Slavic Magic, the developer behind Manor Lords, has piqued interest with a sneak peek at an upcoming update. This eagerly anticipated release will bring an array of new features, including a bridge-building tool, revamped deep mine mechanics, fresh maps, and an innovative overstock mechanic, all set to be available for players in the forthcoming public beta.
Manor Lords initially entered the gaming scene through early access in April 2024 and quickly made its mark, clocking over a million sales in just 24 hours, and surpassing 2.5 million by September. This remarkable success comes from a seven-year passion project primarily driven by a solo developer, attracting praise for its historical authenticity and immersive gameplay. Particularly notable is its gridless building system that empowers players to craft settlements mirroring the organic growth seen in real medieval towns. Though still in early access, the developer is keen to share what’s on the horizon in the game’s next update.
The upcoming update, as detailed in a blog post, promises several engaging enhancements. The addition of a bridge-building tool is a standout feature, integrating smoothly with the current road system, allowing players to create bridges over rivers. This not only serves a practical purpose but also enhances the visual appeal of settlements. The update also brings a major overhaul to the deep mine mechanics, introducing improved cranking animations. Players will now see their workers descend underground to collect resources, heightening the game’s sense of realism.
In terms of fresh content, players can look forward to two newly introduced maps: High Peaks and Winding River. Each map presents unique terrain ideals for exploration and settlement construction. Alongside this, a new map selection feature simplifies the process of choosing preferred gameplay settings. Resource management also gets a boost with the overstock mechanic, enabling workers to stockpile goods in larger settlements.
Moreover, this update offers a quality-of-life improvement by allowing players to organize unit cards efficiently through a simple drag-and-drop feature. This adjustment lets players manage their armies more seamlessly. All these enhancements will soon be testable in the game’s public beta.
Even with the exciting updates, Manor Lords faced some backlash earlier this year for its sluggish development pace. The publisher, however, stressed the importance of sustainable progress, opting not to follow a live-service model that might induce burnout. As players eagerly await their chance to experience these new features, the developer stays committed to refining and enhancing the game’s experience.
