New Updates: Terrain, Combat, and Features Arrive

Today’s update brings a range of improvements that enhance gameplay, visuals, and player experience across Shroud of the Avatar. Town lots now properly sit on their real terrain on the world map, giving settlements a more grounded feel. Players can now unclaim a lot twice in a row without issue, and flipped houses retain their status in the Property Manager—making property management smoother than ever.

Combat got a boost with high ground now offering real tactical value: attacks from above deal up to 25% more damage, while those from below are weakened, including bow shots. The Night Step ability now sets up a Shadow Opening—your next Sneak Attack or Sap within 2 seconds keeps its behind-the-back bonus even if the enemy turns around. Ancient dragons have also been strengthened, now with 19,887 health per life, bringing them in line with other level 150 bosses.

Call to Arms now supports wider map reveals, rewarding realms with a new blessing for uncovering more of the world. Party members now show up on the minimap and map window in their party color, making coordination easier. The new Screenshot Gallery is live in-game—press Ctrl+F11 to share a shot, and staff will review them for the official gallery (currently off until launch).

Fishing has been beautifully painted: the reel meter is now a wooden angler’s gauge that names the fish, reacts dynamically during the fight, and ends with a catch card. Classic mode retains the original look for those who prefer it.

Other highlights include governors being able to upgrade their town size with Gold Crowns, adjustable Training Dummies that let you test custom defenses, and Mahjong’s table—complete with four chairs and 136 tiles—now built and ready for launch. Deed upgrades can run on a schedule with time displayed in chat. Heraldry is also refreshed with a new crest builder and free changes every 30 days.

Returning players no longer get stuck under vanished docks—logins over missing piers now start at arrival points, and after 90 days away, players begin fresh at each area’s entrance. Ask the Oracle about your recent bug report, and it’ll find it without needing a number.

Cinderspire is nearly ready: entrance, map, loading screen, and nine-language text are all in place. The new website is now built with in-game art, includes a search over 1,000 fixes, and features a Coming Back page—preparing for the upcoming account move.

Summarized from Chris "Atos" Spears' work log at Catnip Games.