VALHALL: Harbinger News

[h2]Vikings![/h2][p][/p][p]This update introduces and integrates our previously mentioned dynamic world events system (the Challenge) into Survival. It's a framework designed to become the beating heart of the game.[/p][p][/p][p]Challenges are dynamic, time-limited world events that represent the core premise: you are one of Odin's chosen Einherjar, brought to Valhall to relentlessly prepare for Ragnarok. Between these glorious battles, Valhall is yours to enjoy - a time to build, live, explore, and enjoy the glory and riches you have earned.[/p][p][/p][p]We know you are eager for more crafting and building content, and it is coming! Our current priority is to infuse the world with this sense of purpose, life, and meaningful activity. This system ensures that all future content we add has a more meaningful place within the world.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The patch has arrived. Here's what it brings:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Dynamic World Events System[/h2][p]
When a Challenge begins, the world itself will let you know. Listen for the resounding call of the great horn, and look around or to the sky. You may see other Einherjar preparing for battle and making their way toward the entrance.[/p][p][/p][p]You don't know which event will be next and when. After the call the gates are opened for a limited time and some events require to reach it's entrance on the map. You get time to prepare and get there.[/p][p][/p][p]Answering the call is optional. You can choose to seek glory and riches, or you can continue building your homestead and exploring the world.[/p][p][/p][p]All loot, resources, and rewards you earn are brought back with you to your homestead, directly fueling your progress. With them you can craft, build, trade, etc.[/p][p][/p][p]Live and prepare in the world, then answer the call to timed Challenges to fight for victory and return with precious loot and eternal glory.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Introducing Glory[/h2][p][/p][p]To measure your legend in the eyes of the gods, we are introducing a new progression resource: Glory.[/p][p][/p][p]Glory is earned by participating in Challenges and proving your status.[/p][p][/p][p]While its full potential will be unlocked in future updates, accumulating Glory will be key to unlocking titles, new trading options, and other possibilities.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]First Challenges[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]This new system arrives with its first new set of cycling Challenges, adapted from our other modes and now integrated into the Survival experience.[/p][p][/p][p]You may be called upon to clear a path to the celestial gates from unworthy warrior spirits - new foes with special effects, or to survive ten waves of combat.[/p][p][/p][p]The existing main Challenge, currently in iterative development, is our primary and most expansive one. It also plays an integral part in the system, though for now, it serves an introductory role. This framework is just the beginning, and we will build upon it with more diverse activities, including cooperative adventures and PvP battles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Survival Improvements & Fixes[/h2][p][/p][p]Fixed a critical issue where raiders would stop spawning under certain conditions.[/p][p][/p][p]Fixed an issue where animals ran into water and stay there.[/p][p][/p][p]Fixed an issue where the bear quest marker was incorrect on the compass.[/p][p][/p][p]Fixed the first island not appearing on the compass while sailing.[/p][p][/p][p]Fixed a bug where a wolf would repeatedly attack a small arena structure.[/p][p][/p][p]Food consumption rate has been slightly reduced, food drains slower.[/p][p][/p][p]Increased the availability of Iron Ore across the map, made it easier to find.[/p][p][/p][p]Smoothed out the terrain around lakes for easier placement of fish traps.[/p][p][/p][p]Adjusted the fist idle animation to allow physical interactions with objects.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for your feedback and support![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Skål![/p][p]Blackrose Arts[/p]

[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