Holdfast: Nations At War News

Everyone here at Anvil Game Studios would like to say a big congratulations to everybody who participated in the first-ever Holdfast: Nations At War mapping contest. Members of the modding community both new and old showed great passion, creativeness and support for others throughout the duration of this contest. It was truly admirable!

Over the course of the month that the contest was running we received a massive 24 entries into the competition which made whittling them down to a top three rather challenging indeed. They were all brilliant in their own unique ways.

77th Ed’s Prussian Hills


Judging commenced on the night of the 15th of November 2020 and lasted a good number of hours as Refleax, Rycon, Harper and Storey took their time analysing each map one by one in all their creativity. Despite each map showing their brilliance in their own way, the top 3 had to be given the highest honours.

So without delay here are our Battlefield Forger winners!



1st place is awarded to
Willy - Aspern

This countryside battlefield really stood out to us as it incorporated all aspects of Holdfast: Nations At War within one map. It’s rolling hills, fields of wheat and beautifully designed village lent itself brilliantly in making a hybrid urban and rural battlefield. We look forward to seeing this officially added into the game.





2nd place is awarded to
Davwado - Port City

The clear amount of effort put into this battlefield, with its custom sewer system and detailed village, was deserving enough to be within the top 3. The streets of this Napoleonic port city really immersed us within the world as we explored hidden alleyways, sewers and marched along the cobble. We can’t wait to see how this battlefield will play out on the official server.





3rd place is awarded to
Amblco - Lyster Countryside

The dense forests of Lyster Countryside provided a unique battlefield experience unmatched by any other entity. The aesthetic of this entry was one of the lush thick trees that surrounded a well-designed village overlooking a celestial river which was more than deserving of a top 3 position. Well done!



Congratulations to our winners! Those who did not win however please do not be disheartened as the #forger-submission channel will remain up within the modding section of the official Discord to commemorate this great contest and all its participants.

You will also find below a list of all the participants and their submissions.


Though we could not award prizes to everyone we’d like to take some time to acknowledge just a small portion of the many battlefields that came very close to the top 3 winners.

Uber Juice's - Hills Of Havoc was one such map that came incredibly close to a top 3 position. Its attention to detail and unique ideas all came together to make a wonderful representation of a Napoleonic era siege that would truly be a battle for the ages.



Another submission that came close to the top 3 was Cody’s - Blood Lake. This small twin hilltop battlefield was a front runner for the top 3 from the moment we loaded into this clever battlefield. The use of varying heights, defensive positions and rocky paths leading to the top of the hills provided a fun and fast past battlefield experience.



And a special honourable mention to all the other participants who took part in making some glorious battlefields.

Father Merrin’s - The Hidden Cove & Boyne Valley
PizzaIsDelight’s - Danube River Siege & Balaklava
Kiri(s)Chomping’s - Cossacks’ Raid
Alan’s - Lake Fort
Spammy McJunkMail’s - Plainfields
GDE Skyold’s - Vanoise Heights & The Forgotten Woods
BigMamba’s - Grassy Plains & Snowy Plains
Monkey_Nipples’s - City Siege & Silver Hills
Bastelork’s - Road to Verdun
Ed’s - Prussian Hills
Alatriste’s / Carlosdeb’s - Cadiz
Battle Rifle Assembler’s - Fenrir
FrostyBrew’s - Twin Peaks
Metal Face’s - Telnice


Now the contest has concluded the AGS art department will commence work on incorporating the 1st and 2nd place battlefields into the game officially in the coming year. This will, of course, require changes to some of these battlefields ensuring optimal performance and gameplay.

During this time we invite everyone who took part, or perhaps didn’t have the chance to take part, to continue making battlefields and pushing the modding boundaries for Holdfast: Nations At War so we can continue to expand this brilliant side of the community.

GDE Skyold’s Forgotten Woods

Once more we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone or took part and helped out throughout the contest. It was a great first contest. Be sure to keep an eye out for future competitions...


Should this contest inspire you to get involved in the modding community please do not hesitate in acquiring the artisan role in the official Discord which will give you access to various text channels dedicated to modding Holdfast: Nations At War.

To acquire this role simply visit the #getting-started modding channel and press the reaction emoji below the post. This will assign you the artisan role and give you access to all available modding community channels



If you have yet to join the official Discord why not do so now? It is your central hub for all things Holdfast, not just modding but a plethora of channels dedicated to event and game announcements, regiment recruitment, game support, suggestions, historical discussion and more. Click below to join today!

discord.gg/holdfastgame


Until next time, may good health be yours.





- Anvil Game Studios

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

Douse the Jack-o'-lanterns and flee for your lives as this Halloween Holdfast: Nations at War’s battlefields are joined by a new foe… With a daunting crow beaked mask and the power to spread disease, the Plague Doctor class variant will briefly be available to play this Halloween.

To further celebrate this spooky season, Holdfast: Nations At War will be 40% off for the remainder of Steam’s Halloween Sale!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/589290/

If the terrifying thought of a Plague Doctor chasing you down isn’t enough to scare you away, have a read of what else is to come in this update below.




A new Surgeon class variant, the Plague Doctor will be playable in-game over the Halloween period by those who wish to scare unsuspecting infantrymen on the field of battle.

Skilled in alchemy, this doctor has the ability to spread disease to those unfortunate enough to be caught in his path. Whispers of these ghost-like figures with deadly powers haunting the battlefield have long been used to scare the fresh recruits. Those whispers are now coming to life...



In addition to the Plague Doctor class variant, players being healed by Surgeons will display a new particle emission to indicate they’re being healed.




With sightings of evil ever-increasing, superstition has called for all the lanterns to be replaced by ghoulishly carved pumpkins in an attempt to scare him away… Simply equip your lantern as a lantern carrying class and bathe the world around you in a glow of pumpkin glory!

Eager pianists will also find special Halloween styled piano music that can be played on the pianos should anyone find facing the battlefield too gruesome this Halloween.




New colour blind options with support for multiple colour blind modes and official support for Linux-based game servers have been introduced to the game.

Support for Protanopia, Deuteranopia & Tritanopia types of colour blindness can be toggled through the game’s video settings and will hopefully be a welcomed addition for those who need it.

Linux servers are also being made available to providers officially after stability testing has been concluded. Join the Official Holdfast Discord and visit the #server-owners text channel to gather support should you require it. You’ll also find a setup guide on the Wiki to get you started.

Wiki Server Hosting - Linux




Two whole weeks have now passed since the Battlefield Forger contest first commenced. Already we have received some pretty creative entries into the competition and have seen plenty of splendid works in progress soon to be entered.

If you have not started on your battlefield yet there’s still plenty of time as you have until November 9th to finalise your submission. Should you already have submitted your battlefield and want to make changes and update your submission that is perfectly acceptable and you’ll be able to do so until November 9th when the entry period closes.

To clear up some questions that have been asked over the last couple of weeks here is a brief FAQ about the contest.

Can my map be larger than 500 x 500?

If you’re creating a Naval battlefield then a playable area larger than 500 x 500 is acceptable. However if you’re creating a land battlefield please keep to the set 500 x 500 playable area (This does not include background terrain, try not to exceed 1000 x 1000 for this though).

Can I use custom models?

Provided that you own a transferable license for the model, you created the model yourself and the model is up to a high quality standard similar to what is seen in Holdfast currently then you may use custom models. If you’re unsure if you own a transferable license for the model it’s best if you do not include it.

Want to participate? Take a read of the previous blog post that details everything you need to know about the contest. Keep being creative. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Blog Post - Battlefield Forger Contest

Cliff Tower by Leopard


If you haven’t done so already, do join us on Discord. It’s a great way to stay in touch with everything that goes on in Holdfast and perhaps join one of the many game clans by looking at the #regiment-registry channel while you’re at it.

discord.gg/holdfastgame










Changelog 60 - Game Version 1.10.7597.18857

Halloween Event

● With a daunting crow beaked mask and the power to spread disease, the Plague Doctor class variant will briefly be available to play this Halloween.

● Lanterns are replaced by ghoulishly carved pumpkins in an attempt to scare him away.

● Special Halloween styled piano music.


Quality of Life

● Players getting healed will now emit a particle effect informing them that another player is replenishing their health.

● Introduced colour blind modes for those that require it.
» Protanopia
» Deuteranopia
» Tritanopia


Linux Servers

● Providers now have access to Linux-based game servers after stability tests where concluded.
» You can find a setup guide detailing their installation on the Wiki.
» Wiki Server Hosting - Linux


Bug Fixes

● Solved an issue with spawns breaking due to forward positions.

● Solved an issue with neck pieces floating when using cannons.

● Solved an instance where your uniform would sometimes appear darkened when spawning with modded characters.


Look forward to what more we have in store for Holdfast: Nations At War. Until next time, may good health be yours.





- Anvil Game Studios

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

Artisans! Dust off your workbenches and clean your brushes as Holdfast: Nations At War’s Battlefield Forger contest begins today. Whether you’re well experienced with the SDK tools or not, we invite everyone to get involved and be creative.

Since the release of the Holdfast: Nations At War SDK tools back in May we’ve seen some fantastic player-made battlefields appear on the Holdfast workshop. From rolling hills and formidable defences to fiery volcanoes and fantasy realms, this side of our great community has shown to hold some real talent.

Ayer Forest By AMBLCO

Cliff Tower by Leopard

Now that fellows have had time to dip their toes in the SDK tools we’ve seen fit to host the Battlefield Forger contest for all of the community to partake in. This contest will invite you to create a new battlefield for Holdfast: Nations At War in your own vision! With first and second place having their battlefields officially added into the game along with other prizes for runners up.

Be sure to keep reading as there are a few guidelines you’ll need to follow should you wish to enter the contest.


If you’re reading this then the Battlefield Forger contest is already underway. So don’t hesitate and get involved!

The contest commenced on the 9th of October 2020 and will run respectively until the 9th of November 2020, with the winner/s being announced on the 16th of November 2020. That’s a whole month to put brush to terrain and create a new battlefield for Holdfast.

Please take a read of the contest guidelines laid out below to ensure your submission will be accepted into the contest. Should you fail to follow these guidelines you will be disqualified from the contest.



Contest Prizes ● 1st Place - Battlefield is officially added to the game, a copy of Holdfast: Nations At War - Collectors Edition along with another copy of Holdfast: Nations At War to share with your friends.
● 2nd Place - Battlefield is officially added to the game along with an additional copy of Holdfast: Nations At War to share with your friends.
● 3rd Place - A copy of Holdfast: Nations At War to share with your friends.

Contest Participation Guidelines ● You will be given until November 9th 2020 to submit your battlefield.
● You may submit a maximum of 2 battlefields to the contest.
● Your battlefields must be playable upon submission and well optimised (test before you submit).
● You may only use the in-game objects found within the SDK tool.
» Custom assets may be considered only if they are of quality and you own the copyright to them.
● You may use any ground textures you desire as they may be replaced should you win.
● You may choose any official gamemode for your map to be played on.
● You may freely work in groups should you desire.
● Your design should appropriately mimic general themes of battlefields officially in the game.
● Aim to create a well-balanced battlefield fitting to a specific gamemode.
● Your map must be a maximum of 500 x 500 in size.


Should you be new to the world of map-making or need some extra experience and tips don’t hesitate to check out the Holdfast: Nations At War SDK guide. It includes an over 100 page document detailing the use of the SDK tools along with some short informative video tutorials for those who want to get started quickly.

Take your time, there's no need to rush.

Holdfast Wiki - SDK User Guide




Obtaining the artisan role in the official Holdfast Discord is a requirement for entering the competition as it’ll allow you to submit your battlefield to the contest seamlessly. To acquire this role simply visit the #getting-started modding channel and press the reaction emoji below the post. This will assign you the artisan role and give you access to all available modding community channels including the #forger-submission channel.

Once your battlefield has been created you’ll need to submit your map via the #forger-submission channel. Be sure to include a workshop link to the battlefield and one or two images that show your battlefield in all its glory.

You may submit a maximum of two battlefields and once submitted your work is done. All you need to do from here is await judging to commence.

discord.gg/holdfastgame




Once submissions have ended the judging will commence! For a glorious competition such as this, we of course need as equally reputable fellows to judge it.

Introducing Refleax, the Producer of Holdfast: Nations At War; Rycon, the Lead Artist for the game; Harper, creator of Aunby Valley and Lamarsh Fen amongst other battlefields and last but not least Storey, the newest member of the team and creator of the most recent battlefields introduced into the game.




So what are you waiting for? Load up the SDK tools and get crafting the future of Holdfast battlefields! Should you get stuck along the way do not fear as there’s plenty of good fellows in the official Discord server who will be more than willing to assist you along the way.

If you have any questions or queries in regards to the Battlefield Forger contest don’t hesitate to privately message Harper#0410, the host of this contest, via Discord who will be ready to answer any question you should have.

We’re very excited to see what you come up with and as always, may good health be yours.





- Anvil Game Studios

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

It’s been an incredible ride during these past few days thanks to your incredible show of support! After reaching yet another all-time player peak with over 2,800 concurrent individuals, the time is ripe to continue expanding the game in different regions. Join us as Holdfast: Nations At War launches official servers in Australia.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/589290/

Connect to either one of the Anvil Game Studios Official or Community servers in the region to get going. Gather experience whilst playing on an official server to better your soldier’s rank! You will be reward with medals as you progress.

Anvil Game Studios Official Servers ● Anvil Game Studios Official AUS1 - Army Front
● Anvil Game Studios Official AUS2 - Naval Warfront
● Anvil Game Studios Official AUS3 - Melee Arena



Looking for a good bunch of fellows to play with? Hop in the Holdfast (Oceanic) Discord. Enlist in a regiment and stand shoulder to shoulder as you partake in one of Holdfast’s glorious spectacles! Linebattle events where everyone is encouraged to stay true and play in formations relevant to the Napoleonic Era are organised by this community every week.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Join - Holdfast (Oceanic) Community Discord!



Rest assured that we’re doing our best to host servers in other regions complimenting that of Europe, the United States, China and now Australia.

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





- Anvil Game Studios

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

Unlike our previous posts, this won't be a lengthy one. Rather than waiting for the next major release, we thought it best to go ahead with this hotfix in order to solve an issue affecting a small subset of players equipped with specific AMD GPUs being unable to launch the game.

You don't have to apply this 1.7 MB patch to your community server as this client-side hotfix is backwards compatible with Version 1.9.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/589290/

If you haven’t done so already, do join us on Discord. It’s a great way to stay in touch with everything that goes on in Holdfast and perhaps join one of the many game clans by looking at the #regiment-registry channel while you’re at it.

discord.gg/holdfastgame











Changelog 59 - Game Version 1.9.7562.22270


Bug Fixes

● Solved an issue causing a small subset of players equipped with specific AMD GPUs being unable to launch the game.


Until next time, may good health be yours.





- Anvil Game Studios

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