Hi all Folks!
It’s already been over two weeks since we launched into Early Access! Time flies when you’re building villages, farming wheat, and wrangling your folks. We've been hard at work both on and behind the scenes, focusing on QoL patches based on all the lovely feedback you've shared with us. The result so far is
7 minor update versions since the EA release, with more updates in the works.
Today, though, we want to share more about our plans for the bigger updates ahead - and we would love your feedback on the planned features!
Folklands is already starting to feel like the nostalgic, warm cup of tea we dreamed of making, but as many of you have mentioned - it feels like that start of something rather than a finished experience. No surprises there, the EA release is our showcase for the foundation of what we want to build - a skeleton of the game if you will - but in this devlog we'll share more about the first two milestones up ahead.
[h2]Milestone 1: Education & Research[/h2]
First up, we’re cracking open the books. The first major update will introduce an education system for your folks (they're smarter than they look, promise), and a new research system that accompanies it. These two game mechanics will help you improve production, specialize your settlement and village and may even unlock some fancy upgradable buildings.
The education system will bring specialized occupations for your folks as well as education bonuses, and of course introduces a range of new buildings like the School and Library.
Together with the education and research content, this first update will also see more varied industries and products for your folks to make. In that vein we’re also working on better overviews for your production chains, as well as clearer ways to track what your folks need versus what you’re making. No more scratching your head over missing fish and lost tools.
The folks themselves will be getting a bit of a makeover as well: more visual variety to help distinguish your fisherfolk from your foresters or bakers. There will also be many more decorations and visual upgrades available, letting you personalize your settlement even more exactly like you want it.
The first milestone marks the first big step towards the vision we have for Folklands: a game and world where each playthrough can take on a life of its own depending on your style: want to focus on a specific industry? Go for it. Prefer the cozy life and it's perks? That’s possible too.
Obviously, these changes will take a little while to add and implement, but we'll still be releasing regular updates while we work on this first big milestone.
[h2]Milestone 2: Health & security[/h2]
Is there a doctor in the village? There will be soon!
The second major update will focus on two new ways to keep your folks safe and secure. Gather herbs, craft medicine, treat your folks when they fall ill and prevent the spread of diseases. Because let’s face it: close quarters and rainy days are a recipe for sniffles.
In this update, Doctors will play a key role in your growing settlement, with the introduction of as health, sickness and diseases. Keeping your population in good health will be more and more important as your settlement grows into a large village where everyone's mingling together. Ignore sickness and it will spread fast!
The second part of this update will focus on villager security - because not every visitor comes bearing bread and good intentions! The security system will let you set up patrols and guard towers, protecting your precious storage from both raiders and thieves (yes, the "sneaky and grumpy" kind).
Raiders may come storming in from the wilds, but with walls and well-placed guards you’ll be ready to fend them off. And thieves - they’re disgruntled folks who’ve decided to redistribute wealth... from your richest homes to their pockets. A few patrols might keep them in check, but don’t get too heavy-handed. Constant surveillance has a way of turning smiles into frowns. And guards don’t work for free, so it's best keep those trade routes going.
These two first updates are only the beginning! We’re really excited about these upcoming additions, especially for those of you who enjoy a bit more challenge in your Folklands experience.
As always, we’ll be opening up beta tests for these milestones as they get closer to completion and we’re counting on your feedback to help shape them into something truly wonderful ❤️
Next time, we’ll share more screenshots and dive deeper into the first milestone.
Stay cozy, stay curious, and give your folks a wave from us!
