Fading Echo News

[p]We’re back with another recap of our live Q&A sessions on Discord, where the Fading Echo dev team hangs out with the community, answers your questions, and shares some behind-the-scenes insight into the game’s development.[/p][p]This session featured Lucas and Sylvain, who dove into topics like dimensional travel, exotic player builds, visual world-building, and what to expect from the test.[/p][p]Missed the live event? No worries, we’ve gathered some of the best questions and answers from the session below.[/p][p]And as always, if you want to be part of the next Q&A, make sure to join us on Discord![/p][p]Let’s dive in 👇[/p][p][/p][h2]🏜️ Meet the Worldbuilders Behind Fading Echo[/h2]

[p]Lucas:[/p][p]Hello! I'm Lucas, the Senior Environment Artist on the team. I'm responsible for bringing the world we’re creating to life visually. Lots of rocks and sand sculpting—basically, if it’s in the environment, I’ve probably shaped it![/p][p]Sylvain:[/p][p]Quick intro : I'm Sylvain, I co-direct the project. Day to day, I work with the team to make sure we’re delivering on the vision we set out with from the start.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]💡 What We're Most Excited for You to Discover[/h2][p]What’s the one thing you’re most excited for players to discover in this playtest?[/p]

[p]Honestly? The passion, love, and innovation the team poured into every part of the game.[/p][p]One example: our mana system called Aether, isn’t just a stat. It’s a physical element in the world. When you cast spells, Aether gets left behind, and One (our hero) can recycle it to fuel more abilities.[/p][p]And for me personally, it’s the complexity of our realities. We’ve designed three very different worlds, each with its own lore, rules, and look. You’ll start in the arid, desert-like Shard, then eventually discover places like The Near, our underwater realm, which is the total opposite in mood and color palette.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h2]🌀 Portals, Dual Worlds & Inspirations[/h2][p]Looking at the portal and multi-dimensional system, it reminded me of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver. Was that an inspiration?[/p]

[p]Haha good eye! That’s definitely one of our references. Our Art Director was especially inspired by how Soul Reaver handled dimension travel.[/p][p]Of course, we’ve added our own twist: when you open a portal, you can briefly see both realities at once, giving you a glimpse of what’s coming. And One also changes visually when she moves between worlds, it’s a small detail, but it helps reinforce the idea that these dimensions are completely different.[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h2]🛠️ Designing the Perk System (and Breaking It)[/h2][p]How much fun did you all have creating the Perk system?[/p]

[p]A lot! Our main goal was to make it approachable while still offering deep customization.[/p][p]The Perk system is still evolving—it’s probably the biggest system that's still a bit rough around the edges right now. But it already allows you to customize your spells and abilities every time you return to the Bastion (your home base in the game). It’s a key part of how you build and adapt your playstyle over time.[/p][p]We designed the system around three main “builds” or classes, so players can easily jump into a style they enjoy. BUT, because we love freedom we didn’t restrict you. You can mix and match any Perks across different builds and create your own hybrid strategy.[/p][p]Fun fact: one of our level designers, Corentin, came up with a build that practically broke the game (in a fun way). So yeah, experimenting is highly encouraged![/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h2]🖥️ Will the Game Melt My PC?[/h2][p]What’s the minimum setup we’ll need to run the game without our PCs catching fire?[/p]

[p]The game runs great on any decent NASA computer 😄[/p][p]Jokes aside, it’s still in development, but we’ve seen players get okay framerate on an Nvidia 1070. So anything above that should give you a smooth experience.[/p][p]We’ve also included graphic options in the alpha. It’ll default to high settings, but you can tweak everything to match your setup.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]🎯 Difficulty Settings & Finding the Right Balance[/h2][p]Talking about difficulty, will there be different options? And can you switch in-game?[/p]

[p]In the closed alpha, difficulty settings won’t be available just yet. But they’ll definitely be in the final game.[/p][p]For now, the alpha is balanced around what we consider a medium difficulty. After three years of playing our own game, we might have unintentionally become hardcore players, so we’re super interested in your feedback.[/p][p]Let us know how it feels, we’re listening![/p]

[p][/p][h2]🎬 Cutscenes in the Alpha: Behind the Scenes of Storytelling[/h2]

[p]One point I forgot to mention during the Q&A is about the current state of cutscenes—which are still a work-in-progress in this version of the game.[/p][p]Interestingly, this gives you a little peek inside the kitchen, what you’ll see in the closed alpha are animated storyboards, which we use to iterate on timing and framing before moving into full 3D production.[/p][p]For Fading Echo, we’ve tried to innovate in how we tell the story. As you’ve probably noticed, the visual style is inspired by anime and comics, and that extends to the cutscenes themselves.[/p][p]Instead of fully animated sequences, we’re using still characters, a choice that was challenging to pull off, but one we hope will feel fresh and distinctive.[/p][p]We’re including a side-by-side comparison below: one frame from what you’ll see in the alpha (left), and a glimpse at what we’re working toward for the final release (right).[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h3]🌊 Flow with us[/h3][h3] [/h3][p]✨ Wishlist Fading Echo[/p][p]Steam | Epic Games Store | PlayStation Store | Xbox Store[/p][p][/p][p]💬 Join the Echoverse on Discord[/p][p]And follow the adventure:[/p][p]YouTube | TikTok | Instagram[/p]

[p]The Fading Echo playtest has officially come to a close, and first of all, thank you to everyone who joined in. Over the past three weeks, your feedback, bug reports, and Discord discussions have been incredibly helpful in shaping the future of the game.[/p][p]This blog is our way of opening the devroom doors and sharing what we learned. We’ve grouped the most consistent feedback into key areas and want to walk you through what stood out and what we’re already looking into.[/p][p][/p][h3]⚔️ Combat: Dash, and Challenge Balance[/h3][p]A big theme in the feedback was how combat feels and we hear you.[/p]

• [p]The dash came up a lot. Many players described it as laggy or delayed, and also noted that it carries the character too far, especially in close-quarters fights.[/p]
• [p]Several testers shared a lack of sense of power during combat. This was sometimes paired with the feeling that enemies were too tanky, even though the fights themselves weren’t necessarily difficult.[/p]
• [p]We also saw that some players felt a bit lost when it came to the game's systemic interactions. With several mechanics or synergies either not being explained clearly, or not surfacing in a way that encouraged experimentation.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]📖 Story Delivery: Pacing the Narrative[/h3][p]Fading Echo’s narrative is dense, and we’re excited about the world we’re building, but we’ve realized we might be throwing players into the deep end a bit too quickly.[/p]

• [p]Many players said they needed more time to acclimate to the story and characters.[/p]
• [p]There was also feedback that the dialogues delivered too much information at once, and that the on-screen dialogue boxes took up too much space.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]🖥️ HUD Clarity[/h3][p]A few important notes came up regarding how information is presented on-screen:[/p]

• [p]Some players found the HUD difficult to read, which led to confusion during gameplay.[/p]
• [p]The radio system (likely meant to guide or inform players) also became a barrier for some, either due to its presentation or timing.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]🎮 Camera & Controls[/h3][p]We want players to feel immersed, but not at the cost of comfort or control.[/p]

• [p]Several testers said the camera was too close to the character, limiting visibility.[/p]
• [p]Additionally, camera sensitivity, especially when using the stick, was too high or inconsistent.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]🧱 Level Navigation: Where Do I Go?[/h3][p]Exploration is a big part of Fading Echo, and while that’s something we’re proud of, it also came with a few pain points:[/p]

• [p]Some players mentioned that the main path was hard to identify, leading to unintentional backtracking or confusion about where to go next.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Moving Forward[/h3][p]This playtest gave us exactly what we needed: honest, constructive insight from real players. Your feedback has already kickstarted internal discussions and design sprints to address many of these topics.[/p][p]We’re committed to making Fading Echo the best it can be and we can’t wait to show you what’s next.[/p][p]Thanks again for being part of this journey.[/p][p][/p][h3]🌊 Flow with us [/h3][p]✨ Wishlist Fading Echo[/p][p]Steam | Epic Games Store | PlayStation Store | Xbox Store[/p][p][/p][p]💬 Join the Echoverse on Discord[/p][p]And follow the adventure:[/p][p]YouTube | TikTok | Instagram[/p]

[p]Three weeks ago, we launched the very first closed alpha playtest for Fading Echo. Today, that playtest comes to an end and we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from all of you.[/p][p]Seeing the game in your hands and witnessing how warmly it was received by the community means the world to us. Your enthusiasm and encouragement are a huge motivation as we continue building Fading Echo.[/p][p]Of course, this is only the beginning of an exciting journey. Every single piece of feedback you shared has been carefully reviewed, and we’re already working on improvements to make the experience even better in the future.[/p][p]Looking ahead, we’re preparing another opportunity for players to get hands-on time with the game. While the format and timing isn’t locked in yet, we’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more details to share.[/p][p]From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for playing, testing, and sharing your thoughts with us. We can’t wait to show you what’s coming next.[/p][p]Stay tuned for more updates soon. and don’t forget to stay hydrated 💧[/p][p][/p][p]The Fading Echo & Emeteria Team[/p][p][/p][h3]🌊 Flow with us [/h3][p]✨ Wishlist Fading Echo[/p][p]Steam | Epic Games Store | PlayStation Store | Xbox Store[/p][p][/p][p]💬 Join the Echoverse on Discord[/p][p]And follow the adventure:[/p][p]YouTube | TikTok | Instagram[/p]

[p]In the recent playtest and gameplay trailer, we introduced a key new feature in Fading Echo: the Perk System.[/p][p]While combat in Fading Echo already leans into systemic interactions like elemental combos and environmental reactions, we also wanted to give you the tools to customize and upgrade One throughout her journey.[/p][p]That’s where perks come in.[/p][p]As you progress, you’ll be able to reconnect sources to the Bastion, each one unlocking new perk choices. But choose wisely: you’ll need to prioritize which perks to unlock first, shaping how you approach challenges in Corel.[/p][p]🛠️ Everything is still a work in progress, so details may change as we continue development, but the core idea remains the same.[/p][p][/p][h2]✨ How Perks Work[/h2][p]To unlock new perks, you’ll first need to gather Aetherfact Points, a special resource primarily earned by opening chests and beating ennemies scattered across Corel. Once you’ve earned enough, you can spend these points at the Bastion to activate new perks and build out your own way to play.[/p][p]Changed your mind about a build? No worries, perks are fully refundable, so you can reset your choices and get your Aetheric Points back whenever you want to try a different approach.[/p][p]Perks are divided into different categories, each supporting a different playstyle:[/p]

• [p]Defensive: Boost your health or defensive stats to stay in the fight longer.[/p]
• [p]Offensive: Unlock new attack combos or increase your raw damage potential.[/p]
• [p]Spell-focused: Modify how you use abilities like the Waterbomb or Wave casting.[/p]

[p]Whether you're crafting a resilient tank, a spell-slinging glass cannon, or something totally in between, perks let you tune One's build to match your vision. [/p][p][/p][h2]🌊 A New Way to Cast[/h2][p]One of the perks we teased in the gameplay trailer was a modification to the Wave spell and if you looked closely, you might’ve noticed something different.[/p][p]This particular perk extends the range of Wave casting, letting you hit enemies from farther away. But there’s a trade-off: the width of the spell is reduced, meaning you’ll need to aim more carefully to land your attacks.[/p][p][/p][p]Here’s a quick comparison:[/p][p][/p][p]▶️ Original Wave Spell[/p][p][/p][p]▶️ Perk-Modified Wave Spell[/p][p][/p][p]This is just one example of how perks can fundamentally reshape your combat style. Do you prefer wide-area coverage or precise, long-range strikes? The choice is yours and it’s only the beginning.[/p][p][/p][h2]🗝️ Not Everything Is in the Bastion[/h2][p]As we mentioned during the playtest: not every perk is unlocked by reconnecting sources to the Bastion.[/p][p]Some perks are hidden throughout the world of Corel, tucked away off the main path, waiting to be discovered by the most curious and determined explorers. 🧭[/p][p]So if you're aiming to build the strongest version of One, you’ll need more than just Aetheric Points, you’ll need to be a true explorer.[/p][p]Keep your eyes open, trust your instincts, and maybe take that strange side path you ignored the first time around. Who knows what kind of powerful upgrades are out there, just waiting to be found? [/p][p][/p][h3]🌊 Flow with us [/h3][p]✨ Wishlist Fading Echo[/p][p]Steam | Epic Games Store | PlayStation Store | Xbox Store[/p][p][/p][p]💬 Join the Echoverse on Discord[/p][p]And follow the adventure:[/p][p]YouTube | TikTok | Instagram[/p][p][/p][p]📝 Sign Up for the Alpha Playtest[/p][p]https://fadingecho.firstlook.gg/signup/playtest[/p]

[p]The current playtest of Fading Echo hides a lot more than meets the eye. Some secrets are right under your nose, others... a little further off the path. 👀[/p][p]We’ve seen how creative you’ve already been exploring every nook of Corel and we love it. So, we thought it was time to share a few hints about things that might’ve escaped your radar.[/p][p]And of course, if you manage to find the things we mention here, don’t hesitate to share them with us on our Discord. We can’t wait to see your discoveries! 💬[/p][p][/p][h2]💎 Chests and Secrets – The Great Corel Hunt[/h2][p]Let’s start with everyone’s favorite topic: chests.[/p][p]During your journey through Corel, you’ve probably stumbled upon a few — tucked behind cliffs, hidden in corners, or teasing you from just out of reach.[/p][p]We’ve noticed some of you have been very dedicated to tracking them all down (yes, we see you, chest hunters 👀). So here’s the truth: there are 16 chests in total.[/p][p]Each one rewards you with a bit of EXP when opened, so every discovery not only feeds your curiosity, but your progression too.[/p][p]Some are very sneaky. So don’t worry if your count doesn’t quite match yet, it just means there are still discoveries waiting for you.[/p][p]Might be worth starting a new run just to find them all, don’t you think? 😉
[/p][p][/p][h2]🏰 The Bastion’s Summit – A World in View[/h2][p]During your adventure, you’ll come across a key location at the heart of Corel: the Bastion. This fortress plays a vital role, it’s where you can enhance your character once you’ve managed to connect the different sources to it.[/p][p]But the Grand Hall isn’t the only part worth exploring. Did you know you can actually climb to the roof?[/p][p]Up there, a small cinematic will play, and more importantly, you’ll get one of the most beautiful views in all of Corel.[/p][p]From the top, you can spot the four distinct regions of the world, a perfect glimpse of what Fading Echo has in store for the future.[/p][p]It’s also a great way to get a little closer to our good friend, the Last Wonder.
[/p][p][/p][h2]🌳 The Big Tree – A Glimpse Into the Future[/h2][p]Speaking of Corel’s regions , the only one you’re supposed to be able to explore right now is the Volcano. Well… supposed to.[/p][p]There is a way to reach the Big Tree region and even explore it a bit. But getting there won’t be easy.[/p][p]You’ll need a good dose of creativity and a solid understanding of elemental reactions to pull it off.[/p][p]There’s no extra story waiting there, it’s simply a sneak peek at another environment beyond the Volcano, a little taste of what Fading Echo will offer in the future.[/p][p]That’s the only hint we’re giving you. Good luck, explorers. 🌱
[/p][p][/p][h2]🔥 Elemental Shortcuts – Bending the Rules[/h2][p]Remember that zone shown in the screenshot below?[/p][p]What if we told you it’s actually possible to keep exploring the Volcano without even solving that puzzle? 👀[/p][p]Yep, it’s true. Sometimes, the devs leave doors that can be… well, walked around.[/p][p]It’s also a nice reminder that Fading Echo rewards players who get creative, those who experiment with elements and think outside the usual path.[/p][p]Oh, you were hoping for a hint on how to do it? Sorry… not this time. 😏
[/p][p][/p][h2]✨ One Last Surprise[/h2][p]Before we wrap up, here’s one more for the road.[/p][p]When you first discover the Bastion, the game introduces you to the perk system, a way to enhance your character and shape your own unique playstyle.[/p][p]It’s mentioned that some perks are hidden throughout the world of Corel… and, well, surprise, there’s one waiting for you in this playtest.[/p][p]Good luck finding it!
[/p][p][/p][h3]🌊 Flow with us [/h3][p]✨ Wishlist Fading Echo[/p][p]Steam | Epic Games Store | PlayStation Store | Xbox Store[/p][p][/p][p]💬 Join the Echoverse on Discord[/p][p]And follow the adventure:[/p][p]YouTube | TikTok | Instagram[/p][p][/p][p]📝 Sign Up for the Alpha Playtest[/p][p]https://fadingecho.firstlook.gg/signup/playtest[/p]