Hey Guardians!
Sunderfolk is a passion project for us. The concept started with couch coop, in-person experiences in mind. Our vision was to lower the barrier of entry to board game and TTRPG-like game experiences by utilizing the benefits of video games combined with a phone controller to allow people to easily get together in person, play together, and connect. While we continue to see lowering the barrier for in-person play and connection as an important part of our ongoing vision as a studio and company, through your invaluable feedback we also realize that many of you want to play Sunderfolk online together in a more traditional way.
As a result of your feedback, especially from PC players, our team is spending a considerable amount of time and effort reimplementing Sunderfolk to be fully playable from your PC without the need for a phone controller. With Sunderfolk 2.0 you will be able to control your characters with a mouse and keyboard as well as create and join online games directly from your PC.
On top of that, the team is adding an all new Hero to the game - the Vanguard - as well as two new scenarios that will be playable through the recently added One Shot Mode.
All of this will be freely available in our 2.0 update that we’re aiming to launch early next year. We’re very excited to share more about what the team has cooked up - read on for a Deep Dive into what to expect!
TL;DR:
- PC Mouse & Keyboard Support
- PC Online Multiplayer
- New Hero: The Vanguard
- New Missions
2.0 Overview
New Features
Mouse + Keyboard Controls
We’ve heard loud and clear that many of you PC Players - especially our solo players - wanted the option to play with full mouse and keyboard controls.
After a ton of iteration on UI, UX, and technical requirements, we’re excited to finally share our progress!
Couch co-op players can continue to use the existing controller-app setup, and this new scheme won’t replace or alter existing co-op controls.
Please keep in mind we’re still actively refining this feature, so the final version may look a little different at launch.
PC Online Multiplayer
While streaming the game for others to join via their phone controllers is a viable option, many players were hoping for a more traditional online multiplayer experience.
Our team has been hard at work adding a fully featured online multiplayer experience that will debut in Patch 2.0. PC players that own a copy of Sunderfolk can start an online multiplayer game that allows them to host or join online multiplayer sessions.
How It Works
- When launching Sunderfolk, a player can select “Online Multiplayer” to host or join a lobby.
- Hosts can create a lobby by selecting “Host”, which will take them to the Lobby screen. There, hosts will find an Invite Code available for sharing. Additionally, PC players can invite friends to join games through Steam’s existing right click invite feature.
- Players joining the Host’s lobby can click on “Join” to type in the Invite Code provided by the Host.
- Once all players are in, they can Ready Up to start the session.
Our reworked Online Multiplayer will launch with our 2.0 update, and will be available for Steam/PC users.
New Game Additions:
Vanguard
- Hero Type: Tank
- Abilities: Movement and Taking Hits
Arden is getting a new Hero in the form of a tanky brawler! The Vanguard will be the newest class in Sunderfolk with our 2.0 update, and will join the Berserker and Rogue in the frontlines.
Dev’s Note:
While other classes such as the Rogue and Arcanist offer multiple off tank options in Sunderfolk, a pure tank alternative to the Berserker was missing. The Vanguard fills the role but offers different damage mitigation and board manipulation alternatives to the Berserker. We can't wait to share more in next month's update!
We’ve given a small preview of their ears in an earlier AMA, and we’ll unveil more of our scrappy new hero soon so stay tuned!
Have some ideas on who the Vanguard is? We’re all ears.
More Adventures in the Sunderlands!
On top of our new tank class, we’re also introducing two new Scenarios to Sunderfolk - Sacred Sand and the Arena Rumble. Unlike the four One Shot missions that were developed for Patch 1.5, Scenarios contain missions that connect as a continuous experience. Each Scenario will tell new stories happening in the Sunderlands, with the difficulty increasing as you progress through them!
Sacred Sand
Visiting from a region known as the Sacred Sand, the Sacred Bug has traveled far to reach Arden’s Gate, seeking the Heroes’ aid in reclaiming her home from an ancient foe.
Journey alongside the Sacred Bug as she guides you through her Sacred Temple, and face new foes such as the Mummy; a cousin of the Skeleton, yet very different in many ways.
Navigate puzzles and trials, and help your new ally take back her home. Gather your team, dust off your weapons, and see if you have what it takes to recover a sacred totem from a colossal threat!
Arena Rumble
Wurmsbait invites you to his first-ever Arena Rumble! Prepare to face challenges unlike any you’ve seen before, as contenders from all across the Sunderlands (from the Claw Cavern to the Fungal Veil) gather to compete in this tournament. Rely on your wits, your teamwork, and, of course, those fabulous muscles as you battle for glory in the Ogre Arena!
You will battle familiar enemies, but they are only a taste of what’s to come. In every match, you will face a boss with a unique move set and abilities that challenge you in new ways.
Even more glorious boss battles await, worthy of the Heroes of Arden. Climb the Tournament bracket and challenge the Arena Champion, and claim their title for your own!
A Note From Secret Door
On behalf of Secret Door, from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank all of you that have come along on the Sunderfolk journey with us so far. The changes we’re adding for 2.0 are the direct result of your feedback and passion and we greatly appreciate all of you that have played the game, written reviews, provided feedback, and engaged with us over the last year.
You’ve helped inspire us to continue improving the game, you’ve helped us clarify the vision for the future, and helped shape what we have planned next. We’ll have further 2.0 updates across the next several weeks as development finalizes.
Beyond 2.0 we have another surprise in store to share soon, so stay tuned, Guardians. Additional journeys await… 👀!
Excited for what’s coming? We want to hear about it! Join our Discord, or follow us on all the social things.
See you in Arden!
The Sunderfolk Team
