VALHALL: Harbinger News

[p]Hey![/p][p][/p][p]We've just pushed a small but important hotfix to address some recent crashes, especially in co-op. It should also fix the stuttering issues some of you were experiencing.[/p][p][/p][p]The regular monthly update will arrive as usual at the end of the month.[/p][p][/p][p]Skål![/p][p]Blackrose Arts[/p]

[h2]Vikings![/h2]

As mentioned, this update adds local arenas to Survival, introduces major NPC optimizations to make the world feel more alive, increases gatherable resources by 3x, and brings a wide range of fixes and improvements to Survival and overall gameplay.

The next update will feature the introduction and integration of the previously mentioned Challenge (the dynamic world events system we're working on) into Survival.



Here's what this patch brings:


[h2]NPC Optimization in Survival[/h2]





Our Challenge's character optimization system (that allows 500 bots) has now been applied to Survival NPCs, that will help to make the world feel more alive.

Currently, these NPCs appear only in the Survival local arenas where they train. Later, they'll follow paths and perform various actions, evolving into a more integral part of the world.

These NPCs are initially neutral einherjars, and their behavior and role in the world will become more apparent further.


[h2]Local Arenas in Survival[/h2]





Here, you can have duels in a calm, non-chaotic environment whenever you like - with the chance to earn rewards.

It’s also a way to get wood faster if you prefer fighting over chopping.


[h2]3x Gatherable Resources[/h2]

Gatherable resources scattered around the map have been increased by 3 times.

Also adjusted the quantities of items dropped from gatherables and rebalanced how much stats consumables restore to fit the new amounts.


[h2]Adjusted 3rd Person Camera Position[/h2]

We've fine-tuned the third-person camera position to enhance both comfort and visibility, a response to the feedback. It's subtle, but makes a difference.

Plus, we've squashed a bug that caused the camera to shift right after spawning when in saved third-person mode.


[h2]Survival Improvements & Fixes[/h2]

Fixed an issue where new trees weren't falling and were regrowing inside houses. (Note: trees added with new updates may still appear initially, but won't regrow once cut and saved).

Fixed glowing paths and shadows cutting off too abruptly at close range.

Fixed holes in some newly added vegetation models.

Fixed tree trunks appearing floating in the air after saving.

Fixed issues where players couldn’t swim or get out of certain areas of new lakes.

Wood costs for cooking have been halved.

Fixed the well being very difficult to aim at for drinking in third-person.

Fixed an issue where cooking stations and furnaces sometimes prevented items from being dragged out.


Thanks for your feedback! We hope you enjoy this update.


Skål!
Blackrose Arts

Vikings!

The patch we mentioned previously has arrived! Thank you for your patience.

It includes changes to the existing map, so if your house was built in an unusual location, it might be affected by the landscape. Now there are many more suitable spots for building.

The local arena in Survival was excluded from this patch, we will fix some hitches caused by its NPCs, and include it in the next update.



Skål!
Blackrose Arts

Vikings!

We’re embarrassed to say it, but the patch mentioned in our last update needs to be delayed by one more week due to some unforeseen circumstances on our end.

That said, our regular monthly updates are continuing as usual, and we actually expect the overall development pace to increase moving forward.

This patch will now arrive sometime next week, and we’ll notify you. We're using this time to better optimize the map update, we don’t want to push it out as is.

Also, in addition to everything listed in the last monthly update, it will include fast travel solving the distance issue.



Thanks guys.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

[h2]Vikings![/h2]

Today's update showcases the world improvements we mentioned earlier. These changes aim to make the world feel less empty, more comfortable for building, and include an expansion of the map with new territories. We've also added new atmosphere systems, vegetation, and other environmental elements to make the world feel more alive.

This patch will arrive during the month instead of today, we need a bit more time to finalize a few things. Check out the short update above for the details. (edited)



Here's what it will bring:


[h2]Map Expansion[/h2]



A new large territory was added by expanding the map over the hill.

The current distance to get there is quite large, however, we will later introduce a faster and more satisfying way to travel there.

Being in this new area offers a different perspective of the map, as there are no huge mountains constantly visible in the background, as below. And if you get close to the edges, it's a beautiful view and feel.


[h2]Atmosphere Boost[/h2]



Added mist with volumetric fog that activates in a special way to create a mystical atmosphere, without obstructing visibility.

Implemented an effect system for dynamically spawning new particles at appropriate moments.

Fixed slight but annoying shadow flickering and enhanced daytime lighting.
















[h2]More Lakes, Paths, Natural Objects[/h2]

Added more and larger lakes with drinkable water, new paths for AI navigation, and various natural objects scattered around.


[h2]Better Landscapes for Building[/h2]

You'll find more places that are well-suited for building a house or settlement with fences.

Additionally, the foundation has been adjusted with longer supports to work better on slopes.


[h2]More Gatherable Resources[/h2]



More resources scattered throughout the area to be picked up.


[h2]Sæhrímnir[/h2]



Added Sæhrímnir roaming around. In Norse mythology, it is the creature constantly eaten and brought back to life again by the einherjar. In this patch, it's role is purely atmospheric.


[h2]Local Arena[/h2]



As part of our plans to make the world more alive, including for neutral NPCs, we've added an arena where einherjar train. You can enter the arena and fight for a reward.


[h2]More Animals Around & Large Wolf Dens[/h2]



Added more animal spawners.

Added a new, larger type of wolf for the new territory. These wolves typically spawn near their dens.


Thank you for the feedback, guys. We appreciate it.


Skål!
Blackrose Arts