Holdfast: Nations At War News

A welcome and thank you to all the new players who took to the frontlines for the first time over the Steam Summer Sale! As we discussed in our previous blog post, map voting has finally arrived.

One of the community's most highly requested features, map voting, makes its way onto all Holdfast servers this update but that’s not all. New quality of life features are being implemented, new game mechanics introduced and in this same update, the Holdfast SDK is getting an upgrade too.

This update takes us one step closer to letting the community play Holdfast exactly how they want to. Take a read below to find out more about how these changes and additions will achieve this.


The long-awaited map voting update is here! At the end of the round players will be given the option to select the next battlefield to be played and whichever map receives the most votes will then be played thereafter.

At the end of the round players are now presented with 4 battlefields to pick from. The map's gamemode and factions are also shown. Players are then given a period of time to vote on the map they wish to play next after which the results are then tallied and a winner is selected. It is only at this point that the amount of votes each map gets is shown.







Map voting will also be available to community and private servers. We have provided additional rotation inputs so server owners can customise their map voting exactly as they desire. Likewise, support for custom maps has been integrated into the system to ensure any custom maps loaded with the map voting system will correctly display their name.


Someone taking too long in the outhouse? Kick the door in style and let them know their time is up! This new mechanic allows players to kick down doors in dramatic fashion and really make their entrance as they take buildings and forts alike. Additionally, cannoneers with a ramrod equipped will now receive a 5% speed buff when ramming their cannon. So get kicking and ramming till your heart’s content.




This update also brings along a plethora of new console commands and player menu options to further aid server administrators running events on community servers.

Server admins can now be added to a whitelist which will automatically grant them administrator privileges as they join the server. They will no longer have to log in via the console. Using the new ‘serverAdmins.txt’ file will enable a whitelist allowing the players inputted in this file to access administrative privileges without having to enter a password.

Admins that are whitelisted will be able to join the server directly should it be full. However, this is limited to a maximum of 5 additional slots dedicated for them. Server admins are also given the option to revive fallen men via the Round Players ‘P’ menu. It will instantly respawn them in the location they died.



In contrast to giving life with the new revive feature, the new slap server admin command gives administrators the ability to damage individual players for an amount of damage they specify. Simply type out the command below to slap someone.

rc serverAdmin slap


Linebattle organisers will be able to place a capturable flag that if captured will give the win to the capturing team. This flag can be configured to be spawned after a specific amount of time and act as an anti-camping tool during linebattle events that are taking slightly longer than desired.

Similar to map voting this feature can be configured via rotation inputs. This flag can also be triggered and spawned directly by an rc command. Take a look at these below.

Server Config Commands ● dynamic_capture_point_enabled true/false ● dynamic_capture_point_position -11.90 6.26 -59.10 ● dynamic_capture_point_auto_active_time 120 ● dynamic_capture_point_capture_duration 360 ● dynamic_capture_point_max_capture_player_count 10

RC Commands ● rc set triggerDynamicCapturePoint

We look forward to seeing this new mechanic put to good use during events.




The latest Holdfast SDK update is the largest update to the SDK since its release. It exposes the ability for the modding community to receive code events when specific actions happen and gives mod creators the option to tag their work making it easier to find on the workshop.

This first step in exposing elements of the game for modders to use. It will give the community the foundations for creating new game modes, conversion modifications, and much more for everyone to enjoy. We have been running a closed-beta with some modding community members running up to the release of this portion of the update which has already yielded some fantastic and very creative results.

As mentioned above, mod makers can now set tags for their creations. When you go to upload your mod via the SDK you will be presented with a menu that allows you to fill out your mod's title, description and select multiple tags that best suit it. Tagging and appropriately naming your modification will make it easy for players to find and subscribe to.




Want to give the latest SDK update a go? Then the Holdfast official Discord server is the place to be! It is your central hub for all things Holdfast and houses a plethora of channels dedicated to event and game announcements, regiment recruitment, game support, suggestions, game modding, and more. Click below to join today!

Subscribe to the @artisan role from the #getting-started channel to get going.

https://discord.com/invite/holdfastgame







Changelog 69 - Game Version v1.18.7887.29184


New Features

● Player Map Voting! At the end of the round players will be given the option to select the next battlefield. Event hosts can make use of this function to allow players participating in their event to vote for a map of their own choosing.
» Input the following commands in the server configuration file to make use of this new functionality.
» » map_voting_enabled true
» » map_voting_duration 15
» » map_voting_allow_same_map false
» » map_voting_history_count 3
» » map_voting_gameplay_modes ArmyBattlefield ArmyBattlefield ArmyConquest ArmySiege

● Custom modded maps can also be made part of the voting selection.

● Linebattle organisers will be able to place a capturable flag that if captured will give the win to the capturing team. Can be configured to be spawned after a specific amount of time and act as an anti-camping tool during linebattle events that are taking slightly longer than desired.
» Input the following command per map rotation to configure this new function.
» » dynamic_capture_point_enabled true or false
» » dynamic_capture_point_position -11.90 6.26 -59.10
» » dynamic_capture_point_auto_active_time 120
» » dynamic_capture_point_capture_duration 360
» » dynamic_capture_point_max_capture_player_count 10

● Use the command below to force spawn the capturable flag while the match is ongoing.
» rc set triggerDynamicCapturePoint


Holdfast SDK

● Artisans may now tag their mod before uploading it to Steam providing it with better visibility.

● Exposed the ability for the modding community to receive code events when specific actions happen.
» Wiki - Script Modding Guide

● Join the Holdfast Discord and apply for the @artisan role to get started with modding.
» discord.gg/holdfastgame


Gameplay

● Explosive barrels now deal less damage to siege walls providing the defenders with a better fighting chance at holding their ground.

● Someone taking too long in the outhouse? Kick the door in style by pressing the ‘F’ key and let them know their time is up! You are unable to break doors with this method when the Army Siege or Coastal Siege is in play.
» You are unable to kick-open large double doors.

● Win condition interactable object now works in ArmyDeathmatch. Message also displays when the victor is announced.

● A smooth quick zoom animation will play when the player looks through the spyglass.

● Players equipping a ramrod will now load cannons at a faster pace. They will receive a 5% bonus increase when doing so.


Server Administration

● Players can now view the official server rules through the Round Players ‘P’ menu. Administrators can customise this message by using the following command. Use a similar syntax to that of the welcome message to format it.
» server_rules_message

● Using the serverAdmins.txt file will now enable a whitelist allowing the players inputted in this file to access administrative privileges without having to enter a password. Define the location of the serverAdmins.txt file through the following launch parameters.
» serverAdminsFilePath=

● Up to 5 administrators defined in the serverAdmins.txt file are now able to connect to a game server even if it reaches its maximum player count. This will ensure administrators are always able to oversee an event.

● Administrators are now able to revive others through the Round Players ‘P’ menu or by using an rc command.
» rc serverAdmin revive

● Administrators can now use the command below to despawn all horses from the map. You may still define to spawn just a singular horse by passing an ID.
» rc vehicleDespawn

● Administrators can now use the command below to damage a player.
» rc serverAdmin slap

● Administrators can now send a broadcast message without having it show in the middle of the screen. It will only display in the player’s chat.
» rc serverAdmin say

● Administrators may now privately message a player through the rc console instead of just the Round Players ‘P’ menu.
» rc serverAdmin privateMessage

● The characterWeaponDamageScale command now also impacts player bullets hitting other players or vehicles in addition to melee damage.
» rc set characterWeaponDamageScale

● Introduced a new command allowing players to disable the mechanic used to differentiate between upper body and lower body melee damage.
» rc set meleeLegHitSystemEnabled false

● Administrators may now define an unlimited timer in the Army Deathmatch game mode.

● Map names have been added to the scorelog.txt file.

● Introduced additional functionality for spawned ‘firearm ammo boxes’ and ‘firearm weapon boxes’ to have infinite uses when the max value is set to 255.
» Wiki - Weapon Racks


Bug Fixes

● Tentative fix on ‘Look Vector’ warnings being displayed when Marquette is in play.

● Solved an issue where the Press ‘E’ to Mount tag was shown at the 0,0,0 coordinate rather than nearby mountable horses.

● Solved an issue with warnings being thrown when a cavalry unit spawns on round start.

● Reduced instances of cavalry units being able to go through map borders.

● Solved an instance where players unintentionally faced their demise when standing on one of the house’s rooftops situated on Aspern.

● Solved an issue where text messages sometimes disappeared from chat.

● Solved an issue where sometimes cavalry units equipping a Russian piston can be seen equipped with a ramrod and sometimes not.

● Solved an issue where the incorrect trampling kill log icon was being shown.

● Replaced one of the ammo boxes on Heartmound with one which contains ammo to load swivel guns with.

● Players are no longer able to spawn on captured flag positions when the Army Conquest is in play on Aspern.

● Solved an issue where two of the mortars on Linburg were slightly angled making the trajectory deviate from their originally intended position.

● Solved an issue where the player's swimming animation on Marquette was elevated.

● Solved an issue where carriable ammo boxes placed through the SDK floated when dropped.

● Solved an issue where players spawned on trees on Marquette.


Misc.

● Introduced a tip informing players they can no longer spawn on an officer’s flag once its reinforcements deplete.

● Introduced more prop variants to the Holdfast SDK.

● Players that fall under the terrain will now face their demise after a short while.

● Reduced mod loading time.


Once again we thank you for your support and until next time, may good health be yours.

We're working on the next update. You're more than welcome to give us a follow on our new Steam developer page.

https://store.steampowered.com/developer/anvilgamestudios





- Anvil Game Studios

Refleax, Rycon, Dreas, Wrexial, Walki, Cameron, Jackson, Rejenorst, Harper & Storey

The ‘Steam Summer Sale’ has arrived and to celebrate we’ll be taking a quick look into what is coming to Holdfast: Nations At War in the near future. You certainly don’t want to miss this one as we will be discussing the summer sale, linebattle events, the modding community and the next update to come!

So take a step back from the frontlines and put your muskets aside while you take a read of what the team here at AGS and this great community have been up to.


Holdfast: Nations At War is now on sale at a whopping 50% off for the duration of the Steam Summer Sale. With the recent release of the new Italian faction, now is the perfect time to put muskets to hand and join in with all that Holdfast has to offer.

So what are you waiting for? The generals of the British, Prussian, Russian, Italian, and French armies call for your enlistment!



Not only will the base game of Holdfast: Nations At War be on sale but so will the cosmetic game DLCs (High-Command, Regiment of the Guard, and Regiment of the Line) and Loyalist Edition of the game. These will be available at 10% off for the same duration.


It has been just over a year since the release of Holdfast’s modding tools and since that time the great fellows of the Holdfast modding community have uploaded an impressive 1,500+ unique maps, uniforms, and other game modifications.

There is some real talent within the modding community and we look forward to seeing what is to come next for Holdfast modding. To celebrate this talent we caught up with some of the modders and map makers to showcase some of their brilliant work.

Open Meadows by Davwado

Davwado has made some truly brilliant maps for the community to use and even placed 2nd in the Battlefield Forger contest hosted last year. We asked Davwado what inspires them when making maps for Holdfast.

“I mod with a few other people in my regiment and we often spend hours looking at landscape scenes in unity which gives us inspiration and ideas for what we can do ourselves. I start with a new idea, it might be a new set of assets, a reference image, or a request and build on it from there. The biggest thing is trying to finish the map in a few days, I always try to have it done within about 3 days as otherwise I'll come up with a new idea and get distracted by working on that.”

Fynske Livregiment Line Infantry uniform by ApexPhantom

ApexPhantom has been making uniforms for regiments within the community for some time now, here’s what they had to say about why they got into Holdfast uniform creation.

“I enjoy bringing life to incredible historical uniforms. They can be challenging, but getting to play as some seriously dashing units is a great reward. But above all, I enjoy seeing the regiments that commissioned these outfits enjoying and using them.”

Sunny Fields by Skyold

From the first release of the Holdfast: Nations At War SDK, Skyold has been at the forefront of the map making community for the game. Their Historical battlefields and custom maps always make for good fun! Here’s what they had to say about their excellent work.

“I decided to start making mods because I wanted to express my creativity and bring some fresh maps into the game. For Sunny Fields, I wanted to try something new with dense tree lines, and I think it looks wonderful.”



It is not just the modding community within Holdfast that has been busy, community-hosted events also continue to bring evenings of fun, competition, and organisation almost 4 years since they first began. We’d like to thank everybody involved, players and admins, for bringing these wonderfully fun events to life each and every week.

We thoroughly encourage any players looking to sink their teeth into organised and regimental gameplay to enlist in one of the many regiments that can be found within the in-game’s regiment registry. Simply head over to the main menu, select regiment registry, and then find the regiment that best suits you.

Before you know it you’ll be marching through Flanders, Portugal and Spain alongside your fellow rankers!

Whether you’re interested in modding, hosting your own community events or just wanting to get involved deeper within our great community, the official Discord server is the place to be! It is your central hub for all things Holdfast and houses a plethora of channels dedicated to event and game announcements, regiment recruitment, game support, suggestions, history discussion, and more. Click below to join today!

discord.gg/holdfastgame




One of the community's most highly requested features is almost here! Map voting will be introduced into all official Holdfast public servers and be made available for community and privately hosted servers too via a configuration in the map rotation.

At the end of a round, the battle of muskets and powder will turn to one of democracy as players get presented with 4 map options to vote on. Whichever map receives the largest sum of votes will be played the following round.

Here’s a sneak peek of the system.








As mentioned in our Italian faction release blog, we have something much larger and ambitious in the works for Holdfast and while it is still too early to show anything, rest assured that the team is hard at work bringing ‘The Big Update’ to life! We’re all very excited to show you what we’ve been working on but that will come all in good time…


Thank you for your support and until next time, may good health be yours.





- Anvil Game Studios

Refleax, Rycon, Dreas, Wrexial, Walki, Cameron, Jackson, Rejenorst, Harper & Storey

Holdfast: Nations At War sees the release of another update. After undergoing significant iterations to improve performance, we’ve placed our focus on bug fixes.

Should you experience any issues, do get in touch with us on Discord! We’ll be sure to see to it.

discord.gg/holdfastgame







Changelog 68 - Game Version v1.17.7807.22653


Bug Fixes

● Solved multiple instances of players spawning on incorrect positions when selecting a forward position placed by the Infantry Officer class.

● Solved an issue with Aspern’s flags not showing when playing the Army Conquest game mode.

● Solved an instance where weapons could sometimes appear to be transparent.

● The Italian flag when playing on the Melee Arena game mode is no longer missing its pole.

● Solved an instance that caused errors when players contested a capture point.

● Solved an issue where players could find themselves killed when moving atop one of the houses on Sharpton.

● Solved an issue where the in-game chat had more padding between messages than originally intended.

● Solved an issue where empty lines appear in the chat when an administrator mutes an individual.

● Solved an issue where the mortar on Forth Christina was tilted by a few degrees.

● Changed the number of Infantry Officer class slots available to the default 6 for the following maps.
» Aspern
» Lamarsh Fen
» Marquette


Thank you for your support and until next time, may good health be yours.





- Anvil Game Studios

Refleax, Rycon, Dreas, Wrexial, Walki, Cameron, Jackson, Rejenorst, Harper & Storey

Complimenting the release a few days back, we’ll continue dishing out changes targeting optimisations, minor additions, and other quality of life improvements. Come have a read of our latest blog post for all that needs knowing.

Should you experience any issues, do get in touch with us on Discord! We’ll be sure to see to it.

discord.gg/holdfastgame







Changelog 67 - Game Version 1.16.7804.15850


Engine Update

● Updated the game engine Holdfast: Nations At War runs on to the latest patch release.


Optimisations

● Optimised multiple aspects of the game to reduce instances of framerate dips when players are spawning during the round.

● Optimised the chat to reduce stutter. This was most significant when players had the show ‘Shouts in Chat’ option enabled.

● Optimised the score log, animator, weapons, player banners, and buff indicators.

● Cleaned a lot of instances causing garbage allocation to improve stability.

● Optimised the following maps to improve performance.
» Autumn Watch
» Marquette
» Heartmound
» Sacred Valley
» Aspern


Bug Fixes

● Solved an issue with players being able to spawn atop the cave on Glacier.

● Solved an issue with one of the cannons on Tahir Desert getting stuck.

● Solved an issue with one of the rocket launcher emplacements on Aspern getting stuck.

● Solved instances of players being able to delay the round by glitching inside a building’s attic.

● Solved an issue with one of the pillars on Marquette being incorrectly textured.

● Solved an issue with the Italian Infantry Officer spawning a flag using the wrong flagpole.

● Solved an issue where the flag flutter sound wasn’t hooked to the ‘Environment’ audio slider.

● Attempted a fix towards an issue resulting in players getting stuck on map load.

● Solved an issue with one of the gates on Port Nile being difficult to interact with.

● Solved an instance where players could be seen T-Posing for 1 frame after spawning.


Quality of Life

● Changed the rc game parameter to feature additional parameters.
» rc game

● Administrators are now able to bypass the spectate and free flight lock.

● Increased the maximum configurable sprint speed of the freeflight camera setting from 90 to 500. It’ll allow event administrators to get to and from areas of the battlefield more quickly.


Game Servers

● Server hibernation now gets disabled during map change enabling the map to load faster.

● Simplified the start script of the Holdfast: Nations At War Windows dedicated server.

● Server hosts can now set servers to hibernate via the command line handler.
» -hibernate - This forces the server to hibernate if empty no matter the config setting.
» -hibernationFPS - This overrides the server's hibernation FPS limit no matter the config setting.


Holdfast SDK

● The Holdfast SDK has been updated to match the latest game engine update. Please download the following Unity version.
» Download Here


Thank you for your support and until next time, may good health be yours.





- Anvil Game Studios

Refleax, Rycon, Dreas, Wrexial, Walki, Cameron, Jackson, Rejenorst, Harper & Storey

Following the release of the Kingdom of Italy, we'll be pushing a smaller update targeting bug fixes, optimisations and other additions.

Should you have any questions about Holdfast or wish to participate in the community more, why not join the official Discord server? It is your central hub for all things Holdfast and houses a plethora of channels dedicated to event and game announcements, regiment recruitment, game support, suggestions, history discussion and more. Click below to join today!

discord.gg/holdfastgame







Changelog 66 - Game Version 1.15.7790.34383


Optimisations

● Optimised the Italian flag’s cloth of which shader was causing performance degradation.

● Shortened the Italian flag to match the standard French size. Server administrators must update their game servers for the weapon’s melee reach to match the new size.

● Optimised various uniforms across multiple factions.

● Optimised the weapon models.

● Optimised the carriable ladders to reduce garbage collection and therefore improve performance.


Bug Fixes

● Solved an issue with players appearing to be standing up when swapping their weapon.

● Solved a few grammatical errors visible which were visible when the player opened the voice acting panel.


Quality of Life

● Regiment leader names now load in order of the regiment’s rank on the registry.


Graphical

● Ramrods now detach from the weapon model as the player reloads the musket.


Thank you for your support and until next time, may good health be yours.





- Anvil Game Studios

Refleax, Rycon, Dreas, Wrexial, Walki, Cameron, Jackson, Rejenorst, Harper & Storey