VALHALL: Harbinger News

[h3]Hello Vikings![/h3]

[h3]Pre-Beta 0.4.8:[/h3]

With this patch, we have a multiplayer Deathmatch. It will be upgraded to Deathmatch in Loki's maze mode while we test new features. You can read about it in this update.

[h3]Patch note:[/h3]

• Added map reload.
  
  
• Added 10 min timer.
  
  
• Added score table showing up in the end of the match.
  
  
• Fixed score board not showing name of 1st connected player.
  
  
• Fixed stamina regeneration bug.
  
  
• Fixed hits not causing damage to more than 1 player when hit a few.
  
  
• Fixed fists dropping as a weapon after death and causing crash.
  
  
• Progressed in blocking system upgrade. Now it doesn't bug and miss front hits and we are finishing addition of timing element which community requested.
  
  Note: we temporarily put NA and OCE servers into maintenance. They will return with one of the next patches. This is caused by the implementation of a new way to join the session.

[h3]Known issues:[/h3]

• The weapon remains in the air after the player leaves the session.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Pickup from Dual Wield to Shield and vice versa doesn't work, problem with picking up a weapon dropped by an enemy.
  
  
• Ragdoll flickers after death.
  
  
• There are cases when game client crashes at the moment of death.

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

• Upgraded parrying system with timing aspects as community requested.
  
  
• Merging multiplayer into default branch.
  
  
• Ragdoll flickering fix.
  
  
• Other features addition and bug fixes.

While this patch covers today's additions, let's talk about the closest period.

We clearly understood your wish of BR mode before and are focusing on it first. Current tests take place in Deathmatch, however we understand that if we continue just pushing features progress from patch to patch - this will not bring you the necessary gameplay experience as quickly as we all want to. We need to give a gripping gameplay loop asap so there are more players testing PvP together.

So, what we are doing now is for Battle Royale and other planned modes. For example, new BR map has a huge labyrinth around the central arena entrance. Now we will test with you the system of procedurally generating maze in Deathmatch, improve, and it will be ready for BR.

This is not about making a new random mode and spending time on many instead of making one enjoyable. This is about uniting the current and the developments we need to test for what you are actually waiting for into a playable experience meanwhile. This is why we are updating current Deathmatch to Deathmatch in Loki's maze.


[h3]Deathmatch in Loki's maze [/h3]

We will show it in the next update. Let's start from what it is about:

This is a challenge. Warriors start in the arena in the center of the maze created by Loki. You need to fight the others to be able to sacrifice your enemies and earn glory points.

The match has a total time. At the end of each match, all points that were not accepted by gods are reset to zero.

For saving glory points within a match Vikings need to make a sacrifice. To do this there are several altars outside the maze. Only you decide when and how often to go there.

This maze changes dynamically through the match. To reach the altar warriors need to find the exit first. Also, Loki placed his minions there. Also, don't forget that while warrior is on the way to make a sacrifice, the other warriors are on the arena gathering more and more points.

When or if warrior reaches altar he needs to do a ritual that takes some time. It can be interrupted by any damage dealt by another warrior.

If sacrifice is successful all the unsaved points become saved and warrior returns to the battle for more.

Ok, let's accumulate the core features:

• A central arena where main fights take place. PvP is available everywhere around the map.
  
  
• Dynamically changeable maze. Its walls move during the challenge.
  
  
• Two types of glory points: saved and unsaved. This brings unexpected situations within the match. Some of warriors can decide to save points only once that will let them stay in the center more time and get more points. But in this way they have a chance to miss opportunity to save their points in time (they can be killed by minions, lightning strikes, other players or just don't find the exit from the maze in time). On the other hand if warrior makes sacrifices and saves points too often he will not be able to get many points because it will take much time.
  
  
• The score table will rank the warriors at the top and bottom of the list according to their total number of glory points. Therefore, the picture of the final score in the end of the match may change significantly.
  
  
• A lot of danger in the maze between central arena and exit: Loki's minions, other players, lightning strikes, etc.
  

And more. If you have any thought that you want to share with us about Loki's maze Dethmatch game mode - feel free to let us know through this form: Share ideas


We remind that currently the multiplayer is available on a separate branch while we are finishing the preparations before merging into the main one with subsequent updates.

To try multiplayer 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.


Thank you!

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

[h3]Hello Vikings![/h3]


[h3]Pre-Beta 0.4.7:[/h3]

The patch will come on Tuesday at 19:00 UTC, you can plan joining the multiplayer tests when more players are online.


[h3]Patch note:[/h3]

• Dual wielding.
  How to use: when you equipped two one-handed weapons, your LMB controls the attacks with the right hand and mouse wheel scroll down - the left hand. Each hand can attack in any direction, like the other weapons. We will be upgrading the dual weapons control system in the future.
  
  
  
  As you know, now you spawn with a random set of weapons.
  
  The following sets are available:
  - one-handed weapon (slot №1)
  - one-handed weapon (slot №1) and shield (slot №2)
  - two-handed axe (slot №1-№2)
  
  And now added:
  Dual Wield weapons - two one-handed weapons in the slots №1 & №2
  
  We see that some players face problems with inventory as it and its restrictions are not very clear. The necessary UI will be added to solve this. Before that here is a hint:
  
  You start with fists. Press 2 first to check the availability of a weapon in the second slot (shield, a second one-handed weapon for dual wield). If nothing happens then press 1 to use a weapon in slot №1.
  
  Also, you can pick up any weapon you see in the game by pressing E if you have empty slots. If your inventory slot 2 already has a weapon - hold E to swap the weapon you want.
  
  
• Shield bash.
  Now you can attack with your shield during the fight. Use mouse wheel down when it is equipped. While you move the shield it continues to block.
  
  
  
  
• New session searching solution.
  The method of connecting to servers has been updated. As a result, some players who were unable to connect due to ports can now.
  
  
• Kill feed.
  The names of who killed whom are shown.
  
  
• Score table.
  Watch your and other players names, kills, score, ping in the list.
  Hold "Tab" to show.
  Note: there is a bug which can happen for first player on the server, new don't show up. We know about this - will be fixed in the next updates. New UI to be added, current is a placeholder.
  
  
• Reduced damage to head, upper, and middle body parts. Increased damage to legs.
  
  
• Adjusted block volume.
  Now it covers more space, temp solution until we push full parring upgrade.
  
  
• Fixed T-pose appearing in some cases.
  
  Note: we will temporarily put NA and OCE servers into maintenance with this patch. They will return with one of the next patches. This is caused by the implementation of a new way to join the session.

[h3]Known issues:[/h3]

• Blocking system. There is missing hit bug, and overall it is being changed based on your recent feedback to make it more playable and satisfying.
  
  
• The weapon remains in the air after the player leaves the session.
  
  
• Slowed stamina regeneration.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Pickup from Dual Wield to Shield and vice versa doesn't work. Also, you can't pick-up a weapon dropped by an enemy.
  
  
• Ragdoll's flicker after death.
  
  
• Sometimes game client can crash at the moment of death of any player.

[h3]The next patch brings:[/h3]

• Deathmatch loop.
  
  
• Weapon respawn points.
  
  
• Parring system adjustment.
  
  
• Faster regeneration.
  
  
• Other additions and fixes.

After testing the common Deathmatch we'll add some unique elements such as a large maze of Loki with an arena in the middle. The maze is dynamic and changes in real time. See you soon for more updates on it and Battle Royale.

We remind that currently the multiplayer is available on a separate branch while we are finishing the preparations before merging into the main one with subsequent updates.

To try multiplayer 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.


Thank you!

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

[h3]Hello Vikings![/h3]

[h3]Pre-Beta 0.4.6[/h3]

New servers are ready, 3 regions are available for testing. We remind that currently the multiplayer can be accessed on a separate branch while we are finishing the preparations before merging into the main one with subsequent updates.

Thank you for your feedback, some players were having problems joining to the server, and that should be fixed now. If you still have connection issues, please let us know.

To try multiplayer 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.

• Added region selection. New servers in Europe, North America and Oceania.
  
  
• Added new equip and unequip animations for one-handed weapons, also its sounds.
  
  
• Fixed issue preventing some players from joining the server.
  
  
• Fixed infinite freeze after death.
  
  
• Fixed spawning under the ground and not being able to exit.
  
  
• Adjusted map, added weapon racks.
  

[h3]Known issues:[/h3]

• Server switching after death.
  
  
• Blocking system. There is missing hit bug, and overall it is being changed based on your recent feedback to make it more playable and satisfying.
  
  
• Slowed stamina regeneration.
  
  
• 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 (mouse wheel scroll down) doesn't cause damage.
  

[h3]The next patch brings:
[/h3]

• Scoring, kill feed, Deathmatch gameplay loop.
  
  
• Dual wield.
  
  
  
  
• Shield bash no hit fix.
  
  
• Slowed down stamina regeneration fix.
  
  
• Other additions and fixes.
  

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

[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