DevBlog #4 | Update 0.5.4 – Ancient Artifacts and Fresh Improvements!
Hello again, Wardens! Update 0.5.4 is here, and we’ve got some exciting new features, balance tweaks, and a sprinkle of polish to enhance your journey through Valor of Man. Let’s dive in!
[h2]Key Features in 0.5.4[/h2]
[h3]Ancient Artifacts: A New Power Awaits[/h3]
Introducing Ancient Artifacts, a powerful new tier of equipment exclusively available through the Antique Trader. These artifacts boast unique effects, such as:
[h3]Expanded Artifact Pools[/h3]
We’ve added more common and rare artifacts to the default pool, unlocking new playstyles from the start of your adventure.
Dev Comment: Previously, many artifacts required unlocking, which limited early-game variety. This change ensures a more consistent and enjoyable experience for everyone.
[h3]Split Buttons for Buffs and Debuffs[/h3]
Buff and Debuff abilities now have separate buttons in the Action Bar, making them easier to identify and manage.
Dev Comment: Heroes gain a lot of abilities over time, and grouping buffs and debuffs together caused confusion. This small but impactful change keeps things smooth and intuitive.
[h3]Improved Tutorials[/h3]
We’ve overhauled how the enemy screen is introduced to new players, using delays, animations, and effects for a gradual reveal.
Dev Comment: The Enemy UI can feel overwhelming for first-timers. This update ensures a more seamless learning curve.
[h3]Balance Changes[/h3]
[h3]Bugs & Stability[/h3]
Here’s a quick rundown of the fixes and optimisations in this patch:
[h2]And That’s All for 0.5.4![/h2]
This update brings a fresh layer of strategy with Ancient Artifacts, clearer UI, and better balance across the board. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts—check out the new in-game feedback form to share your experience!
Happy adventuring, Wardens! 💪
— Legacy Forge
[h2]Key Features in 0.5.4[/h2]
[h3]Ancient Artifacts: A New Power Awaits[/h3]
Introducing Ancient Artifacts, a powerful new tier of equipment exclusively available through the Antique Trader. These artifacts boast unique effects, such as:
- Immunity to Trample or Poison Damage.
- Health regeneration.
- Massive buffs on the first turn.
[h3]Expanded Artifact Pools[/h3]
We’ve added more common and rare artifacts to the default pool, unlocking new playstyles from the start of your adventure.
Dev Comment: Previously, many artifacts required unlocking, which limited early-game variety. This change ensures a more consistent and enjoyable experience for everyone.
[h3]Split Buttons for Buffs and Debuffs[/h3]
Buff and Debuff abilities now have separate buttons in the Action Bar, making them easier to identify and manage.
Dev Comment: Heroes gain a lot of abilities over time, and grouping buffs and debuffs together caused confusion. This small but impactful change keeps things smooth and intuitive.
[h3]Improved Tutorials[/h3]
We’ve overhauled how the enemy screen is introduced to new players, using delays, animations, and effects for a gradual reveal.
Dev Comment: The Enemy UI can feel overwhelming for first-timers. This update ensures a more seamless learning curve.
[h3]Balance Changes[/h3]
- Normal and Elite Fights: Normal fights now reward more XP, while Elite fights give slightly less.
Comment: Elite-less runs are now a viable, more relaxed option while keeping multiple-elite runs just as rewarding. - Hard Fights, Big Rewards: Hard fights (available later in the Chapter) now have a higher chance of dropping items.
Comment: This ensures you have enough gold and gear to make those tough decisions at the new specialty shops. - Tormentor Boss Reaction – Huff & Puff: A new reaction allows the Tormentor to move more dynamically.
Comment: This balances the difficulty and keeps the fight engaging.
- Ogre Chieftain Adjustments: Reduced scaling of Enrage and tweaked his multi-action deck.
Comment: He’s a little too powerful for Chapter 1. These changes keep him challenging but fair.
- Starting Fight Positioning: Improved hero placement in the Dragon fight so everyone can contribute from the start.
Comment: No more awkward moments where Elara can’t reach the Dragon on turn one! - Lance Update: Lances now have the Pierce effect.
Comment: This makes lances feel more impactful without being overpowered. - Goblin Nerf: Lowered Goblin health.
Comment: They’re tricky enough as it is—time to tone them down a little.
[h3]Bugs & Stability[/h3]
Here’s a quick rundown of the fixes and optimisations in this patch:
- Performance: Visual FX now load faster and reuse assets where possible.
- Animation: Smoothed out animations for mages, multi-hit attacks, and sword/shield abilities.
- Projectiles: Staff projectiles now fire from the weapon tip.
- Tutorial Fixes: Fixed issues with tooltips not triggering correctly.
- Level Design: Resolved blocked tiles in scorpion and bug levels.
- UI Improvements: Fixed enemy outlines briefly appearing when they shouldn’t.
[h2]And That’s All for 0.5.4![/h2]
This update brings a fresh layer of strategy with Ancient Artifacts, clearer UI, and better balance across the board. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts—check out the new in-game feedback form to share your experience!
Happy adventuring, Wardens! 💪
— Legacy Forge