VALHALL: Harbinger News

[h3]Hello Vikings![/h3]


[h3]Multiplayer test[/h3]

Today we added the option to try PvP through a separate branch while we finish the preparations mentioned earlier.

In the next updates, new server regions and other aspects of Deathmatch will arrive. With major multiplayer bugs fixed, it will be merged into the default branch.

Currently, each time you respawn you have a different weapon. Press 1 or 2 to equip. If your character receives a shield, key 1 will equip one-handed and 2 - shield.

To join now, you need to select the public test environment branch in your Steam game settings here:



Right click on VALHALL in your Steam library, click "Properties". Then go to "Betas" and select "publictestenvironment" from the list. Steam will download the branch for multiplayer testing. If you want to revert to a single, select the default branch in the properties. This is a temporary measure.


[h3]Pre-Beta 0.4.5[/h3]

• Added multiplayer.
  You can fight other players now.
  
  
• Added lightning strike.
  Is Thor not in the mood or just accidental deaths?
  
  
  
  
• Fixed network stuttering.
  During the September tests, there were occasional lags in movement. Now if you run into one, it is a ping issue.
  
  
• Fixed ragdoll replication.
  It doesn't explode on death anymore.
  
  
• Fixed respawn with low health and stamina.
  Character respawns with everything full now.
  
  
• Fixed respawn without visible body part.
  Sorry, no playable ghosts.
  
  
• Adjusted movement speed.
  Slowed down walking and running to provide players with a better PvP experience.
  

[h3]Known issues:[/h3]

• Ping. The new servers we mentioned earlier are not yet included in this build.
  The current test server is hosted in the EU region. It will be replaced with regional servers in one of the next updates. First servers are in NA, EU, and OCE - based on Steam statistics about current players. Other regions will be added later too.
  
  
• Block in some cases misses hit.
  
  
• Slowed stamina regeneration.
  
  
• Spawn outside the map.
  If you encounter this issue, you need to re-join the match through the main menu.
  
  
• Lightning strike shockwave which should throw player has no impulse.
  Normally lightning strike brings not death only but also damage by a blast wave in area around it.
  
  
• Weapons fall through the ground when drop.
  
  
• Dead bodies disappear fast after death.
  
  
• Attack by a shield in the left hand doesn't cause damage.
  Hotkey is mouse wheel scroll down.
  
  
• Placed around the map weapon doesn't respawn.
  

[h3]The closest patches bring:
[/h3]

• Scoring, kill feed and other Deathmatch aspects.
  
  
• Region select. Servers in NA, EU and OCE. Other regions will be added later.
  
  
• Voice chat and hub.
  
  
• New combat features and improvements.
  
  

Keep an eye at those next updates, we will share more details on coming BR there.


Skål!
Blackrose Arts

[h3]Hello Vikings![/h3]


[h3]Multiplayer[/h3]

We have moved servers to the new machines, more powerful than we had during September and earlier tests.

Now we are finalizing preparations and will announce the start of multiplayer testing in the next update.

The first game mode is Deathmatch.


[h3]Battle Royale[/h3]

This was the initial concept of the game. We have always wanted and will bring much more to VALHALL. The game is a blend of multiple genres with Viking realism and Norse mythology, not one game mode.

However, we listened to your recent feedback and realized that BR is what most of you want from the game in the first place.

As promised earlier, BR is being upgraded, the concept of the ultimate battlefield with 4 different parts and a central arena remains, but this is a new level of immersion and gameplay. These parts are not just different seasons where you could run during Alpha tests, each part is a biome with its own atmosphere, villages and obstacles.



In the next updates there will be more details what else is new in it. Beginning with Deathmatch tests will help us to fix the issues and improve the netcode to go further.


[h3]Patch - Pre-Beta 0.4.3[/h3]

A new patch has arrived.

• All known crashes are fixed. If you still encounter one, please let us know the details here.
  
  
• Fixed weapon stops attacking after pressing certain buttons. Now if you can't attack it means you just don't have enough stamina or hammer charges.
  
  
• Fixed the hammer not playing sound on thrown hit.
  
  
• Increased attack speed.
  
  
• Increased the minimum distance between characters.
  
  
• Removed shields due to a critical bug, they will be fixed in the next update.

By the way, new modular shields are being prepared for the weapon customization system.
In VALHALL they block all the time, not just when you press block button. If you are standing, walking or running with a shield, it blocks the hit all the time.






The bug that prevented character from moving was fixed earlier, but if you were a tester before, you may need to delete VALHALL folder C:|Users|*YourName*|AppData|Local|VALHALL and start the game again.


We know this launch has been a letdown for many of you, and we are working to show changes with the next steps.


Skål!
Blackrose Arts

[h3]Dear community,[/h3]

We listen to your feedback and that's why as we announced yesterday on our Discord server - we are adjusting the roadmap and focusing on multiplayer.

First of all, we will resume the servers and announce the date of multiplayer tests arrival. We clearly understood you need it and more playable content.

Once again, we apologize for entering Early Access in the current state. We made mistakes, and learned the lesson.

We want to speak by action, so keep an eye on the next few updates.

[h3]Patch[/h3]

Today we are pushing a quick patch for the current build:

• Fixed an issue due to which players who participated in Alpha couldn't load the game.
  
  
• Improved bots sight, they go for you and attack if see.
  
  
• All enemies in a massive battle attack player. Added more bots.
  
  
  
  
• Fixed certain weapons throwing dead ragdolls like hammer.
  
  
• Slow motion doesn't explode ragdolls anymore.
  
  
• Updated hub arena, added enemies and night mode.
  
  
• After death level reloading speed became 80% faster.
  

In previous updates we showed some of the items we are preparing for the weapon customization system, here are some new modular spears.
We also heard a few questions about the use of third party assets and decided to mention it again, we always were open about it and even told in the trailer.
For the important things we do custom, and our artists reach AAA level in quality. Let's take a look.





Each part is modular.



We know that advanced gameplay is the first thing you need, not just a cool weapon. When we put it all together, you have both.

Also, keep in mind that our team tries to answer as many questions as possible, but we also need to focus on development. That's why please don't be upset if we don't answer immediately through DM, to your question on any social / Steam.

Thank you for understanding.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

[h3]Dear community, [/h3]

We apologize for launching Early Access in such an early state. We see your reviews and mostly all of them are absolutely deserved.

There was no intent to confuse anyone, but as we see a lot of players missed the information in the launch update about the current state, reworks and what is already in Pre-Beta.

We are glad that you enjoy the graphics, optimization and sound design. Thanks!

But also you are absolutely right about the lack of content in the current build.
We are doing our best to change that with the next updates.

That was mentioned before, but we will notify - VALHALL: Harbinger focuses on multiplayer.
Common deathmatches, BR and Siege will become available during Early Access. Singleplayer is an option we added to test the new features and that will be developed in the future. That can be found in our roadmap.

Keep in mind, this build is not all the developments of VALHALL. Multiplayer has been cut from it after we got feedback during the September tests to improve the netcode.
ETA of its upgrade is Q1. However, if you want to try it in any state earlier, let us know.

As we see a lot of players don't use melee weapon except for Mjolnir and don't pick up dropped weapons from died enemies. By holding E you can swap currently equipped weapon while looking at the one you want to take.



A new patch has arrived. We added different weapons near spawn in Wield Mjolnir so you could test different types. It should also fix an empty folder issue that players had, let us know if you still have it.

One more time, we are sorry that Early Access launch doesn't include a lot of things you expected. We have a lot of work to do to meet and then exceed your expectations, and be sure - we won't give up.

That's why we are preparing something for increasing playability of the current tests and will add that in one of the next updates.

Skal!
Blackrose Arts

Hey Vikings!

Thanks to everyone for awaiting, we are very sorry for the confusion with the launch time. We got issues on the way and also found that ligtning strike feature in the final build causes crash in certain cases. It was cut for now, but will appear in the next patches!



We are excited to announce that VALHALL: Harbinger Early Access is live now!

Keep in mind that it launches in Pre-Beta.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

About the mods availability.

We finally have the combat system reworked and started adding the new things on its base. It's been tested in multiplayer already, and after people weren't very happy with it, we understood that need to work on netcode much more. It will appear during Early Access in Q1 in improved state.

All the previously announced content will become available during Early Access on the new level we couldn't imagine before. You can find them on the roadmap on our website.

[h3]Roadmap[/h3]

The game state you can try now is a part of a vertical slice of the new systems we are building for both old and new planned modes.

You might think - "Why do you bring the game so early in Early Access then?".
The answer is we want to open new VALHALL we're working on for tests for more people. This way we can build the new system in a right way while listening to the community, as well as have a possibility to continue independent development with your support. Earlier the tests were under NDA, now we want to progress publicly.

We want to be clear with you and suggest joining at this stage only if you are really interested in the game and already want to touch it.

While Pre-Beta doesn't provide full experience, it already has a full combat core (directional attacks, feints, dodges, advanced block, etc) and certain elements which we already added on top so you could tests it.

Weapon customization? No problem - it will appear in the November patch, we have already prepared big amount of modular items. Each is a piece of art and you will be able to build your own.



and...



That's all? Nope.
Many more weapons are in production right now.



etc.

Each weapon concept created with attention to details by a concept artist who knows what medieval battles are firsthand and "forged" by 3d artist who definitely knows what he is doing.



Dual Wield? All the animations are already done. It remains too add the logic allowing hit tracking for the secondary weapon and we will add in a patch so you could try it.



And so on.

We hope this information helps to understand what's going and at which stage is the current Early Access build. If you still have any questions or thoughts - feel free to share them with us!

Skal!