As we step into the new year, we can’t help but reflect on how much 2024 has shaped the vision for our game. It’s been a whirlwind of creativity, testing, and learning, but each challenge has brought us closer to delivering an experience we believe players will love. Here’s a look back at how the year unfolded.

January was a month of laying the groundwork. We focused deeply on worldbuilding, honing the concept of the warrior monks and their transformative abilities into primordial forms. These transformations became a core feature, not just mechanically but narratively, tying into ancient legends from the Far East. At the same time, we built our first gear dungeon which culminates in our first boss fight. Seeing it all come together was a defining moment for the team, a small glimpse of what was to come.

WIP of our first gear dungeonBy March, we were ready to take the first big step: Alpha 1. This was a one-week playtest opened for players in China, featuring early PvE content and our initial take on progression. Watching players interact with the systems we had crafted was both thrilling and humbling. The feedback was largely positive—players appreciated the foundations we’d laid—but it was clear we needed more content to keep them engaged. That week reinforced how much work lay ahead, but it also showed us that we were on the right path.

Spring brought a flurry of updates. In April and May, we added new primordials, each with distinct abilities, along with new mobs and dungeons. These additions started to diversify the gameplay, giving players more to experiment with. It was a time of rapid iteration as we worked to expand the world and introduce different playstyles.

Seatusk Level 20 Gear

June marked another major milestone: Alpha 2. This time, the playtest was open to overseas players and ran for two weeks. We doubled the number of dungeons and introduced two new bosses, giving players a glimpse of the mid-game experience. It was also the first real test of our early-to-mid gameplay loop. Feedback was invaluable, especially when it came to combat, where players pointed out areas that needed refinement.

With that feedback in hand, July and August became months of experimentation and polish. Combat was our primary focus, leading to the introduction of perfect block mechanics, improved UI feedback, and smoother movement. These changes made a noticeable difference in how the game felt. Another priority was addressing the lack of social systems, which players had pointed out during the earlier tests. Clan and grouping features began to take shape, paving the way for a more cooperative experience. Lastly, we revisited the cast of primordials, working to make each one feel more unique and meaningful.

Perfect Block VFX showcase

In September, we returned with a month-long Alpha 3 test for players in China. This time, we made available multiple progression loops, giving players a more comprehensive look at the game. The feedback was incredibly detailed, highlighting areas for improvement in progression pacing and design. It was clear we were getting closer, but there was still plenty to refine

The final stretch of the year, from October to December, was about taking a step back and addressing some foundational issues we consistently encountered in the three Alphas. Player onboarding had been a recurring pain point in feedback, so we revisited the early game experience to make it smoother and more engaging. New guidance systems were added to help players understand the combat and their goals, and we worked hard to instill a stronger sense of purpose in those opening hours.

Worldbuilding was also a revisited focus. The peak, a central feature of the game’s world, was further developed, and the surrounding territory map was redesigned to emphasize its significance. Alongside this, we introduced PvP rules for different zones, laying the groundwork for action-packed elements that will play a major role in the game.

Concept of the PeakLooking ahead to 2025, we’re gearing up for our Closed Beta at the end of March. This will be a critical step as we prepare for Early Access, and we can’t wait to welcome players into this next phase of development.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support and feedback have been the driving force behind everything we’ve achieved this year. Here’s to an even bigger and better 2025!

Greetings Warriors,

As some of you may have noticed on our Steam page, we recently wrapped up a three-week playtest focused on the China region.

Our team received tons of positive, actionable feedback from players, which we’re diving into to make the game even better. Here are some fun stats and highlights from the playtest—enjoy!


P.S. We do not currently have a date for the next playtest. As soon as we've set one, we'll let everyone know!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2015760/Havenhold/