FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

[Leisurely Luke]

Greetings, Viceroys!

We’re extremely grateful for your warm reception of Against the Storm - your support and love are highly appreciated.

We’re doing our best to keep up with all the messages we receive and to respond whenever possible. We also decided to prepare an FAQ to keep answers in one place.

We will try to update the thread as new questions appear.

Will my progress be reset with new updates or when the game is fully released?

No, we will never erase your progress with updates or on the full launch. We did our best to ensure that the Early Access programme is as convenient for the players as possible.

The game keeps separate save files (and their backups) for different layers of the game:

• Current settlement
  
• Current World Map cycle
  
• Meta progress

No update will ever erase your meta progress - you will keep your experience and Citadel Resources across every update and the full launch. If we change specific Smoldering City Upgrades or remove them, you will get the invested resources back and be able to spend them on other Upgrades.

Your current World Map cycle (the distribution of your settlements on the World Map, other Factions’ settlements, chests, modifiers, etc.) is unlikely to be reset often.

However, your current settlement will have to be force-finished every two weeks when we release new updates. In return, you will be reimbursed with Citadel Resources which you’d normally get for the settlement.

We added a countdown in the main menu, which shows when the next Update will be released.

Important: Please make sure to complete your settlement before the update if you don’t want it to be force-finished.

What happens to my save file when you release new updates?

As explained in the previous answer, the game has separate save files for three different layers of the game. Your meta progress will always remain intact

However, your current settlement will have to be force-finished every two weeks when we release new updates. In return, you will be reimbursed with Citadel Resources which you’d normally get for the settlement.

We strongly recommend that you complete your settlement before the update. Otherwise, you won’t be able to continue it and you’ll be reimbursed with Citadel Resources.

We added a countdown in the main menu, which shows when the next Update will be released.

Is there a demo available?

Yes! Head to Against the Storm page and click on the Download Demo button above the list of available languages on the right.

Does the progress from the demo transfer to the full version?

Yes, the progress from the demo will be loaded automatically when you launch the game and you will be able to continue playing with the new content. The save needs to be available locally on your drive as it won’t transfer automatically from the demo cloud’s save to the Early Access cloud save.

Is the progress shared across platforms?

It is! The game uses the same save folder across all platforms.

How long is the game going to be in Early Access?

We estimate to stay in Early Access for around 6 months (subject to change).

We decided to take some additional time to work on new features and improvements, especially in the World Map and meta layers of the game. The new estimated release window is Q4 2023.

What features are going to be added during Early Access?

We listed our plans for the upcoming updates on the roadmap:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1336490/view/3373785601484084345
The list of features is subject to change and not finite. We reserved a significant amount of development time to work on community requests.

We aim to release new Updates every two weeks on Thursdays around 1pm - 3pm UTC time. The first update on Steam is going to be released on November 10.

How can I share my feedback?

We work on Against the Storm in the spirit of community-driven development, so we provide you with multiple tools to influence and monitor the development:

• Feedback channels on Steam and Discord[discord.gg]
  
• Public feature request board[feedback.eremitegames.com]
  
• Public bug tracker[trello.com]

We recommend visiting the Feature request board (https://feedback.eremitegames.com/) regularly to suggest or vote for ideas that you’d like to see added to the game.

I have a problem with the game. What should I do?

It depends on the nature of the problem. We’re building a Knowledge Base[eremitegames.freshdesk.com] with solutions to various issues and answers to common questions. Please visit it first, if you have problems with the game.

If you can’t resolve your issues with your guides, you can:

• Create a new ticket on our helpdesk[eremitegames.freshdesk.com]
  
• Search for similar topics on Steam or Discord[discord.gg] (and start a new discussion if you can’t find a solution)
  
• Send a report via in-game reporter (F11). Please be aware that the report is anonymized and we won’t be able to reply.

Please also try some common solutions:

• Update your drivers
  
• Update Windows
  
• Verify integrity of game files
  
• Restart PC
  
• Update Corsair iCUE

When reaching out to us with your problem, please include:

• Zipped content of your entire game save folder: %userprofile%\appdata\locallow\Eremite Games\Against the Storm
  
• Detailed information about the problem
  
• Frequency of occurrence
  
• Screenshot or video (if possible)
  
• Your system specifications

With such information, it should be easier for us to help.

I got the “We failed to restore your settlement” message. What should I do?

This message can appear when the settlement save gets corrupted. Don’t worry, though! The game keeps separate saves and their backups for three different layers of the game (as explained in one of the posts above). Your meta progress is safe.

Firstly, please exit the game (click on the Main Menu button) and verify the integrity of game files on Steam.

If the message continues to appear, then you might have to start a new settlement instead by clicking on “New Game”. Again - your meta progress will remain intact.

I have a problem understanding the game. How can I get better?

Against the Storm is a complex game and it might take you a few games to become proficient at it. Here are a few things that can help you know the game better:

• In-game Atlas - available when pressing [Esc]
  
• Alerts - visible on the left side of the HUD. Click on them and the corresponding element will be highlighted or the camera will focus on it.
  
• Tooltips - many icons and texts have tooltips with additional information that appear after hovering the mouse on them.
  
• Repeat the tutorial - at any point, you can replay the entire tutorial - available when pressing [Esc] on the World Map.
  
• Wiki[hoodedhorse.com] - an official wiki maintained by our publisher and the community
  
• Online resources - there are various guides made by content creators, including a series of video tutorials from Wally1169

The game will also get easier as you purchase new permanent Upgrades in the Smoldering City.

Are there plans for Mac and Linux versions?

For now, there are no plans for official Linux and macOS support.

Do you plan to port the game to consoles?

For now, we focus on the PC version. It would be great to have Against the Storm available on consoles one day but for now, there are no specific plans. Keep your fingers crossed!

Is the game going to be Verified on Steam Deck?

We like the idea of having the game "Verified" on Steam Deck one day. We haven’t approached this topic yet, though, and hope to put more time into it sometime during Early Access.

While we don't have the "Playable" badge, some of us and other players played Against the Storm on Steam Deck. In its current state, the game could certainly benefit from the custom layout for better control, and surely the text could be larger in some places. But overall, it was playable (controlled mostly with touchpads). This is by no means an official confirmation that the game is "Playable" on Steam Deck - we don't have the "Playable" badge from Valve and we haven't done thorough testing internally.

Are you going to add more languages to the game?

We would love to have more languages in the game one day. However, we don’t plan to include more localizations during Early Access. We might be able to add new localizations on a full launch.

Will there be multiplayer?

There are no plans for multiplayer or co-op modes. From the very beginning, we designed Against the Storm to be a single-player experience and we’ll continue to add new single-player features to the game during Early Access.

This post was last updated on November 8.

May the storm be gentle on you,
Eremite Games

[Boshedo]

Love the new feature for Icue. I just got the game today and noticed it changed my colors on my Corsair Case. It was like it was raining. Keep up the good work guys.

[Happy_Michael]

i am the player who love this game. but i got a problem to save and load cloud file. usually i played 2 computers, but it is difficult to move due to cloud save file is not update or download easilly. now i got stuck on cloud file synchronization... is there any good tip?

[Leisurely Luke]

Originally posted by Happy_Michael:

i am the player who love this game. but i got a problem to save and load cloud file. usually i played 2 computers, but it is difficult to move due to cloud save file is not update or download easilly. now i got stuck on cloud file synchronization... is there any good tip?

First of all, I'm happy to hear you like our game so much ^^

Cloud synchronization is handled by Steam, so there's not much I can do. However, you can for example change the Download region on Steam (https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/5AC5-8056-E88F-F3FF) or move the files manually. Against the Storm save files are stored here:

%userprofile%\appdata\locallow\Eremite Games\

If you do the latter, please exercise caution when dealing with save files and create backups.

I hope this helps!

[angelgaby]

Loving the game! Have played it quite a lot, but what do I do with my Stockpiles and Machinery when I have purchased all the upgrades?

[Leisurely Luke]

Originally posted by angelgaby:

Loving the game! Have played it quite a lot, but what do I do with my Stockpiles and Machinery when I have purchased all the upgrades?

You can use them to purchase Stormforged perks in the Forsaken Altar on Prestige difficulty levels ^^

[kasnavada]

Hey there.

I just had a question, this was planned for 6 month of early access and the game got in early access 6 months ago. I'm totally fine with more early access to finish the polish of the game, but I'd rather wait for the full version for a buy.

Do you have an estimate for the release date ? If so is it possible to update the faqs ?

[Deathcarrier]

Originally posted by kasnavada:

Hey there.

I just had a question, this was planned for 6 month of early access and the game got in early access 6 months ago. I'm totally fine with more early access to finish the polish of the game, but I'd rather wait for the full version for a buy.

Do you have an estimate for the release date ? If so is it possible to update the faqs ?

I second the question, just came here for the same reason. I'm really impressed by the game so far and consider purchase but I have strict EA policy due to more than enough disappointments.

[Lil brekky]

Im bearish on EA as well, but community engagement and biweekly updates have come without fail on this project.. dont let past traumas discourage you, game feels (and is treated as if) complete and alive

[LordHobbs]

Seems going to the Experimental Branch isn't rewarding me achievements, is that correct?

[0x57A1CFA117]

The question I have is a little more niche... I'm trying to develop a nice little (not exactly little lol -- though that's kind've a testament to how in-depth the game is) Visio diagram of what component can be gathered from what and what building can produce what, and what output requires what ingredient, etc. I don't suppose there's some sort of easy way to export the icon assets out is there? I'm having to resort to screen capture, and doing a bunch of manual work to get the dark (almost black) green background and square things out and line up the text to be centered etc so I can paste them into Visio. Needless to say, a TON of work. For me, in the end I think it'll be helpful to visually assist me in deciding which things to choose when it comes up in the game (either via choosing which orders based on rewards, and which cornerstones or blueprints to start with, etc.) when asked.

I imagine my question seems I'm asking for something kind've invasive, but I guess I would liken access to the icons to something similar to the modding framework in the various Civilization games (though, I'm not asking for mods) On a side note, modability would be awesome, but it's way too early in development for me to be asking for that lol. I just want to be able to make myself a nice Visio diagram without the crazy amount of manual labor it's taking me for one icon :P

[Leisurely Luke]

Originally posted by Deathcarrier:

Originally posted by kasnavada:

Hey there.

I just had a question, this was planned for 6 month of early access and the game got in early access 6 months ago. I'm totally fine with more early access to finish the polish of the game, but I'd rather wait for the full version for a buy.

Do you have an estimate for the release date ? If so is it possible to update the faqs ?

I second the question, just came here for the same reason. I'm really impressed by the game so far and consider purchase but I have strict EA policy due to more than enough disappointments.

Hey! Indeed, we decided to add more content than initially planned so we will spend a few more months delivering bi-weekly updates. The full release is still planned for this year, although the exact date is not set yet as we also rely on some unknown external factors. You can expect it in the second half of 2023. We plan to share the roadmap update within a few days, but it won't include any clearer indication of when to expect the full release yet.

Originally posted by LordHobbs:

Seems going to the Experimental Branch isn't rewarding me achievements, is that correct?

Yes, that's correct - no achievements are rewarded on the Experimental Branch, I'm afraid.

Originally posted by 0x57A1CFA117:

The question I have is a little more niche... I'm trying to develop a nice little (not exactly little lol -- though that's kind've a testament to how in-depth the game is) Visio diagram of what component can be gathered from what and what building can produce what, and what output requires what ingredient, etc. I don't suppose there's some sort of easy way to export the icon assets out is there? I'm having to resort to screen capture, and doing a bunch of manual work to get the dark (almost black) green background and square things out and line up the text to be centered etc so I can paste them into Visio. Needless to say, a TON of work. For me, in the end I think it'll be helpful to visually assist me in deciding which things to choose when it comes up in the game (either via choosing which orders based on rewards, and which cornerstones or blueprints to start with, etc.) when asked.

I imagine my question seems I'm asking for something kind've invasive, but I guess I would liken access to the icons to something similar to the modding framework in the various Civilization games (though, I'm not asking for mods) On a side note, modability would be awesome, but it's way too early in development for me to be asking for that lol. I just want to be able to make myself a nice Visio diagram without the crazy amount of manual labor it's taking me for one icon :P

On players' requests, we export the game data for various Wiki purposes to this folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1FYz7lHGjc5b9QrsrdEU7yLg2nWam-CCy

We don't update it regularly, but if you join us on Discord[discord.gg], please feel free to ping me or telhurin on #wiki channel if you need any up-to-date data.

[0x57A1CFA117]

Originally posted by Leisurely Luke:

On players' requests, we export the game data for various Wiki purposes to this folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1FYz7lHGjc5b9QrsrdEU7yLg2nWam-CCy

We don't update it regularly, but if you join us on Discord[discord.gg], please feel free to ping me or telhurin on #wiki channel if you need any up-to-date data.

Oh wow, that's perfect; thanks!

[ivanpuel]

hi guys, i love the game, but since I bought it I have had problems, it has closed and even restarted my PC, I wanted to ask what the problem is due to, and if it is only me that happens to me, I have been able to finish games but I have had to close the program and continue from the last autosave and it's a bit annoying.

[Leisurely Luke]

Originally posted by ivanpuel:

hi guys, i love the game, but since I bought it I have had problems, it has closed and even restarted my PC, I wanted to ask what the problem is due to, and if it is only me that happens to me, I have been able to finish games but I have had to close the program and continue from the last autosave and it's a bit annoying.

Hey! I'm sorry to hear that :< Let me try my best to help.
If your entire PC is rebooting, it can be related to driver incompatibility, hardware overclocking, operating system malfunctions, faulty components, etc. That's because operating systems should prevent apps like games from shutting down the entire system.

As there are many potential sources of the PC crashing, there can be different solutions, depending on the case.

We prepared a short guide in which we collected various solutions that proved to work in the past and some general recommendations that you might find helpful in solving the issue: https://eremitegames.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/articles/80001074583

I hope this helps!

Additionally, we also collected various potential solutions that in the past helped other players resolve the issue of the game crashing: https://eremitegames.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/articles/80000781533

I recommend you give them a try as well.

If none of the solutions work, you can also send us the zipped contents of your game saves folder and we'll look into the logs and try to suggest additional recommendations. It's located here:

%userprofile%\appdata\locallow\Eremite Games

You can send them to [e-mail] or on Discord[discord.gg]. Cheers!

[Hensome]

Obviously the full release timeline was postponed based on the plan posted in Nov last year. Do you have any updated plan and approximate timeline when we should expect the full release of the game? Please update the FAQ accordingly as well. Thanks.