CityStates: Medieval Test Event
We’ve added and changed quite a lot since our last small scale community test and we’re ready to open the servers again for further testing and feedback.
Before we go into detail about what the test will feature, there’s a few key points that we want to make clear in order to temper expectations.
The game is still in development. While there's been improvement in terms of performance and the elimination of bugs, as well as new and exciting features to play with, we still expect that an increased tester base will uncover new issues that the team will be able to resolve.
The current build is still using a lot of placeholder visuals, including the city buildings and UI. These are still being worked on. A lot of care has gone into making these just right - just today the team added some details to the grass for example, it’s little touches like this that make a big difference. The good news is that these new visuals will be deployed as testing goes on so while they won’t be available from the start, you will get to see them in game.
Much like the above point, Clans are also still being finished. We have chosen to disable the function initially, but will include it during the test at a later stage.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of the new things you can now do in CS:M.
Manual Combat:
Players will have access to the following new combat mode:
Gladiator Arena (PVE) — A test mode that will allow players to borrow units and equipment for no cost to test builds and strategies.
Research Tree:
Players will have access to the research tree covering research up to castle level 20.
Global Map:
Players will be able to unlock and use the global map, including the following features.
Scouting — Reveal the Global Map.
Missions — Compete with players to farm resources from map missions.
Global Map Bandit Camps — Players can defeat and gain resources from bandit camps on the Global Map.
Player Raids — Players can set a defensive garrison and attack other players cities to steal their resources.
We have also added more functionality to previous features such as trading as well as combat in general which now includes squad abilities — see you on the battlefield!
Who’s eligible to play during the test?
Gold VIP pass holders will be granted access first, on the 16th. Community Testers are also eligible for access on the 16th.
Silver VIP pass holders will be granted access shortly after once we’re happy to increase numbers.
Bronze VIP pass holders will be next in line, once again when we’re happy to increase numbers.
Public/Early Access — Yup, we’ll even be taking in none passholders into this test, while we hope to keep the passholder entry fairly close together, none passholders should expect access at a later stage in the test compared to passholders. We will announce a date for this at a later stage.
Rollbacks and Resets:
We’re at the point now where we shouldn’t need to rollback or reset progression. While we will hope to avoid this, please be prepared for the possibility of this happening should anything major occur. For now this is not planned.
You can and should expect changes being made in terms of balance and values as we take player feedback on board throughout the test.
Competition:
We will have competitive events in the later stages of the test, these will be separately announced at a later stage — Rain of Arrows is back on the menu folks.
Play to Earn?:
Partially. We will still be using the test tokens as resources, but real HEX will be usable. HEX lost and gained during the test will be real.
Platforms:
This test client will be available Windows OS. Other builds are on the horizon but this will be at a later stage.
