[2019] Patch Preview: Beta 0.7.2

Edit: This patch will be released at 2019-08-09T15:00:00Z.
 

Overview

Patch 0.7.2 forms part of Phase 1 of our Early Access Development Forecast.

This patch focuses on raising the quality of aspects of the game implemented previously. It brings significant graphical improvements, it introduces the first batch of voice acting, it makes NPCs more realistic, and continues our work on improving the UI.
 

Highlights

• This patch features a graphics overhaul! (Sneak peek posted here!)
  • As part of this overhaul we will be adding a new form of antialiasing. This will initially be in beta, and will thus be marked in-game as ‘experimental’.
• Every weapon has had its 3d model improved or replaced.
• The Acolyte, Mage, Primalist, and Sentinel now have voice acting. (Previews posted here.)
  • This includes both combat lines (e.g. “I’m out of Mana!”), and dialogue pertaining to story events happening in-game. Additional VA will be added in future patches.
• Multiple friendly NPCs now have voice acting. (Previews posted here.)
• Haruspex Orian in The Ulatri Cliffs now has voice acting. (Preview posted here.)
• We have made many improvements to NPCs. Changes include;
  • Several NPCs now wear more thematically appropriate clothing.
  • NPC’s equipped items are now being better affected by lighting.
  • Positioning improvements, including their proximity to each other.
  • A pass over the animations used by NPCs to make them more believable.
  • Several zones are now more populated with NPCs.
• Implemented the new Tempest Strike skill for Primalists.
  • Tempest Strike is a melee attack. It features multiple procs, each of which has an independent chance of activating each time you attack with Tempest Strike.
  • This skill replaces Summon Vale Spirit, which has been removed. Vale Spirits will be obtainable via class passives and the specialization tree for Spriggan Form.
    • This is an example of an underwhelming active skill being repurposed for use in passives and skill trees. We plan on doing this with additional skills in future. Some examples include Ice Ward and Fire Shield.
• The Primalist’s Thorn Burst skill has been reworked as Ice Thorns.
• The Sentinel’s Shield Throw skill has been reworked.
• The following seven skills have been given specialization trees;
  • Shield Throw (Preview posted here!)
  • Avalanche
  • Reaper Form (Preview posted here!)
  • Rive
  • Shatter Strike
  • Transplant
  • Werebear Form
• Minions now take 50% less damage, and have between 40% and 50% less maximum life.
  • The aim of these changes is to make life regeneration and leech more effective.
• We continue to make improvements to the user interface, with this patch including a new Quest Reward UI, new health bars, and the introduction of Location Notifications.
  • Location Notifications were previously referred to as ‘Era Banners’. It’s possible that their name will change again between now and the release of Patch 0.7.2.
     

After This Patch

Patch 0.7.3 is scheduled for release next month.

Both friends functionality and respecialization improvements are at an advanced stage of development. We’re also working on Chapter 6, new enemies, more skill trees, voice acting for NPCs, and more! Make sure you check back often for the latest news!

Edited the OP to add that the patch will be released at 10:00 AM CST on Friday.

The OP has been edited to include the following additions;

• Multiple friendly NPCs now have voice acting.
• Haruspex Orian in The Ulatri Cliffs now has voice acting.

That was an earlier build than the one being released on Friday.

Thanks for the kind words.