Hello, this is the developer of ForgeTax.
After reviewing your reports about startup problems and difficulty following the update, I have released this hotfix. I am sorry for the disruption to your play.
Fixed an issue that prevented the game from starting in some environments with the SteamInit-1 error. Local play and saving can now continue even if the Steam connection fails.
Recovery handling has also been improved for errors during startup or save restoration that could leave the game on a black screen. If you encounter a similar problem after updating, please let me know. I will investigate and respond as quickly as possible.
Too many ways to deal with broken swords depended on a small set of relics that could be hard to find when needed.
During days 2–6, Black Knot, Iron Hoop, Undertaker's Chalice, Broken Holy Sword, Cracked Splice, and Wirebound Scabbard now appear more often. Their individual minimum-day and unlock requirements still apply.
In planning around the power that future relics and content might add, I did not leave enough recovery options and room for choice in the game as it exists today.
This hotfix focuses on giving you ways to manage danger and try again after losing a sword using the content currently available. Recovery relics have been strengthened. As more options are added, I will use actual play and feedback to avoid making any one relic feel essential.
I am continuing to monitor balance through play records and your feedback. My priority is to reduce excessive frustration and dependence on specific relics, and restore a healthier balance between challenge and growth as quickly as possible.
Thank you to everyone who has played and reported problems. I will keep working to make ForgeTax a better experience.