Progress Overview

We’re back with another development update, and as the beta release draws closer, things are moving fast! Over the last few days, we’ve made crucial headway on crafting, underwater biomes, and player upgrades. With 14 days left until the beta, this devlog covers some of the key gameplay systems that have been refined and the new challenges we've introduced.

Kelp Forest and Resource Integration

One of the biggest recent additions is the Kelp Forest biome, which now plays a vital role in the game's progression. Kelp serves as the main source of Biological Fiber, a crafting material necessary for building tools, gear, and certain base structures. Here’s how we implemented it:

- PCG Placement: The kelp is procedurally generated using the Unreal Engine's PCG system to ensure large, organic clusters in specific underwater areas. This also means we’ve added natural-looking underwater stone arches and rocks, creating a more immersive environment.

- Crafting System Integration: The fiber obtained from the kelp is essential for a variety of mid-tier upgrades, making it one of the first real resources players will need to farm regularly.

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Dynamic Inventory System

We’ve overhauled the inventory system to be much more dynamic and responsive:

- Real-Time Updates: The player’s inventory now updates dynamically as items are collected or consumed. Players will see real-time changes in their item lists and stats, removing the need for clunky refresh mechanics.

- Tooltips and Item Stats: We’ve added detailed tooltips for each item, including resource quality, durability, and upgrade potential. This helps players quickly assess their options while crafting or upgrading.

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Leviathan-Class Entity at the Map Edge

We’ve also introduced a Leviathan-class creature at the edge of the map to give players a compelling reason to stay within the game world’s limits:

- Suit Malfunctions: As players approach the map’s edge, their suit will begin malfunctioning, with lights flickering and oxygen levels fluctuating. This serves as a warning, but ignoring it results in a loud, ominous growl as the Leviathan approaches.

- Unseen Threat: While the Leviathan isn't directly visible, the sounds and environmental changes suggest something massive and terrifying lurks beyond. The closer players get to the edge, the more severe the consequences, including a full system shutdown of the player’s suit if they push too far.

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Swimming and Movement Overhaul

We’ve revisited swimming mechanics and made significant improvements to how underwater movement feels:

- Smooth Controls: The previous issues with camera drift and awkward movement have been fixed. Players now experience smoother, more natural swimming, and the camera has been centered for better control in on land.

- Environmental Interaction: Underwater movement now feels more responsive when interacting with environmental elements like kelp, coral, and rocky terrain.

Upcoming Focus: Upgrades and Story

With the game’s mechanics mostly fleshed out, the next two weeks will focus heavily on:

- Upgrade System: Expanding the types of upgrades available, including suit enhancements, environmental sensors, and tool customization.

- Story and Progression: Tying the story into the gameplay loop to ensure a smooth transition from early exploration to the mid- and late-game phases. This will include finalizing key narrative beats and progression gating based on player achievements.

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What's Next?

- Base Building Expansion: We still need to complete the core features of base building. This includes refining construction mechanics and making sure all key resources are integrated smoothly into the process.

- Final Creature Balancing: We’re planning to balance creature encounters across both land and water to ensure consistent difficulty scaling.

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The Final Push

The beta release is just two weeks away, and we’re committed to delivering a polished experience. As we move into this final stretch, expect rapid updates as we finish the base building, story integration, and progression systems.

Thanks for sticking with us, and stay tuned for more updates as we approach the beta launch!

– The NaturesAscendancy Dev Team