A short overview
A Visual Evolution
[p][/p][p]The visual identity of the game has undergone a massive evolution. After a series of overhauls and relentless iteration, we have finally achieved what we consider the definitive look for The Way of Wrath. This isn't just a graphical update; it is a complete atmosphere rework that reflects the story and the experience we set out to create.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/34865683/8243386ef60d78509c4590e360b49c7d0b10d863.jpg"][/img][/p][p]We've updated the details, shaders, and resolution of almost all assets in the game, and to really bring the game world to life, we've introduced Full dynamic weather effects and day-night changes that alter many gameplay elements. [/p][p][/p]Gameplay Experience
[p]The gameplay has matured significantly. It has become tighter and more intertwined, offering rich, deep mechanics. We wanted to have a full gameplay experience, but with nothing that distracts from the main game purpose; every new system we’ve added is there to serve the core theme and context of the world. Everything you do will have an impact and will help you survive the siege. [/p]- [p]Fort-Management: We have fully implemented our unique Fort-Management gameplay, making it a central pillar of the game.[/p][/*]
- [p]A Living World: We added dynamic simulations of NPC activities that are directly tied to your fort management. So it can feel like your tribe truly lives there.[/p][/*]
- [p]Survival Mechanics: We introduced light survival elements that react naturally to the new dynamic weather system.[/p][/*]
- [p]Hunting & Fishing: the entire experience for both has been completely overhauled.[/p][/*]
- [p]Companions: We added a robust pet system with a variety of interesting support mechanics.[/p][/*]
- [p]Refined Combat: We have improved the fluidity of combat, deepened the crafting, and polished a multitude of small mechanics to make every interaction feel better.[/p][/*]
Story
[p]The story has been completely re-worked. It's now more focused, intense, and desperate. This brought forward more meaningful, character-driven conflicts and impactful story choices. We've created custom models for a large number of story characters, so their unique personalities can shine through. [/p][p][/p][p][/p]Video Update Incoming:
[p]We will be showcasing all these changes in a video dev diary before the end of the year, where we will go in-depth on every aspect of this evolution.[/p][p][/p]What's next?
[p][/p][p]After years of development, we finally had the chance to sit down, reflect, and bring all these pieces together into one cohesive experience driven by our core vision. We are incredibly excited to finally get this into your hands and hear your feedback. [/p][p]For the next few months, our team is laser-focused on the final touches: finishing and polishing quests, combat encounters, and level design. As soon as everything is tested and ready, we will announce more specific release plans.[/p]The game will be released in 2026.
[p]Expect many cool things, demos, betas, dev diaries, and epic trailers in the coming months. It has been a long and crazy journey, but with your help, we have done everything needed to bring this game to life. We believe we have created something very unique and interesting. Soon it will be in your hands, and you will forge your own epic tale of survival, perseverance, and ingenuity. A tale of a small group of people overcoming overwhelming odds and triumphing in the face of enormous adversity. To us, this tale has become very personal and relatable. This tale has been our life for the past seven years :)[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/34865683/7fb297d1053b96d3a5760326df18987a50ca935c.jpg"][/img][/p][p][/p][p][/p]Waclaw
[p]In the last update, we met Azgazar, the Thein Chief of Chiefs, and his consort, Anakhai. A leader and a politician, whose efforts forged an empire for the Thein. But there was a third pillar to their triumvirate, without whom all their ambitions would have failed. The general, Waclaw. [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/34865683/2f72889dd61f3003dc297a0b649df28b39df36a4.png"][/img][/p][p][/p][p]Adventurer in his youth, Wacław made a name for himself as a raider and explorer, travelling farther than any Thein had journeyed in generations. He returned with wealth and renown. A feat that nearly cost him his life. Velra, wife to his brother and chieftain of the Bear Tribes, feared Wacław’s growing influence.[/p][p]Instead of killing him, Velra found subtler ways to control him. She took him as her lover, using his guilt to keep his ambitions in check.[/p][p]When the Azgazar united the Thein tribes with a dream of conquering a new land for their people, Wacław seized the opportunity to escape Velra’s hold and the shame that bound him. Velra, however, ensured he remained within reach: she arranged for him to become a general in Azgazar’s new Thein army.[/p][p]Wacław took naturally to command. His experience of youth made Waclaw wise to the ways of humans, and his instincts served him well as he eased tensions and kept the Thein united toward a single purpose.[/p][p]He worked tirelessly to recruit the Skybound and secure their support in the war - a decision that proved brilliant, sustaining the Thein’s morale and strategy through long years of war.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/34865683/79258bc66b6843dc81f64b7452916945dd121dcb.png"][/img][/p][p]Velra's support with provisions and weapons, as well as her spies, made Waclaw's army the most stable and well-supplied. He used this advantage to absorb leaderless warriors, growing his personal army and influence until he stood unmatched among the Thein warchiefs.[/p][p]Wacław’s spirit broke when Azgazar abandoned their friend and fellow warchief, Lokni, sacrificing his people to escape a Hyrian ambush. When this betrayal cost Azgazar the support of the Skybound, the old warrior felt the blow in his soul.[/p][p]In his despair, Anagali, the enchanting leader of the renegade shamans known as the Eshma, sought him out. She offered to join Azgazar’s army and replace the Skybound, bringing shamanic wisdom and power to the battlefield. Desperate to keep the Thein united, and entranced by Anagali, Wacław accepted the Eshma’s support.[/p][p]Wacław’s reputation made the Eshma’s presence more tolerable to the Thein, but unease lingered among his ranks. The loyalties he had built over the years strained under the weight of this new alliance. Anakhai, consort to the Chief of Chiefs, became the leading voice of dissent. She mistrusted the opportunistic Eshma and feared that alienating the Skybound shamans might spark civil war among the Thein.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/34865683/f5bff65ec0e2b08ec4478434e0edfadb7aef2826.jpg"][/img][/p][p]Thus, with trust shaken, spirits burdened by defeat, and worry hanging heavy over them, the Thein leaders arrive in Twin Fangs. They lick their wounds and prepare for the grim winter ahead. Unaware of the enemy on their hills, and the disasters looming ahead.[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you all for being part of the Journey in the creation of The Way of Wrath!We will see you again this year with the major video dev diary update. And the next year, with more exciting stuff!
Cheers,
- The Way of Wrath team [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p]
