Valhall
Hotfix: Crashes & Stutters
NPCs & Survival Local Arenas & Recent Patch Fixes & Gameplay Improvements
Vikings!
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.
This patch arrives tomorrow.
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 tomorrows patch brings:
NPC Optimization in Survival
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.
Local Arenas in Survival
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.
3x Gatherable Resources
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.
Adjusted 3rd Person Camera Position
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.
Survival Improvements & Fixes
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
The Patch We Mentioned Has Arrived
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
Upcoming Patch: One week delay
We’re embarrassed to say it, but the patch mentioned in our last update needs to be delayed by one more week.
It's related to the fact we live in Ukraine. However, rest assured, our regular monthly updates are continuing as usual, and overall, we expect the development pace to actually increase. This patch will arrive sometime next week, and we’ll notify you.
We're using this time primarily 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
Map Expansion & Atmosphere Boost & Sæhrímnir & Local Arena & Large Wolves
Vikings!
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 next Thursday (May 8th) instead of today, as we need a bit more time to finalize a few things.
Here's what it will bring:
Map Expansion
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.
Atmosphere Boost
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.
More Lakes, Paths, Natural Objects
Added more and larger lakes with drinkable water, new paths for AI navigation, and various natural objects scattered around.
Better Landscapes for Building
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.
More Gatherable Resources
More resources scattered throughout the area to be picked up.
Sæhrímnir
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.
Local Arena
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.
More Animals Around & Large Wolf Dens
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
Hotfix - Resolving Recent Co-op Issues
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
Jörmungandr & Flat Island & Survival Improvements & Fixes
Vikings!
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 April patch:
Let’s take a look at today’s patch!
Jörmungandr
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.
Island Adjustments
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.
Survival & Other Improvements
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
Performance Stability & Multiplayer Smoothness & New Island & Survival Tweaks
Vikings!
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!
Performance Stability Update
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.
World Density
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.
Multiplayer Smoothness
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.
New Island
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.
Other Improvements
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
Vargr & Ground Fracture & Ship Co-op Improvements & Physics Enhancements
Vikings!
As mentioned in the last update, today's patch brings significant improvements to the ship, fixing most of its issues and enabling co-op sailing. We've also addressed various gameplay aspects based on recent feedback and slightly expanded Challenge with a new iteration with a mythical creature and a dynamic environment system.
*WIP: A new island coming in next month's patch.*
Now, let's dive into today's patch!
Vargr & Ground Fracture
Work on the Challenge continues. In this patch, it's still a playable teaser, with much more to come as we expand it iteratively. In few patches, it will begin to integrate deeply with the Survival processes.
Vargr is a mythical creature that stands in your way during the Challenge.
It can move on all fours or upright.
It selects its target and chases it from a great distance.
It has various attacks, some of which can break through blocks.
The ground in the Challenge is dynamic, with certain areas fracturing as you run across them.
Ship Improvements & Co-op Fixes
This patch fixes most of the previous ship issues, however if you encounter any issues, please let us know. The remaining issue is that the Co-op client still cannot steer the ship, only the host can, this will be fixed.
The issue of the ship not moving for the client in Co-op has been fixed.
Fixed the bug where the ship could turn into a helicopter and fly to the sky.
Fixed the bug where hitting something and falling underwater would break player control.
Now, when the ship hits something, it has visual effects and takes damage based on the material (wood, rocks, etc.).
The ship now automatically stops when it hits something.
Positioned the ship lower in the water when sailing.
Fixed losing character control after going underwater while steering.
Fixed ship border collisions.
Fixed neck animation issues during steering.
Improved ship control, adjusted rotation angles, and made the bouncing physics more natural.
Combat & Physics Enhancements
Tightened animations and physics significantly.
Adjusted slash animations.
Fixed excessive bouncing when walking on slopes.
Temporarily increased character capsule size.
Improved turn cap behavior for different attack types, creating a more balanced and weighted feel.
Improved shield bash hit precision for a more satisfying feel.
New Dynamic Music System
The music dynamically adapts to in-game events. Work in progress and will be expanded with new music and events in the next monthly update.
You can already hear the music shifting smoothly based on occurrences like sailing. The music now also loops with delays.
Other Improvements
Improved timber axe collision precision to prevent physics issues during chopping.
Fixed an issue where music volume would not return from 0 in some cases.
Performed minor optimization on the Survival map.
Corrected problematic mesh collisions on survival maps.
Improved the first-person one-handed jump animation.
Added separate equip and unequip sounds for non-sword items.
Resolved a rare bug that could permanently prevent slash attacks.
Resolved remaining issues that sometimes prevented proper well destruction and caused un-drinkable status in Co-op.
Thank you for the feedback guys, we hope you enjoy this update.
Skål!
Blackrose Arts
New Survival Elements & Gameplay Enhancements
Vikings!
May your hearth be warm, your kin strong, and your victories plentiful in the year ahead!
We've been working on the Challenge and will expand it further in the January patch, introducing new gameplay and exciting features like battling big mythical creatures.
The January update will also address recent player feedback, including improvements to ship controls and its co-op issues. Additionally, we're preparing new islands to explore and expanding the map with new territories featuring landscapes better suited for building settlements.
Meanwhile, today's patch brings new Survival elements and improvements. Let's take a look!
New Survival Elements
- Raspberries
Provides a random number of raspberries for you to eat. - Drying Fish Rack
Dry raw fish to create dried fish. It can only be placed outdoors, and it will not dry in the rain. - Covered Boat
- Thor Monument
- Fenrir Monument
Survival Improvements & Fixes
Tanning racks can now be placed indoors, and placement issues have been resolved.
Bear health has been slightly reduced.
The Horn sounds less frequently for now.
Slight improvements to animation physics during chopping.
Improved pickaxe animations and physics to prevent interference with the mining process.
Increased the duration of fish trap, bee hive, and rabbit traps.
Resolved a recurring issue that allowed underwater walking.
Fixed cases where the inventory UI would overlap with menus.
Fixed a bug that prevented clients from drinking from wells in certain co-op scenarios.
Thank you guys. We hope you enjoy this update. Wishing you all the best!
Skål!
Blackrose Arts