Animal Shelter

Today, I decide to liberate a pair of tamed animals from an abandoned settlement. This pig and sheep have been starving without a master to feed them.

I pass by a couple of foxes as I lead the animals back to my little farm.

While traveling, I bump into some logs and wild chantrelles.

I take several detours on the journey back. The animals follow obediently behind me.

When I arrive at the farm, I quickly fill a Trough with food for the poor animals.

One Week Left!

The new and improved Haven and Hearth will be released on August 28th! Despite the delays, the game looks pretty good from the previews.

In this screenshot, you can see that the developers implemented some light and shadow effects. The new version will also feature height as part of the terrain.

The quest for metal will continue to be an important part of the game. From this screenshot, we may possibly have to deal with more than one kind of cave troll when mining.

Farming 101

Farming is a very useful skill in Haven and Hearth. This activity produces various food, crafting materials and utility items.

To improve results from farming activities, you will need to move your Personal Beliefs Nature/Industry slider completely towards Nature.

Currently, you can plant 14 different kinds of crops, the most important for beginners being: Carrots, Flax and Wheat.

You can also plant Trees of your own using the following: Treeplanter's Pot, Herbalist Table, Water, Soil and a seed of the tree you want to grow. Player-grown trees often have higher quality than wild trees.

You can tame wild animals to raise their domesticated forms. Cattle, Sheep and Pigs can be bred for higher quality beyond their wild cousins.

A Home Away From Home

I decide to reclaim an abandoned settlement some distance away from my current home.

The walls need some repair, but it's nothing some elbow grease can't fix.

This will serve as a good second home to improve my production. Scavenging can only get you so far.

The sky starts getting dark as I finish this tedious but necessary work

Palisade walls are far from a perfect defense, but it is often the best one can do for early to mid game safety.

Sightseeing Trip II

While wandering, I find someone's Wagon. This person was likely traveling alone.

Foul Scents are visible from afar - a clear sign of recent criminal activity.

Creative use of Farming can lead to some interesting designs.

This place reeks of Death. Hope I don't run into those responsible.

Players leave Skeletons behind, a grim reminder of the dangers of this world.

Sightseeing Trip

This is the entry to a village named, "The Solo Project".

Unlike most settlements, this one has a very clear aesthetic purpose.

This place gives a storybook feeling when you look at it.

The village "Lordaeron" looks like it is designed for efficient production.

Although there are signs of raiders, the place still seems to have a number of goods within.

The place has large dwellings and several layers of walls.

Most likely, this field was used for Carrot and Beeswax production.

Odd place to stop harvesting.

"The Republic of Laconia" is another village I found.

This place also has a very deliberate, aesthetic design.

Villages come in all shapes and sizes.

The Mines of "Ocean King"

Today, I decide to explore the labyrinthine mines of "Ocean King". Above is a short video of one of their many tunnels.

The first underground level has a huge tunnel area. I wonder what this was used for?

Other than a couple of Cupboards, the second level doesn't have much.

The third level has another large underground area.

The fourth level leads to a huge network of tunnels.

I follow the main one until I find this underground village.

Here, I find Ore Smelters, Kilns, Cheese Racks and a number of Cupboards. They are mostly empty.

Eventually, I find another tunnel leading underground.

Here, I find out a mined-out area. Most likely, the villagers were looking for Gold Nuggets.

After further exploration, I find another tunnel leading to the fifth underground level.

Here, I find a Wooden Chest with someone's Skull.

I spend most of the day searching the tunnels, but I don't find anything else of interest.