Havenhold News

“PLAYTEST WEN?!” We hear you, we see you, we feel your excitement, and we’re here to deliver! We’re thrilled to announce another upcoming Alpha playtest for Havenhold, scheduled to begin on June 20th, 2024.

[h2]CHECK OUT OUR ALPHA TRAILER HERE:[/h2]
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Here’s what you can expect:[/h2]

• Core progression loops of the game, dungeons, fortress PvP battles
  
• Experience the beginning journey in Episode 1 of the game
  
• Co-op PvE content, and clan based PvP (Sieges)
  

[h2]Sign up details: [/h2]

• Sign up via the link on our website: https://playhavenhold.com/ (Note: All returning players from the previous playtest will automatically gain access to the upcoming test. We will be sending new steam keys to the registered email addresses.)
  
• This test will be conducted on 2 servers: EU and NA. If you’re located in a different region, the game experience may not be optimal due to latency.
  
• This test will be under NDA (Note: Exceptions will be given to pre-approved content creators)
  

We can’t wait for you to hop into the game and check out what we’ve been working on! Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more exciting updates from us!

Till next time,
From all of us at Wolfpack Games


[hr][/hr]

Website (sign up for Alpha!): https://www.playhavenhold.com/

Wishlist Havenhold on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2015760/Havenhold/

Discord: https://discord.gg/havenhold

Twitter: https://twitter.com/playhavenhold

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playhavenhold

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmRqaLdiusy5FKg4dk2New

Greetings Warriors,

We’ve been busy making some exciting improvements to core elements of Havenhold’s player journey, all thanks to some of your feedback we gathered from our Alpha 0 test last October! Today, we’re going to showcase one of the core concepts that we have reworked in Havenhold that holds the key to unlocking unique powers and abilities - The Primordials.

[h2]What are the Primordials?[/h2]



In Havenhold, you awaken as a warrior monk pursuing strength, seeking the powers of The Primordials. When mastered, it unlocks different sets of unique combat abilities.


[h2]Wielding the Power of Primordials[/h2]

To wield their power, one must clear the mind, become formless, and embody them whole. Become the Brawling Seatusk and crush your enemies with its awesome strength, become the Crimson Rebel and erode the might of mountains, become the Infernal Foxtails and incinerate the heathens to submission.



When a player has mastered different Primordial forms, they are able to fluidly switch between different playstyles. Level them up individually each with their own sets of gears and ability combos, and rise up to any challenge.


[h2]Unlocking unique powers[/h2]



As some of you may have experienced in previous playtests, each Primordial offers six unique combat abilities that can be uncovered and learned. From flaming darts that deliver swift and precise damage, to summoning glacial waves that overwhelm multiple foes - these abilities will give you an edge in any encounter.

That wraps up our latest update on the Primordials. Keep an eye out for more progress and updates from the team coming your way!

Till next time,

From all of us at Wolfpack Games


[hr][/hr]

Wishlist Havenhold on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2015760/Havenhold/

Discord: https://discord.gg/havenhold

Twitter: https://twitter.com/playhavenhold

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playhavenhold

Website (sign up for future playtests!): https://www.playhavenhold.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmRqaLdiusy5FKg4dk2New

What a year it has been for us! In 2023, we announced our game's rebrand, conducted various sessions of Pre-Alpha focus group tests, as well as a one week invite-only Alpha Zero playtest with close to 500 select players. We received encouraging and constructive feedback that has helped us continuously improve the game experience.

So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all that have followed us, tested the game with us, and given us your time and feedback!

As a small team, we managed to make a ton of progress in development this year. We completed various core systems such as the Siege and Territory War Mechanics, In-Game Economy, Questing System, and made significant improvements on our Combat Mechanics while polishing our enemy AI. I’ll also be sharing a few peeks of progress made on our in-game environments, complemented by a upgrades of our UI. Here's a look at some of our highlights:



[h2]Key takeaways from our playtests[/h2]

[h3]Combat and Movement: Aiming for Fluidity[/h3]
Improving combat movement and fluidity have been our key focus since we concluded Alpha Zero. Playtesters shared that combat felt clunky and slow at times, which detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game.

We have since tested out different movement speeds, added a sprint function, and polished our animations, paying particular attention to the transition between animations.

[h3]Tutorial Revamp: Guiding Players to Success[/h3]
A pain point during Alpha Zero was the lack of tutorial to guide players at the beginning of their experience. Explanations for more complex systems in the game, such as the territory war mechanics, were lacking.

We are currently working on a completely new tutorial experience that combines the world lore, with key info on basic controls, as well as streamlining certain war claim systems to be more intuitive and easily understood.

[h3]Putting the focus on group play[/h3]
As an MMO, and one that has a focus on organized PvP experiences, Havenhold is a social game at its core. However, social and collaborative elements were lacking during the Alpha Zero experience with players reporting that they felt little need to work together with others.

We are working on creating more crafted moments for co-operative gameplay, with the addition of game systems and mechanics that would require collaboration. We are also changing the way Keeps are introduced to players to encourage guild interactions and strategic gameplay.

[h3]Enhancing PvE Experiences: Variety and Challenge[/h3]
Since the Alpha Zero test, we have added 5 new mobs and 1 new boss to the game (with more to come!). In addition to increasing the variety of enemy types, we are also enriching their skills and abilities, as well as polishing their AI capabilities to be smarter and more challenging to beat.


[h2]Art Showcase![/h2]

2023 has been a BIG year for the Art of Havenhold. I’ll let the work speak for itself 🙂






Once again, thank you so much for all the support you've shown us in the past year. 2024 is going to be even more exciting. All of us at Wolfpack Games wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday ahead!

Stay warm and healthy,
Angela & the Wolfpack


[hr][/hr]

Wishlist Havenhold on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2015760/Starkeepers/

Discord: https://discord.gg/havenhold

Twitter: https://twitter.com/playhavenhold

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playhavenhold

Website (sign up for future playtests!): https://www.playhavenhold.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmRqaLdiusy5FKg4dk2New

What a year it has been for us! In 2023, we announced our game's rebrand, conducted various sessions of Pre-Alpha focus group tests, as well as a one week invite-only Alpha Zero playtest with close to 500 select players. We received encouraging and constructive feedback that has helped us continuously improve the game experience.

So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all that have followed us, tested the game with us, and given us your time and feedback!

As a small team, we managed to make a ton of progress in development this year. We completed various core systems such as the Siege and Territory War Mechanics, In-Game Economy, Questing System, and made significant improvements on our Combat Mechanics while polishing our enemy AI. I’ll also be sharing a few peeks of progress made on our in-game environments, complemented by a upgrades of our UI. Here's a look at some of our highlights:



[h2]Key takeaways from our playtests[/h2]

[h3]Combat and Movement: Aiming for Fluidity[/h3]
Improving combat movement and fluidity have been our key focus since we concluded Alpha Zero. Playtesters shared that combat felt clunky and slow at times, which detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game.

We have since tested out different movement speeds, added a sprint function, and polished our animations, paying particular attention to the transition between animations.

[h3]Tutorial Revamp: Guiding Players to Success[/h3]
A pain point during Alpha Zero was the lack of tutorial to guide players at the beginning of their experience. Explanations for more complex systems in the game, such as the territory war mechanics, were lacking.

We are currently working on a completely new tutorial experience that combines the world lore, with key info on basic controls, as well as streamlining certain war claim systems to be more intuitive and easily understood.

[h3]Putting the focus on group play[/h3]
As an MMO, and one that has a focus on organized PvP experiences, Havenhold is a social game at its core. However, social and collaborative elements were lacking during the Alpha Zero experience with players reporting that they felt little need to work together with others.

We are working on creating more crafted moments for co-operative gameplay, with the addition of game systems and mechanics that would require collaboration. We are also changing the way Keeps are introduced to players to encourage guild interactions and strategic gameplay.

[h3]Enhancing PvE Experiences: Variety and Challenge[/h3]
Since the Alpha Zero test, we have added 5 new mobs and 1 new boss to the game (with more to come!). In addition to increasing the variety of enemy types, we are also enriching their skills and abilities, as well as polishing their AI capabilities to be smarter and more challenging to beat.


[h2]Art Showcase![/h2]

2023 has been a BIG year for the Art of Havenhold. I’ll let the work speak for itself 🙂






Once again, thank you so much for all the support you've shown us in the past year. 2024 is going to be even more exciting. All of us at Wolfpack Games wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday ahead!

Stay warm and healthy,
Angela & the Wolfpack


[hr][/hr]

Wishlist Havenhold on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2015760/Starkeepers/

Discord: https://discord.gg/havenhold

Twitter: https://twitter.com/playhavenhold

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playhavenhold

Website (sign up for future playtests!): https://www.playhavenhold.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmRqaLdiusy5FKg4dk2New

We've been counting down the days to share today's update. We're proud to unveil our title's transformation to a new and improved identity - Havenhold.

This game is truly a labor of love which is close to 3 years in the making. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch the different parts come together, and we can't wait for you to experience it. So much so, that we are also announcing our Alpha test date in this update ;) But first, a letter from our Founders.

Originally posted by author

Hi everyone!

Today is a special one as we share an exciting announcement that marks an important milestone in the evolution of our beloved game-in-development: the rebrand of our game to Havenhold!

Since we revealed our game during the Summer of Gaming 2022 showcase, we have made tremendous progress in development, from building out core systems to upgrading the overall art style and getting the community involved in playtesting. Throughout this process, our identity has transformed. Havenhold, a blended word from "haven" and "stronghold", reflects a central experience that is rooted in shared conquests against competitive odds.

Making games is definitely an iterative process. As devs, we set out with a defined vision, but as the game is built over a long development cycle, we are also evolving design to realize a unique product that can make our game stand out. With Havenhold, we reinforce our commitment to creating an action-packed experience where fighting game combat meets strategic sandbox building. We will be doubling down on some of the more unique features of our game that are focused on the goal of conquest.

In the coming weeks, you will see the visual transformation of our game as we update our branding, logos, and other materials (you might even see some art reveals across our social channels)!

Thank you to our community for your support. Your belief in our vision drives us every day. We hope to bring more exciting news to you very soon!

Stephen, Sheldon, and Footman
Founders at Wolfpack Games

[h2]Alpha 0 Date: October 7th, 2023[/h2]

In exactly 1 month, we will be kicking off our week-long Alpha 0 test, where we invite you to participate and give us your valuable feedback!

We're calling it Alpha 0 because it is the first milestone where we have combined core systems into a looped MMO experience. The content is still bare-bones, and there's still massive amounts of work to be done. That said, we really want to get our beloved community involved early in our dev progress to help us iterate in positive directions. This test will be under NDA.

The test will be conducted across 2 servers - EU and NA.

Here's a teaser for what you can expect for the Alpha test:

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]How do I sign up? [/h3]

Sign up for Alpha 0 here: https://www.playhavenhold.com/

If you have already signed up in the past, you don't need to sign up again.

See you in-game!




[hr][/hr]

Wishlist Havenhold on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2015760/Starkeepers/

Discord: https://discord.gg/havenhold

Twitter: https://twitter.com/playhavenhold

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playhavenhold

Website (sign up for future playtests!): https://www.playhavenhold.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmRqaLdiusy5FKg4dk2New