New Playtest, New Map, Podcast Recap, Patch Notes

Hey everyone!

I'm back with a new playtest from November 22nd to 25th. Don't forget to sign up, engage in duels, explore the tower, and use the new QOL patches I've implemented.

I joined Stridah on his podcast on Sunday, there was a ton of great discussion and we covered aspects of the game that I haven't talked about anywhere else so definitely check it out:

Watch on YouTube

If you missed out on the Puppeteers mask from the first public playtest, this will be your last chance to get one.

Ice Cave Map Updates

• Playable Ice Cave Map: Introduced a new T2 map, with improvements in lighting, pathing, and performance optimization.

Minibosses & NPCs:

• New Golem Miniboss added to the Ice Cave.
• Cave Dweller NPCs finalized, while Ice Golems use placeholder sounds and animations.
• Ice Cave NPCs and chests now feature loot.
• Future Content Indicated: White cubes/rectangles signal upcoming features. Additional miniboss content is in development.

Key System Updates

Healing Flask System:

• Added a single-charge healing flask (default key: H).
• Reworked "Heal Self" into "Heal Other" for targeting and healing allies.
• Healing is now concentrated in flasks and consumables rather than abilities.
  Gear & Inventory Enhancements:
• Flask slot added to the inventory (B key), with support for equipping better flasks.
• Improved system for gear upgrades and inventory management.

Combat & Controls Overhaul

WASD Keybind Improvements:

• New options for directional control (e.g., block/attack direction defaults).
• Separate attack/block modifier keys for customizable input schemes.
• New default: “Wait” input behavior allows direction input without immediate action.
• Old behaviors remain available in settings for legacy players.

Combat Changes:

• Adjusted overhead and angled swings for better balance and new-player accessibility.
• New passive ability, Reaper, provides stacking strength bonuses for skilled 1vX combat.

Freeform & Teamfight Features

Teamfight System:

• /teamfight start command for Freeform PvP with team deathmatch functionality.
• Spectator mode, team assignment, and Final Fury mechanics included.

Soulwar Code Overhaul:

• Improvements to registration, management, and spectator systems.
• Updates lay groundwork for destructible spawn points and blessings in future patches.

AI, NPC, and Gameplay Tweaks

AI Improvements:

• Enhanced NPC pathing and late-game AI abilities for better 1vX combat.
• Slight difficulty balancing for NPCs across progression.

Tutorial & Early Game Adjustments:

• Added a flask tutorial in "Beginnings."
• Revised initiation trial to allow progression with a D grade in the attack phase.
• Reduced tutorial music volume and wait times before spawning trainers.

Bug Fixes & Optimizations

Performance & Visual Fixes:

• Major Ice Cave lighting optimization for low-end hardware.
• Fixed camera issues on uneven terrain and portal-related bugs with weapons/inventory.

UI & Interaction Fixes:

• Resolved UI glitches in inventory and effect displays.
• Additional clarity added to tutorials and map instructions.

Known Issues & Future Plans

• Remaining Bugs: Occasional flask portal UI issues, pending feedback.
• Upcoming Enhancements: Planned upgrades to Unreal Engine 5.5 for better lighting and FPS, pending Nvidia updates.

This release candidate sets the stage for the playtest starting Friday, with only bug fixes and clarity improvements expected before launch. Get ready for an exciting new chapter in Swordai!

See you all next time.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2321890/Swordai/?beta=0