Holdfast: Nations At War News

Holdfast: Nations At War has been updated! There’s a new map to dive into for this week’s release. Situated atop hilly areas, you’ll find plenty of natural and man-made defensive positions to make your stand on Camp Salamanca. We’ll also be pushing forward changes to combat mechanics within this update.

Have a read of our latest blog post for more on what’s to come.


Rich with natural resources, the garrison in the area made good use of all that is available to fortify one of the highest positions. Camp Salamanca sits overlooking a farmhouse close to its vicinity leading to a secluded church.

Expect plenty of combat to occur on this terrain as the attackers attempt to capture the fortified camp in a siege. Salamanca is playable on the Siege, Battlefield, Conquest and Deathmatch game modes. Hop in on one of the Army Front official servers to check it out.






There are some changes to existing combat mechanics coming with this update. We redesigned the way damage is dealt to players when struck with a melee weapon, improved player to player collisions, blocking responsiveness and various other changes.

Damage Mechanics
The mechanic which dictates the damage received by a player when struck by a melee weapon has been redesigned to favour consistency.

Bayonets
When it comes to the use of bayonets, striking your opponent with this weapon on their upper body will guarantee a one-hit strike. The only exception to this rule is if you significantly drag your strike after you release your left-click. In this case, you must end your opponent by landing another strike.

When it comes to strikes that hit the lower body, you must land no more or less than two strikes to finish your opponent off.

Swords
You are guaranteed to end a player in two strikes by landing a right or left swing on your opponent while having a sword equipped. The same goes for a lunge strike. Upswing strikes are still as deadly as they were before and your enemy will meet their end with a single strike.

Player To Player Collisions
We have worked on improving player to player collisions to reduce instances of players clipping inside one another while staying up close and personal. A preventive measure to reduce instances where players clip inside one another while aiming downwards with a strike has also undergone development.

Blocking Responsiveness
Blocking mechanics have undergone a few adjustments to improve their responsiveness. We have also slightly reduced the pace at which players can feint a strike to further aid with this.

Sword Strikes
Right and left swings from sword strikes no longer collide with the terrain. This will further responsiveness when a player using this weapon is engaged in combat on uneven terrain.

Arena Game Mode
Players are now able to switch classes as well as the faction they initially joined without disconnecting from the server. We’re sure that players actively playing this mode will find it a welcoming addition as teams can be balanced more easily.




Prepare to set sail once more as there’s going to be a relatively sizable naval oriented update hitting the decks! The Coastal Siege game mode, a favourite amongst players on this warfront, will be making its way back into the game.

With the same update, multiple server configuration settings to make events more interesting will be introduced. They’ll pave the way ahead for engaging roleplay scenarios to occur. Those with an avid interest in organised events will indeed be delighted to hear that we have more plains maps in the works.

Pending that we won’t require shifting some of our development efforts on hotfixes for the most recent additions, we estimate that the BETA for the naval oriented update will kickstart in two weeks.




During the coming weeks, we’ll be updating our development roadmap to keep you abreast on our progress. For all those good fellows reading our blog posts, by now you should already be aware that we have multiple developers working on different updates. Player-built defences, destruction and various other game-play oriented features much requested by the community.

Be sure to keep a look out for this!




Looking for a good bunch of fellows to play the game with? Do join our Discord! Linebattle events were players are encouraged to play in formations relevant to the Napoleonic era are hosted by the community through the week.

Discord is a great place to be to stay in touch with the game’s development. Feedback is always greatly welcomed. We look forward to seeing you there!

https://discordapp.com/invite/holdfastgame



Here’s the entire list of additional features, bug fixes, improvements and content that you’ll find in this update.



Changelog 29 - Game Version 0.27.7046.36487

New Game Features & Additions
• A New Map! Camp Salamanca. Join one of the Army Front servers to check it out.
  » Input the following parameter to play this map on your community server: map_name campsalamanca
• Revisited the rotation present on the Army Front official servers based on community feedback.
  
• Players are now able to switch classes as well as the faction they initially joined on the Melee Arena game mode without disconnecting from the server.
  
  Combat Changes
• The mechanic which dictates the damage received by a player when struck by a melee weapon has been redesigned to favour consistency. Strikes will now deal a set amount of damage pending on if they land on the upper or lower body.
  
• Player to player collisions have been improved to reduce instances of players clipping inside one another while staying up close and personal.
  
• Introduced a preventive measure to reduce instances where players clip inside one another while aiming downwards with a strike.
  
• Blocking mechanics have undergone a few adjustments to improve their responsiveness.
  
• Slightly reduced the pace at which players can feint a strike to further aid with blocking responsiveness.
  
• Right and left swings from sword strikes no longer collide with the terrain.
  
• Increased the stun timer that disallows a player to commit to another strike after they get hit to favour blocking.
  
  Game Balance
• Reduced the rate of fire of rocket artillery by increasing the time it takes to load a rocket by 2 seconds.
  
• Reduced the blast radius of the rocket.
  
• Solved an issue which caused the cannon ball’s hitbox to be larger than that of the model itself.
  
• Reduced the damage done in an area when a round shot hits the terrain or an object on the world map.
  
  Game Core
• Performed a minor game engine upgrade.
  
  Optimisations
• Client-side optimisations to improve framerate when a lot of players are on screen.
  
• Server-side optimisations to reduce data throughput.
  
• Lobby optimisations to reduce data throughput.
  
  Bug Fixes
• Solved an instance which caused the map to randomly switch to the first one in rotation in the middle of the match.
  
• Solved an issue which caused the player’s ragdoll when killed by a grape shot to animate incorrectly.
  
• Solved an error that was sometimes being outputted when playing on Tahir Desert.
  
• Solved an error that was sometimes being outputted when shooting at a rocket launcher with a firearm.
  
• Solved an issue on the Melee Arena game mode which caused a team to win rounds repeatedly if no players remain in the opposing team.
  
• Solved an issue which caused a player to always strike upwards if they rotate to the left and strike.
  
  Quality Of Life
• Player name plates when having the ‘Show Player Names’ options enabled, will now continue to rotate with the player even if the player dies.
  
• The ‘Show Player Names’ option no longer switches back to its default value after closing the game.
  
• The ‘Escape’ menu no longer appears if you minimise the game while in freeflight or spectate mode.
  
• Flattened out the terrain on Palisade Arena and removed the poles present on the map.
  
• Removed the trees present on Watchtower Arena to improve visibility when playing.
  

Changelog 29 (Hotfix) - Game Version 0.27.7047.40095

Bug Fixes
• Solved a server-side issue related to player movement.
  

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

We’re working on the next update.

- Anvil Game Studios

Holdfast: Nations At War has been updated. Rain fiery hell on allies and foes alike with the all-new rocket artillery! Carry ladders through the ongoing onslaught and scale those towering walls in an attempt to capture a fortification before the artillery makes its first breach.

There’s plenty more to look out for in this update! Exclusively available for the British Empire, the rocketeer class has been included in the empire’s army selection of classes. You’ll also find that round shot fired from field guns now bounces off the terrain.

Have a read at our latest blog post for all the details. Before you do so, take a quick look at the trailer for this gameplay-oriented update.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBOXGuneZsY


Intended for long range bombardments, rockets can be relatively inaccurate. Fear not, however! You’ll be able to send rockets flying at a relatively fast pace and one of them is bound to hit your intended target.

We always place team-play at the forefront with the use of artillery pieces and the rocket launcher is not an exception to the rule. Well trained crews are sure to triumph over others.

Here are some of the steps a crew must go through to operate the rocket launcher. From moving it about on the field of battle to sending your very first rocket flying its way.

Carry The Rocket Launcher - Stage 0
Nearby the spawn location of either faction, you’ll find a rocket launcher present. These launchers can be moved around on the battlefield as you can already do so with cannons. Look at either end of the packed launcher and press ‘E’ to take control over the launcher.



Assist Carry The Rocket Launcher - Stage 0
A secondary player can interact with the launcher to assist with moving it around the field of battle at a faster pace. Look at the back of the launcher then press the ‘E’ key once to do so.



Unpacking & Packing The Rocket Launcher - Stage 1
Move the rocket launcher to your desired location then drop it by pressing the ‘E’ key once. While the launcher still retains its packed state, look at the box interaction icon and hold down the ‘E’ key to unpack it.

Unsure about the location you’ve placed your launcher at? Go ahead and pack the thing up to carry it once more. Hold ‘E’ while looking at the box interaction icon to pack the launcher.



Aiming The Rocket Launcher - Stage 2
Providing full control to the crew over the relative direction to send rockets flying towards, launchers can be aimed directly after they have been unpacked. Look at the back of the launcher where the crosshair interaction icon is present and press ‘E’ once to aim the launcher.



Selecting Your Rocket - Stage 3
Search for a rocket stack close to your vicinity then interact with it by pressing the ‘E’ key once and you’ll be presented with a user interface that’ll allow you to equip a shell rocket.



Similar to what can be done with an ammo box, rocket stacks can also be carried around by the rocketeer or cannoneer classes. Be sure to have one close to the launcher’s vicinity!



Loading Your Rocket - Stage 3
Load up the rocket launcher with an explosive shell rocket by looking at the right or left emplacement on the launcher and holding down the ‘E’ key. Maximise the launcher’s rate of fire by having two players load rockets on either emplacement at the same time.



Launchers loaded with rockets are also prone to explode if destroyed. It’s not a delightful experience if you’re on the receiving end of this so you better watch out.



Firing The Rocket - Stage 4
Ignite the rocket by looking at the rocket loaded on the emplacement by pressing the ‘E’ key once and wait until it fires away.



If you’re lucky enough to hit your target, you’ll send those poor fellows flying away with a hint of explosion.




Rocketeers are the latest addition to the already growing selection of classes available in Holdfast: Nations At War! Staying true to their history, this class is exclusively reserved to the British Empire. They come equipped with a spyglass, a sword and a pistol. All of these tools will surely come in handy in your efforts to bombard targets at a distance.

Rocketeers also have priority over the use of rocket launchers followed by cannoneers.




Round shot fired from field guns will now bounce off the terrain decimating through enemy lines. Once a shot loses its momentum, it will also continue rolling on the terrain giving you a better indication of where it has landed.




Be the first in line for the forlorn hope! Your chances of survival are slim but someone must perform the glorious deed. Carry ladders close to a fort’s wall then raise them up to create additional entry points for the assaulting allied infantryman. Here’s how it all works out.

Carry The Ladder - Stage 0
Nearby spawn locations you’ll find multiple ladders that can be carried around. Locate a ladder then press the ‘E’ key once to start moving it around.



Assist Carry The Ladder - Stage 0
A secondary player can assist with carrying the ladder. This will provide an additional boost in speed at which the ladder can be moved. This can also be done by pressing the ‘E’ key once while looking at the ladder.



Place The Ladder - Stage 1
White shaded ladders present next to various fortifications and other buildings mark down the location for where a ladder should be placed. Once you have moved nearby one of these markers while carrying a ladder, you will receive a notification informing you that the ladder can be placed by pressing the ‘E’ key.



Raise The Ladder - Stage 2
Raise the ladder by pressing the ‘E’ key.



Let the capturing of the fort’s walls ensue.




Looking for a good bunch of fellows to play the game with? Do join our Discord! Linebattle events were players are encouraged to play in formations relevant to the Napoleonic era are hosted by the community through the week.

Discord is also a great place to be to stay in touch with the game’s development. Feedback is always greatly welcomed. We look forward to seeing you there!

https://discordapp.com/invite/holdfastgame



Here’s a detailed changelog containing all the new features, quality of life additions and fixes you’ll find in this update.



Changelog 28 - Game Version 0.26.7013.5330

New Game Features
• Rocket Launchers! Intended for long range bombardments, rockets can be relatively inaccurate. Fear not, however, you’ll be able to send rockets flying at a relatively fast pace and one of them is bound to hit your intended target.
  » Input the following command in your server configuration file to adjust the rocket launcher’s respawn time: artillery_rocketlauncher_respawn_timer 130
  » Launchers can be found on most of the current maps including plains maps intended for organised play.
  
• A New Class. Rocketeer! Staying true to their history, this class is exclusively reserved to the British Empire. They come equipped with a spyglass, a sword and a pistol. Rocketeers also have priority over the use of rocket launchers followed by cannoneers.
  
• Cannonball Bounce! Round shot fired from field guns will now bounce off the terrain decimating through enemy lines.
  
• Carriable Ladders! Carry ladders close to a fort’s wall then raise them up to create additional entry points for the assaulting allied infantryman. Carpenters have priority over the use of ladders.
  
  Bug Fixes
• Fixed an issue which caused players aiming a mortar to retain some of their player’s visuals obstructing the camera.
  
• Fixed an instance were players would join their previously selected server is they pressed the ‘Enter’ key while searching for a server or changing their name.
  
• Attempted fix towards an issue which resulted in the rain sounds cutting off.
  
  Quality Of Life
• You are now able to auto move rocket launchers, ladders and cannons by pressing the ‘NumLock’ key.
  
• You are now able to separately control artillery related audio sounds through the ‘Artillery’ audio slider.
  

There’ll be more gameplay-oriented additions and improvements to existing core mechanics coming your way soon. Once again, we thank you for your support and until next time, may good health be yours.

We’re working on the next update.

- Anvil Game Studios

After the release of the first BETA featuring the rocketeers, we’ve been putting our efforts on bug fixes, polishing and various other additions based on community feedback. Check out our latest blog post for a detailed list on what we’ve been up to.


Here’s a list of all the additions you’ll find in this BETA. We’d also like to extend our thanks to everyone for checking out the previous release. We’re actively listening to feedback on our Discord.

List of Fixes & Additions

• Slightly reduced the audio for rockets when they’re flying or being ignited.
  
• Players can now control sound related to artillery pieces through the ‘Audio’ slider from the game’s options.
  
• Smoothened the rocket’s trajectory. They still retain their inaccuracy but look nicer while they’re raining hell down on friends and foes alike.
  
• Made it easier to interact with the rocket stack.
  
• Solved an issue where the white circle reload indicator got stuck on screen if the rocket artillery got destroyed while you’re loading it.
  
• Solved an issue which caused the rocket launcher to clip inside the terrain when dropped on a slope.
  
• Rocket launchers can now only be packed or unpacked by the Rocketeer or Cannoneer classes.
  
• Improved the looks of the rocket trails.
  
• Increased the rocket’s fuse timer to reduce the rocket’s rate of fire.
  
• Solved an issue were the rocket launcher would snap when aimed downwards.
  
• Solved an issue which prevented you from igniting rockets if you have a rocket equipped.
  
• Fixed an error in the localisation which caused the unpacking interaction to state that you should press instead of hold ‘E’ to perform the action.
  
• Fixed various exceptions being outputted on the client.
  
• Removed multiple debug logs as we’re now preparing for the update’s release.
  
• Solved an issue that caused the Cannoneers to have priority over Rocketeers when it comes to the use of rocket launchers.
  
• Solved an issue which caused other players to appear to be sliding away when ramming, loading or aiming a cannon.
  
• Improved the rocket and ladder collisions to prevent instances where they could clip inside buildings, underneath the terrain or other objects on the world map. If you face similar issues, kindly report them on our Discord.
  
• Solved an issue which caused the carriable ladders to retain a white shaded colour after they have been raised.
  
• You will now find more positions to raise carriable ladders on Fort Pierre.
  
• Solved an exception that was being outputted on Fort Schwarz.
  
• Solved an issue with the rocket launcher spawning slightly under the terrain on Tahir Desert.
  
• Solved several instances where players got stuck in an animation after using the rocket launcher or ladder.
  
• Adjusted the velocity of round shout fired from field guns.
  
• Tweaked the bouncing mechanics of the round shot.
  

Known Issues Players aren't receiving damage when an explosion from a rocket that has hit the terrain occurs.
There's a specific instance that causes players to be unable to raise a ladder after it has been placed.





Would you like to have a go at what’s to come? Join us in the BETA! Hop in on our Community Discord to do so. You'll find all the details on the #announcements channel. It’s a great chance for you to provide us with feedback before the update sees a full release and help us make sure that everything is working as intended while you’re at it.

Everything present in this BETA is still a work in progress and bugs are to be expected.

https://discordapp.com/invite/holdfastgame



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

- Anvil Game Studios

As we’re now nearing the release of the upcoming update, it’s time to begin public testing. Besides the introduction of the rocketeer class, we also have a few surprises for some never-before revealed gameplay content that’ll be coming into the game!

Have a quick read at the latest blog post to participate in the BETA.


We’re quite sure that most of you good fellows following our blog posts are already aware that we’ve been developing the rocketeer class and all related artillery mechanics for the upcoming content update. However, there’re also a few other things in the works planned for release with the same update!

Round shot fired from field guns and various other artillery pieces will bounce off the terrain cutting through enemy lines. You’ll also find that ladders across different game mode are no longer pre-placed. Through the ongoing onslaught, the attackers have to carry ladders and place them adjacent to a fort’s walls serving as additional entry points to the fortification.




Would you like to have a go at what’s to come? Join us in the BETA! Hop in on our Community Discord to do so. You'll find all the details on the #announcements channel.

It’s a great chance for you to provide us with feedback before the update sees a full release and help us make sure that everything is working as intended while you’re at it.

https://discordapp.com/invite/holdfastgame




Everything present in this BETA is still a work in progress and bugs are to be expected. We’ll be working on stabilising and balancing all the new features throughout the coming week. Work on improving rocket trajectories and tackling other issues with cannonball bounce is still ongoing.



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

We're working on the next update.

- Anvil Game Studios