Stoneshard is a very challenging open-world RPG currently in Early Access and the latest major release is a really big one. Stoneshard has Native Linux support and is rated Steam Deck Playable.
The developers said it's "the largest update in the game's history" and it certainly reads like it. It adds in a brand new Caravan system, giving you fast travel of large distances. This is upgradable too, and you can get special Caravan followers as well.
Pictured - a Caravan in Stoneshard
On top of that they overhauled the dungeons system from scratch to give a lot more variety, some come with special conditions to give new challenges and there's a whole lot of new locations in the game to explore too. This is a seriously feature-packed release.
The update is so big it's not compatible with saves from the previous version, which they've made available via Steam Beta branches so you can still continue on if you wish.
Nice to see this one get such a great expansion, as it has been quite some time since the last major update to it and they've been clearly busy.
All the main additions changelog, click me
- Caravan. A fully functional Caravan System that allows for fast travels over large distances using a special resource - fodder. It also comes with an option to directly purchase items into the Caravan Storage (or sell from it) when the Caravan is parked near settlements.
- Caravan Upgrades. 24 upgrades that will introduce additional utility to your Camp and improve the Caravan's overall efficiency.
- Caravan Followers. Recruit up to three non-combat companions, each with their own unique specialization, perks, events, and dialogues.
- Overhauled Dungeons. The Dungeon Generator was reworked from scratch - small rooms and narrow corridors have been replaced with massive halls, their visuals and structure properly reflecting each dungeon's type and tier.
- Reworked contracts. A wider variety of contract types and objectives. New dialogues for requesting additional information about the job, asking for an advance, and haggle for a better pay. Consequences for failing contracts and their behind-the-scenes completion by rival mercenaries. Contracts can now also be turned in to different NPCs for a higher monetary reward or additional local or Brynn Reputation.
- Dungeon Conditions. Unique effects that introduce new challenges to dungeon exploration and increase the reward for completing the contracts tied to them.
- Enhanced Economy. Dynamic and responsive supply and demand, commodity trading, as well as flexible traders' stocks and preferences.
- Denbrie. The fourth and final settlement of the Grand Magistrate, utterly devastated by the war.
- Situations. 9 unique Settlement Situations, providing additional opportunities or offering new challenges.
- Outskirts. 10 new locations and 60+ new NPC with their own dialogues, roles, and goods for sale.
- Revised Global Map. Adjusted the map generation algorithms and the placement of locations to ensure a smoother progression. Added contracts to the Rotten Willow Tavern.
- Cooking System. 40 unique recipes, each offering various advantages along with the possibility of adding spices to further customize their effects.
- Crafting System. 15 schematics for creating useful consumables in the field.
- Reworked Progression. All equipment, enemies, and dungeons have been rebalanced to challenge even high-level characters.
- Reworked the Loot System.
- Reworked the Spawn System.
- Reworked Reputation Perks.
- Reworked the Noise System.
- Reworked the AI States System.
- Updated and improved many dialogues.
- QoL improvements: faster character movement, trade hovers, the ability to store small valuables in purses and caskets, and much more.
- 5 new bags, each with its own distinct purpose.
- 7 new Undead minibosses.
- New items: 35+ new pieces of equipment, 15 valuables, and 10 new ingredients.
- Balance changes: a complete rework of all the equipment, abilities, and enemy stats. Survival tree overhaul.
- 12 new Steam achievements.
- Updated Prologue.
- Numerous bug fixes.
R Daneel Olivaw Dec 17, 2024
TheRiddick Dec 17, 2024
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