Hiraeth News

[p]This is a continuation of the previous 0.9.8.3 update from last week, which already made inventory management much easier.
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Now we’re taking it further with new improvements and refinements.[/p][p][/p][h2]🔄 Stackable Items System[/h2]

• [p]Items like polymer scrap or cloth scrap now stack — instead of 20 separate items, you get one with a defined number of uses. Boosters and Basics added to stackable system.[/p]
• [p]Stacking applies to looting, scrapping, transferring between backpacks and crates.[/p]
• [p]Items with unique condition or dynamic weight are intentionally not stackable.[/p]
• [p]Many items that already have a fixed number of uses remain outside the new system.[/p]
• [p]You can now quickly transfer or drop entire stacks or a chosen amount.[/p]

[p][/p][p]The system has been tested by several players and myself — it works reliably, but because it’s tied to crafting, scrapping, and other mechanics, further testing by a wider group is needed. Please report any issues you encounter.[/p][p][/p][h2]🫁 TOXIC LUNGS (formerly Lung Damage)[/h2][p]The old status Lung Damage was misleading — it sounded like permanent injury, while it actually represented toxic gas exposure. It has now been renamed to TOXIC LUNGS.[/p]

• [p]NOW it only occurs with an open visor and unverified air (on the surface breathing is impossible by default, and the atmosphere contains toxic gases).[/p]
• [p]Previously it triggered immediately upon simple lack of air.[/p]
• [p]Symptoms, causes, and treatment remain unchanged — only the name and activation conditions were updated for clarity.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]🧭 Other Changes[/h2][p][/p]

• [p]Replacing the check box with a regular button to drop the backpack. The check box was a remnant, the game's key items, such as the air bottle in use, were in the backpack, now they are suspended independently of the EVA Suit, so securing the check box has long been unnecessary.[/p]
• [p]Dragging and dropping an item within the same backpack/crate is now ignored — previously it refreshed the item and changed its order, which was confusing.[/p]
• [p]Minor adjustments on Nesoi — mostly cosmetic.[/p]
• [p]Numerous other code tweaks and text fixes — names and descriptions.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]❔ What next?[/h2][p]In the next update, I want to focus on refining the appearance of items after loading from save, for example in POIs, on hangers such as air bottles or suspended bottles on Air Charger - after changing the engine, errors appeared after loading from save - it's time to fix it![/p][p]Also expect gameplay changes - not big ones yet, but they will definitely include ease of access to some places, the number of items in the world, etc. plus surprises.[/p][p]In the meantime, I'm also planning a demo update that hasn't been changed for a long time! It will be system-up to date with current early access patches, but there will also be major changes in demo restrictions.

NOTE: The new stacking system introduces so many changes in HIRAETH’s code that you can expect some minor fixes in the coming days.[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for all your reports and testing — every bit of feedback helps HIRAETH grow in the right direction.

Paweł[/p]

[p]This new update brings major improvements to performance, the look of Nesoi Island, and inventory management.

Here’s what’s new:[/p][p][/p]

• [p]Persistent expanded/collapsed view – you can now collapse a bag or crate view and the system remembers it. No more clutter after moving items![/p]
• [p]Better item refresh – after using or transferring items, your selected category stays visible instead of resetting to ALL.[/p]
• [p]Note: works well in BAGS and STUFF; OPERATOR has a different system and will be refined in the next patch.[/p]
• [p]I removed a lot of non-essential, but overwhelming items from the backpack and chest on Last Drop[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]New terrain and rock material – optimized for weather effects (snow, rain, etc.) while keeping high performance and future expandability.[/p]
• [p]Higher FPS & stability – multiple optimizations to boost framerate and eliminate potential issues.[/p]
• [p]New world color palette – Nesoi now looks more alien and survival‑themed. This is just the beginning; upcoming display modes will include dystopia, cinematic, realistic.[/p]
• [p]Test colors added – blue and green tones are now present, still experimental.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Fixed collision issues in many places (e.g., Cave near lake, Aaron Ravine).[/p]
• [p]Major fixes for roads, collision and display, but soon a version of the roads at a truly Hiraeth-appropriate level![/p]
• [p]Mount Athens test new look, huge rocks, runs without old FPS problems![/p]
• [p]More grass clumps and stones across the island, just start - will be more without FPS drop[/p]
• [p]Alien Plant – now separate entities with interaction. They glow when approached, but beware: they feed on your battery’s energy.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]After switching to the new engine, many sounds needed fixes. Several are now restored, including Air Lock and many others. Still need works, but nice progress![/p]

[p][/p][h2]⚙️ Quality of Life & Minor Changes[/h2]

• [p]Crafting tool checkbox is now 2x larger.[/p]
• [p]Numerous small stability and QoL improvements.[/p]
• [p]Auto save now works every hours and after sleep. More options soon.[/p]

[p][/p][p]NOTE: I've recently noticed that after playing for a long time, weapons can disappear. I've made some changes to this version. The previous code was also correct and compliant with the documentation, but the engine has its issues in this regard. If you still lose your weapon, please report it. This is related to dynamic world loading, which is always a challenge.[/p][p][/p][p]🌌 These are just the first steps in reshaping Nesoi. Jump in, explore, and let me know how it feels. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of HIRAETH!
[/p][p]Paweł[/p][p][/p]

[p]
Hi everyone, I'm writing this from the bottom of my heart. HIRAETH isn't just a game — it's years of my work, passion, and dreams. Since the launch on September 3rd, I've poured everything into it. The game found a few players, but sales have nearly stopped. There are only 16 reviews, and while I know some people truly love the game, the community has gone quiet.[/p][p]I won’t lie: I’m exhausted. I’ve been working full-time on this project with no financial safety net. Steam payouts were lower than expected, and my debts are growing. I’m at a crossroads, unsure if I can keep going.[/p][p]But before I make any decisions, I want to show you what’s happened in just three months — because a lot has changed:[/p][p][/p][h2]🔧 What’s new since launch?[/h2]

• [p]Weekly updates and bug fixes[/p]
• [p]Fully customizable key bindings[/p]
• [p]Partial controller support[/p]
• [p]Big challenge - engine upgraded to the latest version for stability[/p]
• [p]Custom video settings + DLSS support[/p]
• [p]Custom audio and UI settings[/p]
• [p]Improved drag-and-drop mechanics[/p]
• [p]New survival features — including chronic illnesses[/p]
• [p]Major crafting overhaul with new blueprints[/p]
• [p]Quest, task, and messaging system added[/p]
• [p]Big changes to Nesoi Island — including the new Comm Center base[/p]
• [p]Swimming, diving, and underwater exploration[/p]
• [p]And dozens of smaller fixes and improvements[/p]

[p][/p][h2]❤️ What now?[/h2][p]I’m not asking for money. I’m asking for a signal that this work matters. If you’ve played — please leave a review. If you want to help — share the game, reach out, say hello. If you have ideas — I’m listening.[/p][p]As you’ve seen with recent changes — like the addition of quests and tasks — we’re standing at the edge of a big step forward. Whether and when that happens now depends on you, the players for whom this game exists.[/p][h2]
🙏 Special thanks[/h2][p]
And to those who already left a review — gnarlyCrone, FLPX86, RickB\[Qc], HiddenRealms, Nixon, rgus48, Eagle, psycoteck7901 — thank you. It’s players like you who keep me going and make it possible to keep working on HIRAETH ːss2heartː[/p][p][/p][p]HIRAETH isn’t just a game. It’s a shared space. If you believe it’s worth continuing — let me know.[/p][p]Thank you for being here — Paweł

[/p]

[h2]
Auto Save[/h2]

• [p]Now triggers automatically every in‑game hour and after sleeping.[/p]
• [p]Manual saving remains available at any time.[/p]
• [p]Save rules will be reworked soon alongside difficulty settings, with auto save timing reconsidered.[/p]

[h2]Severe Illness HUD Notification[/h2]

• [p]A notification bar now appears immediately upon onset of severe illness.[/p]
• [p]Previously, this only triggered after a threshold was exceeded, similar to other ailments.[/p]
• [p]HUD notifications require a connected battery.[/p]

[h3]ːss2heartː Additional Note[/h3][p]Food poisoning is not just indigestion — it’s a serious condition (like botulism). It threatens survival and disables many activities. Avoid eating stale food unless you have the right medication. There’s still plenty of fresh food available.[/p][p]
Best regards, Author[/p]

[h2]Task and quest systems are now being tested[/h2][p]
Full details can be found in the latest issue of Ahra Prime Times:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]More updates coming soon.[/p][p]Best regards, The Author[/p]