and aesthetic for a female model specifically! This includes female models sporting long skirts instead of cloaks, among other subtle decisions! Check out the concept art for the unique revisions coming to all existing gearsets for the female player model, plus four hairstyle options in the works, then hear from the art director himself of his thought process and decisions:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]Character Creator[/h2][h3]WIP Menus[/h3][p]While we're still revising the UI menus and testing the integration of character creator, our directors answer a number of questions about how this new feature will function at its first iteration in "Desert Reign." The character creator will allow you to start from a collection of presets, then you'll have the option to adjust your model in 9 categories with non-destructive sliders for facial features like eyes, nose, mouth, skin, and others while allowing you to return to adjust your face shape at any time. [/p][p]The following video is an example of the slider controls for the creator.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]While we continue to avoid resetting world saves completely, it is likely at this time that we will be resetting all player skills in order to launch the character creator within existing saves. This is because skills are being uncapped to level 20 and will now be attached to the character specifically, but going forward, it will allow you to take both your physical preset and your skills with you to a friend's save. You'll be able to return to the creator to make edits to the character at any time. [/p][p] The following image is a WIP of the Character Creator UI Menus, including placeholders of the 9 categories and a placeholder of the 3D model previewer. Lastly, hear the directors discuss this further in a few highlights from our livestream:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]Environment[/h2][h3]In-Game Stills[/h3][p]Like "Sisters of the Deep," this next major update "Desert Reign" will be overhauling one biome, in this case the Ancient Desert, plus adding a brand new raid zone: the Temple of Poseidon! The Crownbreaker teaser and the images below give you a glimpse of the Temple of Poseidon, a slice of paradise amidst the dangers and despair of the Ancient Desert![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]New and improved shrine objectives will populate the biome, this time with a greater emphasis on story-telling. This update will also bring more weather mitigation, challenging players to navigate the oppressive heat of the Desert to unlock the Temple. Those who survive will be rewarded with a brand new weather facility, giving our mortal Spartans the godlike ability to control the weather. Listen to the following video for more hints on what's to come to the Ancient Desert:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]Armor & Arsenal[/h2][h3]Concept Art[/h3][p]Every major update for Dawn of Defiance during Early Access will present new armor and weapons! "Desert Reign" brings the Primus Gear, inspired by Poseidon and the regality of his temple! Our Art Director explained in last week's livestream the process by which he reached the final concept art, featuring integrations of the trident and deep sea creatures! See part of the process below:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]"Desert Reign" will also be making adjustments to weapon tiers. The entry tier "Forged" weapons will have no specific perks, but two customizable inlays. The secondary tier "Unique" weapons will have a perk and one inlay for customization. Then godlike weapons, "Legendary" tiers which are earned through temple raids, will have unalterable, powerful abilities that will be balanced by specific burdens. [/p][p]This update introduces the legendary Artemis bow, visually inspired by her Greek symbolism and lightly encouraging players to use the weapon in close range. Hear more about both this powerful bow and the Primus Gear from our directors:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]Enemies[/h2][h3]Early Art and Final Models[/h3][p]To uncover the truth on the Crossroads, you'll have to continue to the Temple of Poseidon and face his powerful court of enemies, including his High Priestess Nysarra. Reminding the god of his cursed love Medusa, Poseidon has brought Nysarra to his temple to be his Queen. The High Priestess is a boss in her own right, quick on her feet and coursing with power. See some of the early iterations of her design below and her final textured model:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Defending the Temple is Nysarra's guardian, the Ironwake Golem. Not only is he better equipped than the golems of the Desert, he is more experienced and more creative. See the evolution of his impressive armor and pauldron below:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Last but not least, Taurok the Crownbreaker. Poseidon's minotaur champion will be your final boss within his Temple. Dual-wielding two giant axes, you'll find this monster launches into terrible attacks that our team hopes you'll love to hate. Check out his official teaser here, then listen to the following video for our directors' thoughts on this milestone character:[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]If you wish to see even more images, make sure to watch the full livestream!

Thank you all for your continued support of our game and our Early Access development! Thank you to everyone who came to support our stream live! If you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at our next update, please consider sharing our Crownbreaker teaser or any of the highlight videos above, so our game can reach even more players! Give us a follow on YouTube or Twitch for more similar content. Leave us a comment or a question on any platform. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing more information soon!

Until our news post next month, cheers![/p]

[p]You're invited![/p][p][/p][p]Join us for a Developer Livestream this week for a behind-the-scenes look at new "Desert Reign" content! Follow us on Twitch to be notified! Or set a reminder here on Steam for the event start time! See the right panel![/p][p][/p][p]If you missed our last stream, you aren't going to want to miss this one! Our Developers have compiled concept art, 3D models, and in-game stills of brand new content coming to "Desert Reign," and they're sharing them THIS WEEK! Get an early look at new enemies, character creator features, gear and more. Mark your calendars for: [/p][p][/p][h2]September 18th, 5pm CT[/h2][h2]Traega Games Twitch[/h2][p][/p][p] If you cannot make the stream while live, but you wish to leave a question for our Directors, please visit one of our forums here, and we will address them and save the VOD for later viewing on YouTube.[/p][p][/p][p]Reddit Questions[/p][p]Steam Discussion Questions[/p]

[p]Hello Defiers!

Last Friday, August 15th was our 1 year anniversary in Early Access! We wanted to thank all of our players for joining us so far in early access and lending your valuable feedback throughout this open-development process! We're really excited to continue working on Dawn of Defiance to make it the best Greek-myth survival craft game on the market!
[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Reflect back on our time in Early Access together with the recap video above! But if you're only here to find out what's next...[/p][h2]
DESERT REIGN
[/h2][p]Our next major update is already well underway and coming to players before the end of 2025! Dawn of Defiance "Desert Reign" will bring a new raid to the Temple of Poseidon in the Ancient Desert with more puzzles, more gear, and more enemies! It will also bring additional skill levels and the first iteration of character creator, including the female player model! That's right, you will be able to play a woman on the Crossroads THIS YEAR! [/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
You'll see "Desert Reign" now reflected on an updated Roadmap graphic which has moved a couple features to a separate category. As we intend to expand on the raids, enemies, and gear with every major update, you'll see those remaining in the "updating soon" category as a "regular" feature. Features specific to the next major update will move to "in-progress," as you'll now see for "character creator."

[/p][p]This information was first revealed and discussed on our Twitch, including a conversation with Game Director Tony. The VOD is temporarily saved on Twitch, and it will be archived on our YouTube channel. If you wish to join our livestreams for future announcements and behind-the-scenes developments, make sure to follow us!

Please get excited to hear more about these specific features and a closer look at behind-the-scenes progress next month![/p][h2]
Giveaway[/h2][p]
As for our anniversary! We wanted to celebrate by hosting a Giveaway for 5 Dawn of Defiance keys! If you want a key for yourself or a friend ahead of "Desert Reign," here's how you can participate:

Before August 27th
1. Follow us at https://x.com/traegagames
2. Retweet our "Desert Reign" Twitter post here.

I will select 5 winners on August 27th from those that do both of the above, and I will DM you on Twitter with your key, so keep your eye out after that time. We still have less than 1,000 followers on Twitter, so even if you don't wish to participate in the Giveaway, we hope to see you there!

Thank you all again for your incredible support. Stay tuned for more on Desert Reign![/p]