Patch 0.6.18 is Live! Roadmap, New Map, Duels!

Hey everyone!

Thanks to your feedback, I’ve pushed out 0.6.18, this time you're getting a chunky patch with a whole new map, multiple gameplay adjustments, and QOL improvements:

Patch Notes

New Playable Content: Ice Cave Map (November)

• Ice Cave Map Access: The new Ice Cave map is playable and features the first version of Cave Dwellers and Ice Golem NPCs.
• T1 Map Access: Added some white portals earlier in the map to the existing T1 map

Ice Cave Preview (Click for Full Size):

NPC Improvements & Balancing

• Blocking Consistency & Feints: NPCs now track feints more realistically, with blocking behavior adjustments making defense more responsive across all difficulties.
• Early Game Tweaks: Fallen Soldier and Othari Weakling NPCs are less tanky, while Lost Souls in the tower are now more aggressive. This balances the difficulty curve, ramping up gradually for a smoother experience.
• Trial of Initiation Adjustments: Lower damage requirement for grade C in the attack phase, and a slightly easier combat phase overall.Watch on YouTube

Combat & Responsiveness Enhancements

• Server and Tick Rate Update: Increased server tick rate for better responsiveness. NPC tick rates remain capped, keeping gameplay fluid.
• Enhanced Damage Display: Displays last hit damage and recent damage streak separately for clear combat feedback.
• Audio & Visual Feedback: High- and low-damage attacks now differ more noticeably in sound and visuals. Combat sounds are prioritized in intense battles, improving audio clarity.

Bug Fixes & Stack Limits

• Fixed dodging issues in higher-tier NPCs, terrain bugs in specific areas, and camera issues on uneven surfaces.
• Passive Buff Caps: Stack limits are set on rage, resilience, and fortified buffs to prevent excessive stacking.
• Addressed multiple UI bugs and improved tooltips for clarity.

Tower & Exploration Updates

• New Tower Content: Two new spawn points, hidden paths, and chests have been added in the Tier 1 tower area, offering more exploration opportunities and secret areas.
• Tower Reward Scaling: Now consistent across floors for a balanced progression.
• Tower Features: The tab menu key can be rebound, with tower rules and stats viewable in the new tower tab.

AI Overhaul & Predictability Reduction

• NPCs are now less predictable, more aware of distance, and smarter in exploiting openings, increasing the challenge.
• NPCs can kick from ripostes, handle-hit less often, and assess debuffs, making encounters more dynamic.

Quality of Life Additions

• UI Customization Test: The health bar UI can be repositioned, testing a future feature for a fully customizable UI.
• Hurt Indicator: The directional indicator shows where the last attack came from, giving better situational awareness.
• Faster Interaction Times: Reduced interaction times for bind stones, chests, and loot crystals.
• New Achievements: Includes NPC and PvP kills in the tower and loot-related goals.
• Health Bar: Added Animations and revamped the UI Element.

Combat Adjustments

• Overhead Swing Tuning: Overhead attacks are slightly slower to aid in blocking at high pings.
• Additional Swing Adjustments: Up-right and up-left swings were adjusted to reduce missed swings due to angle misalignment.

Development Roadmap

The current plans to enhance the Swordai experience alongside playtests and community feedback, here is a first look at the Development Roadmap (Subject to change):

Saturday Night Duels

A quick reminder that every Saturday, our community server comes alive as players duel each other, test out new balance changes, and interact with me directly.

Whether you're a seasoned fighter or new to the game (access will be given upon request on our Discord), our Saturday duels are a fantastic way to sharpen your skills, connect with other players, and experience Swordai’s ever-evolving combat.

Thank you!

I really appreciate all the support and feedback you’ve been giving.

Thanks again for everything, and I’ll see you in the tower!

– Alex

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2321890/Swordai/