First of all, many thanks to everyone for the feedback you shared with us after the Loki's maze Deathmatch tests beginning.

Sometimes people ask why we are working on multiple game modes at the same time. That is why we would like to share information about this again.

We are developing the core mechanics required for the different game modes, while continuing to test new features in certain modes that have enough playability with their complex and current amount. This method helps a lot because it allows to build the global systems correctly, get more feedback in the process, tune them with testers and avoid extra reworks in the future.

It is worth noting that each next mode that enters testing receives many elements from the previous one. For example, the next testing mode is Survival. Then Battle Royale, etc. Our Viking BR includes gameplay aspects of Survival as well as its environmental stuff (animals, weather, biomes, etc.). Just like BR contains content from Loki's maze Deathmatch (rune stones activation, a dynamic maze, and others).



We recently switched to the latest version of the engine, which made it possible to have an optimized volumetric sky. The day cycle and varied weather for the upcoming Survival and Battle Royale looks beautiful.



The patch will arrive next Friday at 19:00 UTC.

• Switched to the latest version of the engine. Optimization and new possibilities.
  
  
• Added better block response to stop it from missing hits.
  
  
• Added forced character movement during dodge. Dodges became real dodges.
  
  
• Added bots with shields.
  
  
• Added new main menu.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Removed bow crosshair.
  
  
• Fixed a headshot with a bow not killing from the first shot.
  
  
• Fixed wounds being not visible on characters.
  
  
• Fixed wounds and blood remain on character after respawn.
  
  
• Fixed archery shooting with 2 arrows.
  
  
• Fixed the bot name being displayed as None in Deathmatch.
  
  
• Fixed bot running backwards to spawn point.
  
  
• Fixed total points score player position bug.
  
  
• Fixed getting hit while drawing a bow causing an arrow to disappear.
  
  
• Fixed only one character getting hit from slash.
  
  
• Fixed hands playing running animation while jumping during sprint.

• Latency has too big influence on block (VFX could not work as well as block quality is not we are aiming for).
  
  
• Pressing of inventory slot during its loading can cause some bugs (invisible weapons, etc.). Temp solution - press any inventory slot again.
  
  
• Weapon impulse bugging. Sometimes no impulse or too big.
  
  
• Characters don't play movement animations correctly. Only hands move according to animations. We need to fix upperbody bones rotation during movement animations.
  
  
• Dual wield weapons were temporarily turned off while we are upgrading inventory.
  
  
• Rare crash on Mjolnir drop.

Important! Some bugs can appear due to conflict with temp / saved files of previous VALHALL versions on your PC.
If you meet any unlisted issue then need to:
- uninstall the game through Steam
- delete manually game folder in your Steam folder
- delete all game saves here: C:|Users|*YourName*|AppData|Local|VALHALL.

• Inventory system upgrades.
  
  
• Survival elements and new features.
  
  
• Loki's maze Deathmatch polishing.
  
  
• Bots logic upgrades.
  
  
• Other combat improvements and bug fixes.

We keep getting closer to the essential Battle Royale experience. In Loki's Maze Deathmatch, we are testing various features that will move there, including the labyrinth, and basically improving the combat. Now we will be adding new features for survival in Viking world to test through other game modes, that will also help to properly prepare the core.

Also we are improving combat mechanics and Loki's maze Deathmatch. Maybe you already tested both Solo and Multiplayer versions and noticed how offline feels more fluid. The following patches are aimed at adding new features, as well as making PvP combat more enjoyable.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

Loki's maze Deathmatch tests officially begin!



Its features:

• The central arena where the main battles take place. PvP is available elsewhere as well.

• Each kill gives you a certain amount of glory points depending on the enemy (real player or AI) and the type of weapon (melee, bow).

• Two types of glory points: saved and unsaved. All unsaved points will be reset to zero at the end of the match. Points are provided for killing enemies (players, AI).

• Points can be saved by activating of runestone. From time to time, it randomly appears in the maze. A pillar of light is a sign.

• The runestone appears from time to time and dynamically changes its location in the maze.

• Dynamic fog grows stronger after 1/2 the duration of each runestone. While moving, you need to keep in mind its location.

Loki's maze Deathmatch is available for both Multiplayer and Solo modes.
Current state of PvP is being polished - we are decreasing lag input that still affects combat experience, and we continue to work on optimizing the game. If your ping is high and you want to feel better combat experience you can test Solo version of this mode.

• Added additional combat information. Such as info about damage, about player you kill, who killed you, about in-match events, etc.
  
  
  
  
• Added upgraded bots logic: now they can run / pursuit, block, move during combat in different sides. All bots gain vertical sight of view (can look up and down).
  
  
  
  
• Added archery bots logic.
  
  
• Added instant maze loading (no regeneration bug on joining match).
  
  
• Added environmental improvements: hanged deer, sacrificed goats, arena became bigger, dynamic fog, etc.
  
  
• Added suicide option.
  
  
• Optimized game size.
  
  
• Improved parry mechanics. However, improvement applies mostly for bots and still not perfect, especially with PvP, we continue improving it.
  
  
• Improved balance between melee and range weapon.
  
  
• Fixed artifacts and improved whole look of the blood overlay.
  
  
• Fixed bow disappearing when get hit during pulling.
  
  
• Fixed bug with minigun bow crashing server.
  
  
• Fixed camera inside head when spawning.
  
  
• Fixed Mjolnir not showing up in 2nd slot in solo testing.
  
  
• Fixed T-pose that appeared sometimes at the start of match at the moment of choosing inventory slot 3.

• Block missing hits on close distance and also latency has too big influence on block (VFX could not work as well as block quality is not we are aiming for). We are repairing the parry system to make it work properly in the next patches.
  
  
• Pressing of inventory slot during its loading can cause some bugs (invisible weapons, etc.). Temp solution - press any inventory slot again.
  
  
• Weapon impulse bugging. Sometimes no impulse or too big.
  
  
• Characters don't play movement animations correctly. Only hands move according to animations. We need to fix upperbody bones rotation during movement animations.
  
  
• Wounds are visible not on all the characters, also remain on after character respawn.
  
  
• Dual wield weapons were temporarily turned off while we are upgrading inventory.
  
  
• Rare crash on Mjolnir drop.

Important! Some bugs can appear due to conflict with temp / saved files of previous VALHALL versions on your PC.
If you meet any unlisted issue then need to:
- uninstall the game through Steam
- delete manually game folder in your Steam folder
- delete all game saves here: C:|Users|*YourName*|AppData|Local|VALHALL.

• Inventory system upgrades.
  
  
• Dodges improvements.
  
  
• Survival elements and new features.
  
  
• Loki's maze Deathmatch polishing.
  
  
• Block improvements.
  
  
• Bots logic upgrades.
  
  
• Other combat improvements and bug fixes.

We keep getting closer to the essential Battle Royale experience. In Loki's Maze Deathmatch, we are testing various features that will move there, including the labyrinth, and basically improving the combat. Now we will be adding new features for survival in Viking world to test through other game modes, that will also help to properly prepare the core.

Also we are improving combat mechanics and Loki's maze Deathmatch. Maybe you already tested both Solo and Multiplayer versions and noticed how offline feels more fluid. The following patches are aimed at adding new features, as well as making PvP combat more enjoyable.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

Archery is here! We started updating the inventory to make it more convenient and functional, this patch brings its first part. Also bug fixes and improvements.

• Added archery.
  Use bow and arrows for ranged combat.
  
  Objects penetration. Depends on pulling strength and surface: trees, stones, grass, etc.
  
  
  
  Body parts penetration and different body parts damage/reaction.
  
  
  
  Shields interaction. Arrows can pierce shields, you can also block an arrow with a weapon if you manage to do it in time.
  
  
  
  Archery UI is temporal. With the future patches more bows and arrows will be added and become available for customization. We also continue polishing arrow flight speed, damage, etc.
  
  
• Added inventory upgrade foundation, UI for quick slots 1-4, easier weapon swapping.
  
  
• Added music in Deathmatch.
  
  
• Fixed blood trails not showing up.
  
  
• Fixed infinity block after fast clicking.
  
  
• Fixed slow block animation blending.
  
  
• Fixed rare character flight after respawn.
  
  
• Fixed not being able to pick up shield.
  
  
• Fixed certain weapon customization modules making weapon invisible.
  
  
• Fixed old weapon showing up in hand along with new one after customization.

• Block missing hits. We are repairing the parry system to make it work properly in the next patches.
  
  
• T-pose showing up sometimes at the start of match at the moment of choosing inventory slot 3. It will be fixed in the next patches. Now you need to unequip and equip it again and it will not appear during the match.
  
  
• Pressing of inventory slot during its loading can cause some bugs (invisible weapons, etc.). Temp solution - press any inventory slot again.
  
  
• Weapon impulse bugging. Sometimes no impulse or too big.
  
  
• Characters don't play movement animations correctly. Only hands move according to animations. We need to fix upperbody bones rotation during movement animations.
  
  
• Wounds are visible not on all the characters, also remain on after character respawn.
  
  
• Dual wield weapons were temporarily turned off while we are upgrading inventory.
  
  
• Dead bodies disappear fast after death.
  
  
• Rare crash on Mjolnir drop.
  
  
• Balance between melee and range weapons

Some bugs can appear due to conflict with temp / saved files of previous VALHALL versions on your PC.
If you meet any unlisted issue then need to:
- uninstall the game through Steam
- delete manually game folder in your Steam folder
- delete all game saves here: C:|Users|*YourName*|AppData|Local|VALHALL.

• Fix of block issues.
  
  
• Instant maze loading (no regeneration bug on joining match).
  
  
• New elements for Loki's maze Deathmatch.
  
  
• Bots logic upgrades.
  
  
• Game size optimization.
  
  
• Inventory upgrades.
  
  
• Other combat improvements and bug fixes.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

The patch has arrived. It brings a bunch of important fixes before we add archery in the next.

• Added bots to Deathmatch.
  When there are not enough players, bots with the names of the Vikings join the match.
  
  
• Fixed block not working with customized weapons in some cases.
  
  
• Fixed characters spawning without textures.
  
  
• Fixed control settings resetting after game restart.
  
  
• Fixed grip point in weapon customization.
  
  
• Fixed customized weapon position breaking after adding new module.
  
  
• Fixed character arms appearing during customization.
  
  
• Fixed intro freezing.
  
  
• Fixed game client crashing at the moment of character death in rare cases.

• Dead bodies disappear fast after death.
  
  
• Timings of the new parring.
  
  
• Blood trail is not visible.
  
  
• Wounds remain on character after respawn.
  
  
• Rare crash on Mjolnir drop.
  
  
• Swapping from Dual Wield to Shield and vice versa doesn't work.

• Archery.
  Use bow and arrows. Ranged combat.
  
  
  
  
• Inventory upgrade.
  Clear, prepared for BR, bug fixed, easy to use inventory.
  
  
• Block improvements.
  
  
• Other additions and bug fixes.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

This patch brings modular weapon customization, screen blood and important fixes. It will arrive coming Friday at 19:00 UTC.

• Added Armory section to the menu.
  
  
• Added modular weapon customization.
  Build your weapon with different modular parts such as blade, guard, grip, pommel, etc.
  This patch includes two weapon types: one-handed sword and one-handed axe. In future patches, we will be adding new weapon types and more modules to your armory, including the bonus items.
  You can enter it through Armory section in the main menu. After you build the weapon press Equip button and when you start a match you will spawn with your weapon.
  Also, you can enter customization via the pause menu during the match, in this case, after pressing Equip, your next respawn will be with this weapon.
  You can move, rotate, zoom and take close look on the quality details of your weapon with automatic depth of field adjustment.
  
  
  
  
• Added damage receiving overlay.
  
  
• Added blood overlay.
  Blood splashes appear on screen when your HP is getting low.
  
  
  
  
• Added more bots to Weapon test.
  
  
• Fixed maze wall collision disappearing.
  
  
• Fixed patches deployment automation issues.
  
  
• Fixed an issue that sometimes caused other players in multiplayer to not see the correct angles of your attacks.

• In rare cases game client can crash at the moment of character death.
  
  
• Dead bodies disappear fast after death.
  
  
• Timings of the new parring.
  
  
• Swapping from Dual Wield to Shield and vice versa doesn't work.

• Archery.
  Use bow and arrows. Ranged combat.
  
  
  
  
• Inventory upgrade.
  Clear, prepared for BR, bug fixed, easy to use inventory.
  
  
• Parring improvements.
  
  
• Other additions and bug fixes.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Pre-Beta 0.5.1 patch mentioned in the previous update has arrived.

The maze that changes in every match is here, we continue to improve it and fix bugs. There is a chance of its collision disappearing, it will be fixed with the next patch.



Our team is sending you all our warmest holiday wishes! Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

We are working on BR mode and there will be a procedural maze around its central arena. As mentioned earlier, we will first test it with you in the current Deathmatch.

This patch brings the labyrinth. It will arrive coming Friday at 19:00 UTC.

• Added the maze.
  Each match the maze is different. It changes during the match in real time as well.
  
  
  
  
• Added display of the enemy's name when you look at it.
  
  
• Added new settings.
  Control, audio and new graphics settings with more options.
  
  
• Fixed capsule collision remaining after player dies and goes to ragdoll.
  
  
• Improved post processing.

• In rare cases game client can crash at the moment of character death.
  
  
• Lightning strike shockwave which should throw player has no impulse and no sound.
  
  
• Dead bodies disappear fast after death.
  
  
• Timings of the new parring.
  
  
• Pickup from Dual Wield to Shield and vice versa doesn't work.

• Modular weapon customization system.
  Build your weapon with different modular parts such as blade, guard, grip, pommel, etc.
  
  
  
  
• Archery.
  
  
• Parring improvements.
  
  
• Other additions and bug fixes.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

• Merged multiplayer branch with the default.
  Now you can join Deathmatch servers without switching to public test branch.
  
  
• North America and Oceania servers are live now too.
  
  
• Added diverse cries playing on characters death.
  
  
• Added block impact particle spawn for new parring system.
  
  
• Fixed loading not showing up.
  
  
• Improved rain VFX. View became clearer.
  
  
• Improved optimization.

• Lightning strike shockwave which should throw player has no impulse and no sound.
  Normally lightning strike brings not death only but also damage by a blast wave in area around it.
  
  
• In rare cases game client can crash at the moment of character death.
  
  
• Dead bodies disappear fast after death.
  
  
• Timings of the new parring.
  
  
• Dead player collision interferes movement.
  
  
• Pickup from Dual Wield to Shield and vice versa doesn't work.

• Weapon customization system.
  
  
• Maze.
  
  
• Normal settings for audio and binding.
  
  
• Parring improvements.
  
  
• Archery.
  
  
• Other additions and bug fixes.

Skål!
Blackrose Arts

The next patch will merge multiplayer Steam branch into default one so you won't need to switch them.
It will become available coming Friday at 19:00 UTC.

• Added new parrying.
  Based on community requests we reworked parring and added timing elements. They still should be perfected to be more dynamic and satisfying.
  
  
• Fixed server crashes.
  If you couldn't connect yesterday now you can.
  
  
• Fixed weapons sometimes falling through the ground after the player's death.
  
  
• Fixed not being able to pickup dropped weapon UI not showing in multiplayer.
  
  
  
  
• Fixed weapons staying in the air after player disconnects.
  
  
• Fixed hitting dead player giving additional kills.
  
  
• Fixed ragdoll flickering.
  
  
• Fixed custom weapon impulses in multiplayer.
  For example, two handed axe last hit throws body with stronger impulse than one handed without sending the character to space.

• Lightning strike shockwave which should throw player has no impulse.
  Normally lightning strike brings not death only but also damage by a blast wave in area around it.
  
  
• In rare cases game client can crash at the moment of character death.
  
  
• Dead bodies disappear fast after death.
  
  
• Timings and VFX for new parring.
  
  
• Pickup from Dual Wield to Shield and vice versa doesn't work, problem with picking up a weapon dropped by an enemy.

• Multiplayer merge.
  
  
• Norse America and Oceania servers turning on.
  
  
• Maze.
  
  
• Diverse death cries.
  
  
• VFX improvements.
  
  
• Parring improvements.
  
  
• Other additions and bug fixes.

Loki's maze is on the way to be tested in Deathmatch first. Walls move and paths change even while you are inside.




We remind that currently the multiplayer is available on a separate branch. To try multiplayer now, you need to select the public test environment branch in your Steam game settings here:



Right click on VALHALL in your Steam library, click "Properties". Then go to "Betas" and select "publictestenvironment" from the list. Steam will download the branch for multiplayer testing. If you want to revert to a single, select the default branch in the properties. This is a temporary measure.


Skål!
Blackrose Arts

With this patch, we have a multiplayer Deathmatch. It will be upgraded to Deathmatch in Loki's maze mode while we test new features. You can read about it in this update.

• Added map reload.
  
  
• Added 10 min timer.
  
  
• Added score table showing up in the end of the match.
  
  
• Fixed score board not showing name of 1st connected player.
  
  
• Fixed stamina regeneration bug.
  
  
• Fixed hits not causing damage to more than 1 player when hit a few.
  
  
• Fixed fists dropping as a weapon after death and causing crash.
  
  
• Progressed in blocking system upgrade. Now it doesn't bug and miss front hits and we are finishing addition of timing element which community requested.
  
  Note: we temporarily put NA and OCE servers into maintenance. They will return with one of the next patches. This is caused by the implementation of a new way to join the session.

• The weapon remains in the air after the player leaves the session.
  
  
• Lightning strike shockwave which should throw player has no impulse.
  Normally lightning strike brings not death only but also damage by a blast wave in area around it.
  
  
• Weapons fall through the ground when drop.
  
  
• Dead bodies disappear fast after death.
  
  
• Pickup from Dual Wield to Shield and vice versa doesn't work, problem with picking up a weapon dropped by an enemy.
  
  
• Ragdoll flickers after death.
  
  
• There are cases when game client crashes at the moment of death.

• Upgraded parrying system with timing aspects as community requested.
  
  
• Merging multiplayer into default branch.
  
  
• Ragdoll flickering fix.
  
  
• Other features addition and bug fixes.

While this patch covers today's additions, let's talk about the closest period.

We clearly understood your wish of BR mode before and are focusing on it first. Current tests take place in Deathmatch, however we understand that if we continue just pushing features progress from patch to patch - this will not bring you the necessary gameplay experience as quickly as we all want to. We need to give a gripping gameplay loop asap so there are more players testing PvP together.

So, what we are doing now is for Battle Royale and other planned modes. For example, new BR map has a huge labyrinth around the central arena entrance. Now we will test with you the system of procedurally generating maze in Deathmatch, improve, and it will be ready for BR.

This is not about making a new random mode and spending time on many instead of making one enjoyable. This is about uniting the current and the developments we need to test for what you are actually waiting for into a playable experience meanwhile. This is why we are updating current Deathmatch to Deathmatch in Loki's maze.



We will show it in the next update. Let's start from what it is about:

This is a challenge. Warriors start in the arena in the center of the maze created by Loki. You need to fight the others to be able to sacrifice your enemies and earn glory points.

The match has a total time. At the end of each match, all points that were not accepted by gods are reset to zero.

For saving glory points within a match Vikings need to make a sacrifice. To do this there are several altars outside the maze. Only you decide when and how often to go there.

This maze changes dynamically through the match. To reach the altar warriors need to find the exit first. Also, Loki placed his minions there. Also, don't forget that while warrior is on the way to make a sacrifice, the other warriors are on the arena gathering more and more points.

When or if warrior reaches altar he needs to do a ritual that takes some time. It can be interrupted by any damage dealt by another warrior.

If sacrifice is successful all the unsaved points become saved and warrior returns to the battle for more.

Ok, let's accumulate the core features:

• A central arena where main fights take place. PvP is available everywhere around the map.
  
  
• Dynamically changeable maze. Its walls move during the challenge.
  
  
• Two types of glory points: saved and unsaved. This brings unexpected situations within the match. Some of warriors can decide to save points only once that will let them stay in the center more time and get more points. But in this way they have a chance to miss opportunity to save their points in time (they can be killed by minions, lightning strikes, other players or just don't find the exit from the maze in time). On the other hand if warrior makes sacrifices and saves points too often he will not be able to get many points because it will take much time.
  
  
• The score table will rank the warriors at the top and bottom of the list according to their total number of glory points. Therefore, the picture of the final score in the end of the match may change significantly.
  
  
• A lot of danger in the maze between central arena and exit: Loki's minions, other players, lightning strikes, etc.

And more. If you have any thought that you want to share with us about Loki's maze Dethmatch game mode - feel free to let us know through this form: Share ideas


We remind that currently the multiplayer is available on a separate branch while we are finishing the preparations before merging into the main one with subsequent updates.

To try multiplayer now, you need to select the public test environment branch in your Steam game settings here:



Right click on VALHALL in your Steam library, click "Properties". Then go to "Betas" and select "publictestenvironment" from the list. Steam will download the branch for multiplayer testing. If you want to revert to a single, select the default branch in the properties. This is a temporary measure.


Thank you!

Skål!
Blackrose Arts