VALHALL: Harbinger News

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

Greetings!

This hotfix addresses several remaining issues from the recent networking update.

It resolves a problem where resource gathering would occasionally fail for players in co-op, and it also fixes an issue where fall damage was inconsistently applied to co-op players.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

[h2]Vikings![/h2]

Before diving into today’s patch, we’d like to give you a sneak peek at the upcoming April update. This will be a bigger one, incorporating what we recently mentioned, with a focus on addressing the world’s "emptiness" and expanding the map with improved landscapes for building. Paths, more diverse vegetation, extended territories, an actual arena within Survival, and more.

While the last update and this one aren’t tied to the Challenge, practical game-changing progress related to it is coming. Also, we'll soon begin sharing video updates with new features and content more frequently.

Screenshots from the upcoming update:










Let’s take a look at today’s patch!

[h2]Jörmungandr[/h2]





Only Jörmungandr’s tail used to appear, rarely glimpsed behind the mountains. But now, it’s far more noticeable...

It emerges at random periods in the distance.

It’s not attacking you yet. It’s just going about its majestic serpent-like ways.


[h2]Island Adjustments[/h2]







Resolved the issue where ships were getting blocked midway to the island and temporarily removed rock obstacles along the route.

Flattened and cleared a large portion of the island to allow easier settlement building.

Added more stone and iron ore around the island for resource gathering.

Expanded the trading options with the island trader. For example, you can now purchase a queen bee from the trader on the land and sell it for a higher price here.


[h2]Survival & Other Improvements[/h2]

Resolved issue where gates and ladders didn't restore full resources upon destruction.

Fixed separate animations for walking and running while holding a torch not switching.

Disabled combat tutorial reminders.

Adjusted compass to better align with the sun's position.

Fixed odd foliage collision behavior affecting character physics.

Corrected issue where characters would sometimes start swimming while on the ship.

Fixed spawn point and bed setting issues.

Fixed an issue where a tree would spawn mid-air at the center of the map during chopping.


As always, thank you for sharing your feedback, guys.


Skål!
Blackrose Arts

[h2]Vikings![/h2]

In today's update, we've improved performance stability in Survival mode, a popular request, while also increasing the density of things. Added a new island, music, new gameplay improvements, and various feedback based fixes.

Another key improvement is enhanced networking, enabling a much smoother multiplayer experience, necessary for our future plans, especially for combat. No more severe physics jitters or character stutters during high ping, and controls now feel much more responsive with any ping.



Let's take a look at the patch!


[h2]Performance Stability Update[/h2]

Optimized a wide range of elements on the Survival map, including foliage, landscape, and characters.

Framerate has been improved and is now more stable, no longer drops in the woods like before.


[h2]World Density[/h2]



There’s still a lot of work ahead to make the world truly filled and alive. However, thanks to optimization, some of the saved resources were used to increase the world’s overall resource density. The amount of trees, branches, and other foliage has been multiplied.

The trees have been rearranged, and some may appear in your house, sorry, please just chop them down.

Additionally, the grass draw distance is now much larger across all settings, making previously empty-looking areas look more filled. The grass is also fluffier now.


[h2]Multiplayer Smoothness[/h2]

The new networking improvements make a night and day difference in multiplayer smoothness at high ping.

This applies to both servers and co-op. In co-op, the difference is less noticeable most of the time, but it’s still a great improvement. Player characters move smoothly without jittering or extreme physics shakes, and attacks respond faster.


[h2]New Island[/h2]



A new island to sail to and trade with. For now, trading is the only option - the island is large and empty, but in future updates, it will become more filled, and you'll be able to choose whether you want to trade or raid with the islands.

For example, you can bring wood and sell it to them at a higher price than on land.



There are also obstacles along the way to the island that can damage or break your ship.


[h2]Other Improvements[/h2]

Made start without items except an axe.

Decreased damage dealt by fallen trees and fixed the bug of them hitting back during chopping.

Added more exploration music.

Slightly increased bear's max health.

Fixed torch remaining in air after breaking.

Fixed extensive ship jittering issues for client in co-op.

Reduced character hit animation jittering during chopping.

Made hit impacts and block impacts camera shakes juicier.

Adjusted base sensitivity to fit gameplay better.

Fixed extensive leaves flickering.

Blurry textures at low graphics should be fixed, but if issues persist in some cases, let us know.

Fixed upscaling turning off when reentering the Video Settings.

Video Settings now don't have an Apply button and save settings instantly.


Thank you for sharing your feedback, guys. We appreciate it and hope you enjoy this update.


Skål!
Blackrose Arts