Hello again, Wardens! Update 0.5.4 is here, and we’ve got some exciting new features, balance tweaks, and a sprinkle of polish to enhance your journey through Valor of Man. Let’s dive in! [h2]Key Features in 0.5.4[/h2] [h3]Ancient Artifacts: A New Power Awaits[/h3] Introducing[b] Ancient Artifacts[/b], a powerful new tier of equipment exclusively available through the [b]Antique Trader[/b]. These artifacts boast unique effects, such as: [list] [*] Immunity to Trample or Poison Damage. [*] Health regeneration. [*] Massive buffs on the first turn. [/list] [i]Dev Comment: These artifacts are a gold-exclusive way to supercharge your heroes. Since the Antique Trader only shows up once per Chapter, deciding when and where to spend your gold becomes even more strategic.[/i] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45182155/8854a05cbcaad07f6242f18088c3cbd92666738a.gif[/img] [h3]Expanded Artifact Pools[/h3] We’ve added more common and rare artifacts to the default pool, unlocking new playstyles from the start of your adventure. [i]Dev Comment: Previously, many artifacts required unlocking, which limited early-game variety. This change ensures a more consistent and enjoyable experience for everyone.[/i] [h3]Split Buttons for Buffs and Debuffs[/h3] Buff and Debuff abilities now have separate buttons in the [b]Action Bar[/b], making them easier to identify and manage. [i]Dev Comment: Heroes gain a lot of abilities over time, and grouping buffs and debuffs together caused confusion. This small but impactful change keeps things smooth and intuitive.[/i] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45182155/43d9125b1a1cd6fd19b6219782fff5ee03043900.gif[/img] [h3]Improved Tutorials[/h3] We’ve overhauled how the enemy screen is introduced to new players, using delays, animations, and effects for a gradual reveal. [i]Dev Comment: The Enemy UI can feel overwhelming for first-timers. This update ensures a more seamless learning curve.[/i] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45182155/73dabc438ed900b5ca4d463b9801b86186537ad8.gif[/img] [h3]Balance Changes[/h3] [list] [*][b] Normal and Elite Fights:[/b] Normal fights now reward more XP, while Elite fights give slightly less. [i]Comment: Elite-less runs are now a viable, more relaxed option while keeping multiple-elite runs just as rewarding.[/i] [*][b] Hard Fights, Big Rewards:[/b] Hard fights (available later in the Chapter) now have a higher chance of dropping items. [i]Comment: This ensures you have enough gold and gear to make those tough decisions at the new specialty shops.[/i] [*][b] Tormentor Boss Reaction – Huff & Puff:[/b] A new reaction allows the Tormentor to move more dynamically. [i]Comment: This balances the difficulty and keeps the fight engaging.[/i] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45182155/f60def72a1b22591e4db6831f7d3d52cafb31568.gif[/img] [*][b] Ogre Chieftain Adjustments:[/b] Reduced scaling of Enrage and tweaked his multi-action deck. [i]Comment: He’s a little too powerful for Chapter 1. These changes keep him challenging but fair. [/i] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45182155/5183a382b3f374385cd6037c17d048c099bf50c6.gif[/img] [*][b] Starting Fight Positioning:[/b] Improved hero placement in the Dragon fight so everyone can contribute from the start. [i]Comment: No more awkward moments where Elara can’t reach the Dragon on turn one![/i] [*] [b]Lance Update:[/b] Lances now have the Pierce effect. [i]Comment: This makes lances feel more impactful without being overpowered.[/i] [*] [b]Goblin Nerf: [/b]Lowered Goblin health. [i]Comment: They’re tricky enough as it is—time to tone them down a little.[/i] [/list] [h3]Bugs & Stability[/h3] Here’s a quick rundown of the fixes and optimisations in this patch: [list] [*][b] Performance:[/b] Visual FX now load faster and reuse assets where possible. [*][b] Animation:[/b] Smoothed out animations for mages, multi-hit attacks, and sword/shield abilities. [*][b]Projectiles:[/b] Staff projectiles now fire from the weapon tip. [*][b] Tutorial Fixes:[/b] Fixed issues with tooltips not triggering correctly. [*][b] Level Design:[/b] Resolved blocked tiles in scorpion and bug levels. [*][b] UI Improvements:[/b] Fixed enemy outlines briefly appearing when they shouldn’t. [/list] [h2]And That’s All for 0.5.4![/h2] This update brings a fresh layer of strategy with Ancient Artifacts, clearer UI, and better balance across the board. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts—check out the new in-game feedback form to share your experience! Happy adventuring, Wardens! 💪 — Legacy Forge