Meeting the Neighbors

Since the game just started, I bump into a number of players while exploring.

Most of them seem to be in a hurry, but I do my best to be friendly.

Here, I bump into a flock of chickens. Lucky!

Chickens don't run away when you approach them. You can pick them up easily.

After plucking, cleaning and butchering the chicken, I use the Bone Material and a Bough to make a Bone Saw.

Rune stones seem to work the same way as in the old version of the game.

After learning Carpentry, I craft a Bucket and a pair of Clogs. Note that you can now drink straight from the Bucket!

Most players seem to be friendly at this stage of the game.

I found this cave while exploring. These will be key sources of early game metal.

While settling here is tempting, I decide to move on. There is still much more to discover!

Humble Beginnings

As I step into this new world, I take some time to learn the updated game mechanics.

Like before, you can chip stones from boulders. Character animations and sound effects have been added for activities like this.

Crafting is still a key part of the game. Here, I make myself a Stone Axe from a branch and a stone.

Looks like you can gain Experience points from achieving certain tasks, such as stepping into shallow water for the first time.

Experience points are separate from Learning points. Studying now requires both types of points.

Learning lore and skills is also a key part of the game. I recommend learning Foraging, Hunting and Lumberjacking as soon as you can.

Skills that can be improved incrementally are now called Abilities. The Study Report is in this page as well.

While definitely more polished than the previous versions, I often find myself worrying about my remaining play time. I like the game, but I can't say that it is worth the rates they are currently charging. Haven and Hearth is still in "Eternal Alpha", after all.

First Impressions

Like previous versions, you start out in the new Haven and Hearth as a formless wisp in the character creation area.

New players are guided by a short narrative as they follow the main path.

You can start out as either a male or female character.

The character portrait on the upper left reflects what you are currently wearing, which in this case, is absolutely nothing.

Talk to the wizard character at the end of the path to name your character.

You can also find this small garden with a mysterious rune stone. Like before, you can take some time to discover basic items before leaving the area.

To enter the actual game world, just walk through the campfire near the wizard. Another adventure begins!

New Payment Scheme

While I was planning to post about early game play impressions, I couldn't help but highlight this new and unexpected change first. If you look at the home page, Haven and Hearth now has an online store.

Note that every previous iteration of this game was completely free to players.

Free accounts start with 48 hours of in-game play time, which is refilled with an additional 12 hours every month.

Verified accounts start with an additional 24 hours of play time, 24 hours refilled monthly, access to the old version of Haven and Hearth and an in-game hat. This all costs a one-time fee of $15.

Unlimited play time can be bought in 1, 3, 6 and 12 month increments. Note that this comes in the form of an in-game token that can be freely traded or given away to other players.

You can also support the patch with donations for unique in-game hats.

Subscriptions are also available, offering a number of different payment options.

While there is much debate in the official forums, a number of players have already joined the new version of the game. I'll be posting more news as events unfold.

Soon...

The current Haven and Hearth server was just shut down in preparation for the new release. In a few hours, a new world will be ready for players to enter.

The official forum is bustling with activity. Take some time to visit and read about the upcoming features.

Note that custom clients will not work with the new version. Everyone will start using the new and improved default client.

The start of the new world is sure to be exciting. Hope to see you there!

Visiting Emerald City III

Last video of the series. Here, we have an interesting chat with Em and the new visitor.

Visiting Emerald City II

Emerald City has a vast network of Crossroads. This one leads to their underground industry.

Towards the end of this visit, another visitor arrives at Emerald City.