Patch 0.96 is out now!

Salvete, Lanistas!

Today, I have another update packed with exciting additions for you to enjoy! :)

Before we get to the patch notes, I want to clear up something important. With version 0.96 now out, you might understandably think the game is approaching a full 1.0 release.

To be completely transparent, I didn’t plan the version numbering as carefully as I should have. Even if we reach “1.0” in the near future, that won’t automatically mean the game is leaving Early Access or that development is coming to an end. The game will leave Early Access when it’s ready, and I intend to keep developing it beyond that milestone.

Your positive comments, reviews, and enthusiasm have only strengthened my motivation and encouraged me to aim higher. I have more ambitions for the game than ever, and plenty of features I’m excited to bring to it!

Thank you for being part of this journey and helping shape what Ludus Magnatus becomes.

And now, onto the patch notes!

Combat & AI

• Gladiators now follow their assigned tactics and stances more closely.

• Improved hit detection, opponent detection, and overall combat AI logic.

• Focus Weakest Opponent now selects targets based on their stats at the start of the match, rather than their remaining health.

• Fixed gladiators randomly switching to distant opponents. They will still do so when their tactical instructions require it.

• Improved AI shopping decisions and how AI teams evaluate gladiator strength.

Multiplayer

• Significantly improved and optimized multiplayer synchronization.

• Improved custom .png file transfers in multiplayer.

Animations & Appearance

• Added over 50 new attack animations.

• Added body morphing for all gladiators, creating much greater variety in body shapes and builds.

• Traits now influence gladiators’ appearance.

• Added more facial variety.

Cultures

• Added six new cultures: Thracians, Nubians, Illyrians, Iberians, Celts, and Persians.

• Renamed Barbarians to Germanics.

Balance Changes

• Increased spear attack range by 25%.

• Two-handed axes now receive an additional 15% armour penetration bonus.

• Reduced the chance of gladiators receiving the Colossus trait by 50%.

Settings & Quality of Life

• Added separate FPS limit settings for menus and arena scenes.

• Added a Show Combat Text option.

• Fixed scroll sensitivity in the roster training panel.

Bug Fixes & Translations

• Fixed an issue where gladiator customizations made at the barber would not save correctly.

• Fixed the training panel incorrectly showing a previous training stat when no further training was available under the current Doctore.

• Added missing translations for the Sturdy trait.

• Added several other missing translations.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this update! :) A lot of love and care went into it, especially getting all the armour to work with the new body morphing system.

Thank you for your continued support. It means a great deal to me!

Kind regards,
Mathias