Cloudheim News

[p]Hey, everyone![/p][p][/p][p]With the Next Fest demo just around the corner, we’ve got a big announcement to share: 
[/p][p]🪽Cloudheim will be releasing into Early Access this year!
[/p][p]Cloudheim has grown so much since our first playtests, and with all the content and changes we still want to add to the game, Early Access felt like the perfect way to bring the community along for the journey to 1.0. To reflect this, we’ve also given the store page a refresh, and with a new game capsule to boot![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Your feedback has already shaped Cloudheim in big ways from our playtests, and we want to keep that momentum going with Early Access. It’ll allow us to grow Cloudheim together, with the community, as we work toward a full release.[/p][p][/p][p]We also still plan to support consoles — including PS5 and Xbox Series X — at 1.0 release.[/p][p][/p][p]With the Early Access version of Cloudheim, you can expect to:[/p]

• [p]Master fast-paced combat and combo-driven attacks across four class playstyles with tons of unlockable weapons, skills, and accessories[/p]
• [p]Explore multiple islands, each with its own enemies, bosses, puzzles, and dungeons to discover[/p]
• [p]Build out your own home in the skies on Odin Shell, with crafting stations, helper Blins, and an ever-expanding store[/p]
• [p]Team up with friends with online co-op to take on challenges together[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]We’ll be sharing more details such as Early Access dates and a roadmap in a future announcement. In the meantime, please check out the Cloudheim Next Fest demo![/p][p][/p][p]You can play the demo starting October 8th — five days before Next Fest officially starts, and it’ll be available until the 20th.[/p][p][/p][p]Feel free to join us over on the official Cloudheim Discord server, where you can share your impressions and make the game even better. And as always, thank you to our players for supporting Cloudheim. We can’t wait to be on this journey together with you![/p][p][/p][p]— The Noodle Cat Team[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Why Early Access?[/p][p]After the success of several beta tests, we were able to implement many changes and even new content based on player feedback. With Early Access, we’ll be able to continue that process and develop Cloudheim together with our community as we work toward the full game launch. We’re excited to bring Cloudheim to an even larger community for more feedback and iteration! [/p][p][/p][p]Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?[/p][p]We expect Early Access to take 9 - 12 months and plan on adding regular content updates throughout this period. We’ll also be constantly evaluating the state of the game and sharing future plans in the form of announcements and roadmaps with the community.[/p][p][/p][p]How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?[/p][p]While you can still enjoy dozens of hours of gameplay in the Early Access version, we intend to add more systems and content to flesh out the full experience from start to finish.[/p][p][/p][p]What is the current state of the Early Access version?[/p][p]With Early Access, you can expect five explorable islands, each with a unique questline and tons of enemies, dungeons, and loot to discover. There are four classes, each with their own set of weapons and skills that allow you to mix and match playstyles. At your base, you can build, upgrade, and decorate your shop while unlocking systems such as fishing, gardening, weaponsmithing, cooking, and alchemy.
[/p][p]For the full release, we are adding more areas, questlines, loot, weapons, skills, and upgrades for your base.[/p][p][/p][p]Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?[/p][p]Yes, Cloudheim will start with a lowered price to reflect the active development work being done on the game. We plan on increasing this at full launch.[/p][p][/p][p]How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?[/p][p]In the past year, we’ve established a track record of successfully running multiple beta tests and implementing changes, features, and fixes based on feedback from the players, and intend to continue that into Early Access.[/p][p][/p][p]We have an active community and regularly communicate with players on our official Discord server and on Steam. Cloudheim also has a built-in bug reporter where you can submit issues directly to us while playing.
[/p][p] [/p]

[p]Hello, Runari![/p][p][/p][p]Here's the big news first: Cloudheim will have a demo during Steam Next Fest this October! That means you’ll be able to jump (back) in and play the game real soon.[/p][p][/p][p]In the meantime, the team at Noodle Cat has been hard at work diving into Open Beta feedback and making lots of improvements as we prepare for launch. This blog is all about sharing what’s new since then, so let’s get into it![/p][p][/p][p]During the open beta, we had over 19,000 playtesters checking out Cloudheim that weekend, sharing lots of incredible reactions, feedback, and bug reports.[/p][p][/p][p]While it was quick for our environment artists to patch up the various holes in the maps that were reported, some other feedback required a more careful approach in how we could address them. The areas we tackled the most can be put into three buckets: Context, Combat, and Crafting.[/p][p][/p][h2]Context[/h2][p]While combat will always be the highlight feature of Cloudheim, we heard from many players who loved the world so much they wanted more: more context, more story, and more details about everything.[/p][p][/p][p]Who are you? What is this place? What are you doing in the game, and why are you here?[/p][p][/p][p]We saw that as a good sign: people are really loving the world and are hungry for more! To answer those questions, we dedicated more time to weaving in narrative elements and tying quests together in a way that better reveals the big picture.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]You are one of the chosen Runari, renowned figures of past legend whose powers are drawn from ancient gods that once freely roamed the lands. After Ragnarok, dark forces spread across the world, and you have been called once more to help restore balance. Using the Bifrost, you’ll descend into each area to drive out corruption, reawaken slumbering deities, and gather an eclectic cast of allies along the way. [/p][p]In addition to more narrative context, we’ve also been chipping away at better game cues and various interfaces to help players navigate the world and what’s happening at any given moment. This includes more interaction prompts and an improved quest log.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]An indicator will appear to tell you when you’re close enough to use a lasso point.[/p][p][/p][p]Overall, the work in this area should make it easier to understand your goals, follow the flow of quests, and stay grounded in what’s happening around you.[/p][p][/p][h2]Combat[/h2][p]Of course, we still made updates to combat, since it is the main draw of Cloudheim. Changes include tweaks to how damage works for a more satisfying experience overall; new animations, visuals, and sound effects for various weapon combos and skills; and a revamped armor system for enemies.[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][p]In trying to make enemies more distinct, we’ve also given some of them new movesets and abilities. For example, not only do grobb healers restore their allies…they can even resurrect fallen ones!
[/p][p]Finally, we’ve been doing some cool work with dungeons and adding in interesting puzzles and new areas for you to discover while out on your adventures.[/p][p][/p][h2]Crafting[/h2][p]We’ve saved the biggest section for last, as crafting is where a lot of significant changes happened![/p][p][/p][p]In all the playtests we’ve had, survey results showed that your base on Odin Shell needed some love. While it was easy to grasp the combat and exploration side of the game, we noticed a drop-off in interest when it came to the crafting and shop side.[/p][p][/p][p]Here are some of the notable ones:[/p][p][/p][h3]Weaponcrafting results are more predictable now.[/h3][p]A frequent area we saw raised by beta playtesters was how weaponcrafting was handled in the game. Players found it too random and wanted more control over their outputs, so we went and expanded it out a bit more. [/p][p]The forge will have four sections, corresponding to each playable class, so you’ll be able to choose what set of weapons you craft based on where the materials are added.[/p][p][/p][h3]Your base is now even more customizable.[/h3][p]We’ve made some drastic changes to how you build out your home in the skies. Initially, the base was designed to be fairly linear. Your base upgrades resulted in a fixed building with all the related stations and decor appearing in predetermined slots, save for a handful of movable items like sales tables.[/p][p][/p][p]We decided to do away with this system and allow for more freeform placement. Rather than being stuck with only one of each station and in fixed locations, you can now purchase multiple and place them more freely.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Of course, for those who are invested in how your base looks, you’ll still have plenty of options to decorate, with even more items and new layouts available in this system.[/p][p][/p][p]Basically, we’ve split out the features to be less intertwined, allowing you more options when it comes to optimizing your crafting without feeling constrained, or vice-versa — being able to decorate and show off your cool collections without being limited by various crafting arrangements.[/p][p][/p][h3]The loot box is now your central storage for items.[/h3][p]Previously, you only had one option when interacting with the box: to have it spit out all your items in a flashy explosion, but then you were left with piles of items on the floor. For many testers, this felt a little too messy and overwhelming.[/p][p][/p][p]Now, interacting with the box also offers a proper menu where you can view all of the items you’ve acquired out in the world, all in one location.[/p][p][/p][p]As a bonus, we even added a feature where you can locate any placed item on your base — a request we saw during beta testing. Now you can find that one cheese wheel that somehow went missing.[/p][p][/p][h3]Blins are even more important.[/h3][p]As you progress in your adventures, you’ll be able to recruit Blins and bring them to your base. They’re going to need housing, of course, but as a show of appreciation, they’ll be available to help around in various ways.[/p][p][/p][p]Meet Berg, one of the many blins you’ll be able to recruit. (Yes, they all have names!)[/p][p][/p][p]Assign Blins to your stations to help boost production speeds, or build out specialized guild hubs to activate unique perks. For example, assigning Blins to the fishing guild can increase yields and the appearance of rarer fish at the pond in your base.[/p][p][/p][p]With Next Fest on the horizon, we’re excited to have players joining the skies of Cloudheim once more. Get ready for plenty of action-packed combat and exploration, building out your base on Odin Shell, and, of course, kicking greebles off cliffs. We can’t wait to see what kind of adventures you’ll create. [/p][p]See you then![/p][p] [/p]

[p][/p][p]Our latest playtest has officially come to a close! Thank you so much to everyone who joined and answered the call to knock down those pesky grobbs. 🥊[/p][p][/p][p]It’s been amazing seeing the feedback, bug reports, and chaos you all brought to Cloudheim, and we’re incredibly grateful for your time and support.[/p][p][/p][h2]📝 Got a minute? We'd love your feedback![/h2][p]We’ve put together a survey to help us understand what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d like to see more of. The survey will stay open until July 24th at 3:00 PM ET.[/p][p]
👉 Take the Survey Here[/p][p][/p][p]This is just one step in the journey — and thanks to your help, the next one will be even better.[/p][p]Until next time!🌼
[/p][p]— Noodle Cat Games[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p]Hello, brave Runari![/p][p]It’s time — our Open Beta weekend playtest has started![/p][p][/p][p]You can jump in right now and start exploring islands, tackling dungeons, crafting in your base, and bonking Grobbs to your heart’s content.[/p][p][/p][p]1. Navigate to the Cloudheim Store Page:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]2. Click on "Request Access" in the Join the Cloudheim Playtest section on the page.[/p][p]3. You should be automatically granted access![/p][p][/p][p]Here are some important things to know as Open Beta is just around the corner! [/p][p][/p][h2]💎Game State[/h2]

• [p]The Open Beta version of the game will have limited content up to a certain point - you'll be done once you've unlocked and explored all of Arcadia.[/p]
• [p]As the game is still actively being developed, please anticipate bugs, incomplete content, placeholder assets, and other unintended wonkiness (a bonus with our physics combat :P)[/p]
• [p]We've also added a new game mode (with two versions) that even closed beta testers haven't seen![/p]
  • [p]You can access the Combat Bowl/Chaos Bowl via the Demos tab at the start of the game, or through a portal when you unlock your base on Odin Shell.[/p]
• [p]Localization is currently not in the game, but will be added in the future. (The settings menu might have partial translation, but it's not comprehensive for the whole game.)[/p]
• [p]The game is not optimized for Steam Deck and is not officially supported at the moment (you might experience crashing)[/p]
• [p]There is controller support, keyboard rebinding, and co-op cross-platform support between Steam and Epic Games.[/p][p][/p]

[h2]🪄What’s Available[/h2][h3]Exploration[/h3]

• [p]Beginning Tutorial Experience[/p]
• [p]Odin Shell - Your home in the skies.[/p]
• [p]Arcadia Outlands - A streamlined area.[/p]
• [p]Arcadia (Mainland) - The first major island available.[/p]
• [p]5+ discoverable dungeons (some with multiple layouts!)[/p]
• [p]A new game mode: The Combat Bowl, and its more difficult variant, the Chaos Bowl[/p]

[h3]Combat[/h3]

• [p]8 appearance options: Astrid, Jaxel, Joree, Kai, Maeve, Mana, Revna, and Rurik[/p]
• [p]4 class options: Runeblade, Breaker, Sentinel, Ranger[/p]
• [p]Over 40 unlockable weapons, skills, lasso types, and kick options to equip[/p]
• [p]10+ different enemy types and their variants, from pesky Greebles to the hulking Troggs[/p]

[h3]Base[/h3]

• [p]3 phases of available Shop upgrades[/p]
• [p]Freeform placement for crafting stations and decor[/p]
• [p]Weapon Crafting, Fishing, and Shopkeeping[/p]

[h2]🔮What's Planned (in the Future)[/h2]

• [p]More combat improvements[/p]
• [p]More shop content[/p]
• [p]More appearance options[/p]
• [p]New islands[/p]
• [p]Localization support[/p]
• [p]More performance optimizations[/p][p][/p]

[h2]🪲 Notable Known Issues[/h2][p]Note: This is not an extensive list.[/p]

• [p]Some crafters may only be placed by the host in a multiplayer game; this is not intended and a bug relating to quest requirements[/p]
• [p] ⚠️ Items placed on shelves or tables will not update or move when you upgrade your base.[/p]
  • [p]It’s highly recommended to clear out items away from the main shop area to avoid losing access to these items.[/p]
• [p]Items placed on storage shelves or sales tables may not behave properly after leaving and coming back to the base[/p]
• [p]Enemy names or sometimes levels may display incorrect information[/p]
• [p]It’s possible to lose your equipped loadout when respawning or traveling to new maps, which should be resolved by equipping it again[/p][p][/p]

[h2]🐞 Bug Reports[/h2][p]We have an in-game bug-reporting feature! This is the✨ preferred method ✨ to report bugs as it will automatically send tons of useful info to us. It can be accessed via the menu or by using the shortcut F8 on the keyboard.[/p][p][/p][h2]💌Feedback[/h2][p]An optional survey will be shared after the playtest ends. We've also set up some Discord channels for open beta.[/p][p][/p][p]Whether you’re here to test the systems, dive into combat, or just see what Cloudheim’s all about, thank you for being part of the journey! We can’t wait to hear your thoughts about the game.[/p][p]See you on Odin Shell!🪽[/p][p]— Noodle Cat Games[/p][p][/p]

[p]What’s up, everyone![/p][p][/p][p]For this blog, we’re putting the spotlight on the characters and creatures that bring the world of Cloudheim to life. Some you’ll be able to play as right away, some you’ll be able to recruit in your journey, and some, well, are creatures looking to stir trouble.[/p][p][/p][p]Oh, and if you haven't already, make sure to check out our latest trailer here:[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]You play as a Runari: powerful beings with a connection to the Gods in the world before Ragnarok. They were gifted with the ability to channel mystical powers, thus shaping the course of history. But when the Gods disappeared, so too did the Runari… until now. What does it mean for them to return?[/p][p][/p][p]At the start of your journey, you’ll choose from a handful of playable Runari: Meet Maeve, Jaxel, Rurik, and Mana — with a couple more characters you’ll see if you play Open Beta this weekend![/p][p][/p][p]Note: Characters in Cloudheim are cosmetic. You’ll be able to choose whoever you want to play as, while the skills you bring to the table are fully customizable during gameplay.[/p][p][/p][p]As you travel across the islands and brave the dungeons, you’ll also meet and unlock new characters. Meet Tilda, the Blacksmith; Brooks, the (Accidental) Chef; and Grove, the Gardener.[/p][p]
[/p][p] With each shop upgrade and area expanded in your base, you’ll bring on more allies ready to help you with your journey.[/p][p][/p][p]It’s not just people populating the world of Cloudheim — you’ll be running into all kinds of whimsical creatures. Some are helpful, while others are... a little more chompy.[/p][p][/p][p]Around your base, you’ll see Gnasher, a resource-hungry something, who’ll happily take your unwanted items in exchange for rewards. You'll also be able to recruit Blins, tiny helpers for your store that can help boost productivity.[/p][p][/p][p]On the enemy side, you’ll run into a wide assortment of colorful and threatening foes. For example: Grobbs, who are mischief incarnate. These invaders might look harmless, but their goal is total conquest, and they leave plenty of corruption in their wake. Make sure to wipe out grobb forts and encampments before they grow too powerful![/p][p][/p][p]You’ll also find Corvin: cloaked spellcasters tied to ancient dark magic, and their rituals threaten to awaken something far worse. As they’re flying creatures, you’ll have to change up your strategy. Shoot out a ranged projectile or lasso them down to earth to deal even more damage![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Watch out if you run into a Trogg — these hulking, one-eyed creatures love to stomp around with some flashy attacks, and have a penchant for showmanship. You might even see them toss a nearby ally as a ranged attack![/p][p][/p][p]Look forward to these enemies and more as you venture forth and restore the world! 🗺️[/p][p][/p][p]During our closed beta playtests, some testers uncovered silly bugs that were just too fun not to share! Here’s a video with a round-up of our favs:[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]1. A New Perspective - When doing a downward kick in a certain way, your character might end up seeing things from a new angle. [/p][p]2. Shelf Rider - Who knew freeform decorating also meant an alternative way to travel around?[/p][p]3. Backup Blins - Yes, we have emotes in the game. Turns out the Blins didn’t want to be left out, either.
[/p][p]Thanks to the playtesters who discovered and shared them with us! 😀[/p][p][/p][p]What’s next is actually the Open Beta playtest! This will be your chance to jump into Cloudheim and experience the world firsthand, and we'll be sharing more details as we get closer to the weekend. See you soon! ♥️[/p][p][/p][p][/p]