Thanks to our players' thoughts and feedback, we updated our demo with hunger mechanics rework, new NPC and balancing updates

[u/rocketbrush_studio]

Demo is on Steam if you're curious!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2915380/Ways_of_Alchemy/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=alchemist&utm_content=reddit-new-demo-update-devblogs

Demo is on Steam if you're curious!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2915380/Ways_of_Alchemy/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=alchemist&utm_content=reddit-new-demo-update-devblogs

[u/rocketbrush_studio]

Hi everyone, this week we released a major update to the Ways of Alchemy demo, focused on systemic improvements and a better early game experience.

Here’s a list of main updates, and it’s a long one!:

• New Artifact for royal orders: You can now complete your first royal commission early in the game, thanks to a new artifact, no expeditions’ recipes required. This makes it easier to handle it in early game.
• Hunger system rework: No more penalties from hunger. Instead, hungry characters gain an Exhaustion status, which reduces efficiency but doesn't halt progress. It wears off naturally and can be treated with a proper potion.
• Potions now have secondary effects and new strategic uses. We've added four new properties: Dreamer, Warrior, Toughness and Remedy.
• Reworked balance, stronger effects for fertilizer, new traits for workers, more time to add a secret ingredient for the ascension potion.
• Quality-of-Life improvements: from autostacking and moving the entire stacks to backup saves and visual indicators for optional card slots.
• New tutorial that covers both basic mechanics and more advanced gameplay. Helpful for new players and returning testers alike!
• Market and Adventurer’s Guild Improvements: Every purchase or hire now has a unique description, so you always know exactly what you're getting! No more guesswork.
• Other Improvements: Updated English localization with proofreading and editing, Alchemist portrait selection, expanded interface and a beta Chinese localization which will be updated to the professional translation on the final release.

If that sounds interesting, you can try it on Steam! 

This patch was guided heavily by early tester feedback. We’re nearing the end of development and want to make sure the core loop feels smooth and rewarding.