Hello everyone, welcome to the 7th devlog for Sandwalkers! Last time, we delved into the Weather System, and since then, Sandwalkers has moved to its Alpha 2 phase undergoing significant changes that enhance the roguelite and exploration aspects of the game. Among these changes are a new user interface, the introduction of a Hope system, changes to the map, and modifications to combat! The in-game user interface has undergone a transformation [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41122402/4a5a44579f2a7c648003da02ecfe304c799e7be3.png[/img] Quests and your characters can now be found on the left side of the screen, while general information, weather updates, and caravan effects are displayed at the top. And as you may have noticed… There's something new! One of the most significant additions to Sandwalkers is the Hope system. This new resource is indicated by a flower icon at the top of the screen, representing your caravan's mood and hope in their quest. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41122402/fb981378b8e55215c36ae5733b797b46fef34a79.png[/img] The state of Hope fluctuates based on your actions. For example, making an unfortunate choice during an event might lower hope, causing the flower to wither. Conversely, taking care of your caravan, such as avoiding combat, will increase Hope. There are five levels of Hope, each providing bonuses or penalties to your gameplay. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41122402/635abca382d6436fea502ffd87169544de933228.gif[/img] Each level of Hope significantly influences both the exploration and combat capabilities of the caravan, as well as its relationships with factions and the overall morale of caravan members. This, in turn, can lead to a cascade of positive or negative events. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41122402/484c741532e208f70e9c90fe97c42c7ede1226c5.png[/img] Changes have been made to the game map as well. It was previously split, but is now a single, expansive map with 19 regions featuring different enemies, weather conditions, events, rest areas, and intense zones with bosses. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41122402/e86251deb7c3ba85c1ca93777d4ca12c1515bf7f.png[/img] Side quests guide you through different regions, each presenting unique challenges depending on weather and enemies. Progress is notably obstructed by bosses who guard access to the next region. To overcome this obstacle, players must strategically navigate the current region, completing quests and gaining power. Your actions in these regions can also modify the terrain, making it more fertile, especially when you help factions. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41122402/acd2060a30433365aff771b238fc8757ca4d2440.png[/img] These modifications will persist over your next runs, making progression easier and rewarding! Lastly, we are currently working on changes to the combat system, which may trigger after a certain number of moves providing you with multiple ways to encounter enemies. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41122402/b93646c0fec8843a8a4ff5e885dc1e38243d8a79.gif[/img] We hope you enjoyed this devlog and the changes that have come to Sandwalkers with this update. Stay tuned for future devlogs!