Next Fest Demo Guide

[p]This guide aims to walk you through everything you need to know about the demo. Please do keep in mind that this is an early look at the game. You'll see content and features that are still in development, you'll possibly experience scary bugs and other issues - and you won't have access to all the features of the game. We’re still working on implementing things like rebindable hotkeys and mouse sensitivity.[/p][p]If you’re having troubles with this in-development demo, please check out the FAQ blog on Steam or join the Discord where our community may be able to assist.[/p][p][/p][p]Remember to join Discord or follow our socials for the latest updates and if you enjoyed your time, please leave a review on our Demo page, it makes all the difference for us![/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p][/p][h2] Play solo or with friends[/h2][p]Hop on in and Create a World and invite your friends either by hitting ESC in your world and pressing "Invite Friends", or via Steam. Lobbies are limited to 4 players per world.[/p][p][/p][p]The world is just as fun solo though! We've implemented a range of balancing systems to level the playing field when on a solo quest or journeying alongside friends.[/p][p][/p][h2] Explore the first island of Witchspire: Vyr's Landing[/h2][p]Witchspire begins some time after the events of the animated trailer, where a group of Witches found themselves in a new world, filled with adventure - and peril.[/p][p]You, like those before you, have been chosen by the Witchspire of Noctyria. Sent to this faraway place.
As you awaken, the journey of a lifetime befins, as you attempt to find your way back home.[/p][p]Walk in the footsteps of those who came before, and piece together their story.[/p][p]Discover the remnants of Al'uun, the mightiest of civilizations, which vanished in a moment.[/p][p]Make new friends, and battle vicious foes.[/p][p]Settle down, or keep moving.[/p][p]This journey is yours.[/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][h2] Customize your Difficulty[/h2][p]You'll have lots of control over server settings in the Playtest, allowing you to boost the challenge or make yourself very very powerful. Whatever you prefer, it's your world! If you're unsure, here are the preset options explained: [/p][p][/p][p]Easy: A relaxing experience where death is rare.[/p][p]Standard: A forgiving experience with occasional challenge.[/p][p]Hard: A painful experience. Be prepared to die.[/p][p]Impossible: Familiars don't respawn when killed. Drop all your items on death. Uh-oh.[/p][p][/p][h2] Bond with Familiars[/h2][p] [/p][p]After defeating a bond-able creature, you'll notice a spirit appear. Most of the time, that spirit will disappear to the stars. But if you're lucky, it'll linger. Interact with a lingering spirit to bond with it.[/p][p]Struggling to bond a Familiar? Incense is your friend. You can craft incense using a Witchcraft Circle, or acquire them throughout the world. Using Incense makes spirits far likelier to linger, though they are not a guarantee. [/p][p][/p][p]If you see no spirit after defeating a creature, that means they cannot be bonded. We're not saying they don't have spirits... You just can't see them.[/p][p][/p][h2] Chop Down Trees with Magic![/h2][p]Craft a magical Sickle to chop down trees with ease - you'll need plenty of wood whether you're cooking food, or building a home! Once you've levelled up your Logging skill a bit, try the Spirit Sickle. Trust us. We've prioritised this skill system for the demo but at Early Access there will be more resources gathering spells and skills![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2] Character Customisation [/h2][p]Character Customization is not yet fully included in the game, this is just a taste of the full system coming at launch. You’ll see some of the unavailable features greyed out in game. For now you'll be limited to the following choices:[/p]

1. [p]Body Type (of which there are two)[/p]
2. [p]Voice (Victoria Atkin, or Matt Mercer - try pressing Z as you explore the world. Go on. Try it!)[/p]
3. [p]Outfits: We've added two new outfits and two new hats for you to discover in the world![/p]
4. [p]Coven: The Cloudpiercers (Spellblade) or The Nightscribes (Wand). This choice also determines your starting outfit & a passive boon.[/p]
5. [p]Starting Familiar: Locto or Quol [/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h2] Use Astral Projection & Build a Home[/h2][p]Press B to enter Astral Projection, and settle down by placing a Hearth. [/p][p]Upgrading your Hearth will increase size of your base.[/p][p]Whether you want to build a cozy log cabin near a pretty lake, or an unrealistic floating tower - we're not judging, it's magic after all![/p][p][/p][p]We’ve priorities the basic building pack for this demo, this features: [/p]

• [p]The rustic cabin pack (mossy roof included)[/p]
• [p]9 new Furniture items[/p]
• [p]15 new Decoration items[/p]
• [p]Snapping & free placement options so you can design however you like![/p]

[p]We'd love to see your creations, so please share them in the Steam forums or the Witchspire Discord.[/p][p][/p][h2] Acquire Luminaries & Level up your Hearth[/h2][p]As you level up, you'll gain Luminary Points, which can be spent to unlock new items to build or craft, as well as enhance your character in various ways. Many Luminaries require that your Hearth, or a specific skill, are levelled up first. Consider each choice carefully![/p][p][/p][p]Running low on Luminary Points? Find a Luminary Shrine![/p][p][/p][h2] Bond with Familiars[/h2][p]Spoilers ahead![/p][p]The following Familiars can be bonded with in the Playtest:[/p][p] [/p][h2] Introducing Peb and the first Boss[/h2][p]Spoilers ahead![/p][p]We're really excited to introduce our first mini boss "Peb" who you might discover in the wilderness.[/p][p][/p][p]Peb is the first known Rockling to have uttered a word. That word was "Peb"...hence the name. Peb also looks a little different? Perhaps Peb is the start of the next chapter for Rocklings.. or perhaps Peb will be slaughtered by a witch... You decide![/p][p][/p][p]This early version of the game ends in dramatic fashion, with a fight against a vicious being. When you level up your Hearth to 3 and you'll be prompted to "Explore the Ancient Ruins to the West".[/p][p][/p][p]Be prepared, for what lurks within is not to be taken lightly. Good luck![/p][h2][/h2]