Dev Log #3: Core Systems, UI Improvements & World Update

Happy New Year Adventurers!

Valorwood is still getting closer to Alpha Phase 2, over the holidays development has continued to focus on strengthening the game’s core systems and improving moment-to-moment clarity. This update is largely about foundations, refining how the game feels to play now, while ensuring systems can scale cleanly as more content is introduced.

Inventory & Item Handling Improvements

Item interactions have been streamlined to reduce friction during gameplay. Usable items will now move directly into the hotbar when space is available, rather than always being routed through the inventory first. This keeps exploration and combat flowing without unnecessary menu management.

Item durability feedback has also been improved. Instead of a static durability bar, items now use a colour-coded system that shifts from green to red, making equipment condition immediately readable at a glance.

UI & Input Clarity Pass

A major usability pass has been completed across UI input prompts. Text-based inputs have been replaced with icon-driven indicators, improving readability and controller support, including Steam Deck compatibility.

Interaction menus are now more context-aware and remain open when working with objects such as workbenches. The underlying input architecture has also been reworked to support future remapping and platform-specific layouts more cleanly.

Progression & XP Systems

Core XP systems have been expanded and stabilised across multiple gameplay areas. Exploration, combat, and skill usage now correctly reward XP, with full save and load support in place. Health, stamina, and mana progression are directly tied to player behaviour, while combat XP accounts for both damage dealt and damage blocked.

A new level-up UI has been introduced, and XP systems are being aligned toward a unified skill tree. Some skills are fully implemented, while others are scaffolded and planned for future Alpha phases.

World Content: Resources & Mining

The overworld continues to expand with meaningful resource placement. Farming resources such as carrots, turnips, and pumpkins have been added across major biomes, alongside iron and gemstone deposits.

All mining locations are now placed and functional, with ongoing balance passes to ensure pacing and distribution feel right as progression systems evolve.

AI Behaviour & Combat Feedback

Enemy combat feedback has been improved with the integration of a new health bar system that reacts dynamically to distance and visibility. Health bars only appear when relevant, keeping the screen clear while still providing useful information during encounters.

Base AI has been reintroduced to the main island following a large NavMesh optimisation pass. This allows full-island navigation while maintaining performance, laying the groundwork for more advanced AI behaviours in later Alpha stages.

Closing Thoughts

This update was about strengthening Valorwood’s foundations. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, it directly improves clarity, pacing, and long-term scalability as the game continues toward more complex systems and content in Alpha Phase 2 and beyond.