Greg Styczen, the creative force behind the indie medieval city-building game Manor Lords, recently shared a sneak peek on Steam of what’s coming in the game’s next update, and it’s packed with new features that fans are eager to explore. Even though Manor Lords, still in Early Access, has won praise for its dedication to realism, some have pointed out the irregularity of updates as a downside. Styczen, working solo under his studio Slavic Magic, faces challenges in delivering frequent updates, but the upcoming patch is set to bring plenty of intriguing additions.
Although there isn’t an official release date yet for this next update, fans can look forward to a significant overhaul of key features and new maps that promise to enhance the already captivating, history-rich gameplay. Despite the vague timeline, it seems Styczen is preparing for a strong finish to 2024, possibly aiming to end the year with a bang.
One exciting aspect of this update includes two brand-new maps, alongside improvements in building upgrades, and a complete reworking of ale and water distribution systems, plus a marketplace revamp.
Players have been eagerly anticipating more content and better quality-of-life features, and this upcoming list of upgrades seems to hit the mark. While details about the two new maps remain under wraps, apart from a hint of snowy conditions, Styczen has shared insights into other enhancements. The tweaks to ale and water systems are expected to make taverns and wells operate more efficiently within the villages, acknowledging the game’s fine attention to detail. This change aims to enrich the overall gameplay experience, which many players find enthralling.
A noteworthy feature is the display of supply and demand for each town’s wellheads, helping players manage the villagers’ needs more effectively.
Revamping the marketplace and goods distribution within the game now includes a highly requested feature. According to a post on the Manor Lords Steam page, Styczen has “tested three different systems to find an engaging, intuitive, and easy-to-understand solution.” But that’s not all—marketplaces will now have distribution filters, fulfilling a long-time player request. By incorporating such features, Styczen demonstrates a clear commitment to listening to player feedback, which is a positive sign for the game’s development.
As the year winds down, there’s still time before 2025 to see these exciting changes unfold. Styczen’s recent Steam post could mean he is simply keeping players informed about future expectations, or it might hint that the update is just around the corner. Though still on its journey to becoming a complete title, Manor Lords seems to have made a promising start. Watching this city-builder evolve will undoubtedly be thrilling, as new features roll out and keep players on their toes.
Adding to the excitement, Manor Lords has been nominated for this year’s prestigious Game Awards—a remarkable achievement, especially for an indie game still in Early Access. Should it win and also release a significant update, Styczen’s medieval creation could have a very memorable conclusion to the year.
In fact, Manor Lords is in the running for the Best Debut Indie Game category at the Game Awards, airing on December 12.
Manor Lords offers a strategic dive into medieval life, allowing players to expand a humble village into a thriving city, juggling resource management and production while aiming for expansion through conquest. Rooted in authentic historical art and architecture, the game mirrors the true formation of classic medieval towns, avoiding clichés in favor of a more genuine, vibrant experience. With no grid system, players enjoy full creative freedom within the game’s city-building mechanics, making every settlement unique.
The game boasts an array of era-appropriate goods, requiring players to carefully balance basic and luxury needs for their community, while also catering to trade and military production, all of which ensure a well-rounded gaming experience. Slavic Magic’s use of Unreal Engine 4 captures the medieval aesthetic with impressive fidelity, further enhancing the immersive nature of the game. Released in April 2024 and published by Hooded Horse, Manor Lords continues to garner interest for its genuine portrayal of a medieval lord’s life.
