The Escapist https://www.escapistmagazine.com/ Everything fun Fri, 14 Mar 2025 03:35:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cropped-escapist-favicon.jpg?fit=32%2C32 The Escapist https://www.escapistmagazine.com/ 32 32 211000634 Full Patch Notes for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update 1.2 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/full-patch-notes-for-kingdom-come-deliverance-2-update-1-2/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/full-patch-notes-for-kingdom-come-deliverance-2-update-1-2/#disqus_thread Fri, 14 Mar 2025 03:35:31 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1009252 Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has just gotten a new update in the form of patch 1.2, and it’s a pretty big one. This patch comes with the first wave of DLC releases, as well as plenty of fixes and other quality-of-life improvements. Here are the full patch notes for patch 1.2:

Table of contents

New

Barber

Introduced the barber feature. Check it out in Zhelejov and Kuttenberg!

Features

Achievements

– Adjusted the difficulty of certain skill checks so that the player can unlock the Close One achievement more reliably.

– Fixed the issue where the achievement The Lord Taketh Away would sometimes unlock without meeting its conditions.

Alchemy

– Improved lighting effects.

– Improved resolution of the fire texture.

– Fixed pouring animation causing a flash.

– Fixed an incorrectly localised label in the list of alchemy recipes.

Animals

– Improved dying animations and ragdoll for cows and bulls.

– Fixed some animal spawners not working correctly.

– Fixed reactions of hares to Mutt.

– Fixed random movement of animals and reduced the frequency of their turns.

Archery range

– Arrows are now re-equipped automatically after archery contest.

– Fixed the issue with the competitor NPCs sometimes ceasing to shoot.

Balancing

– Rebalanced how quickly food goes bad over time.

– Rebalanced armour durability values; the durability spread is now wider, so smaller distinctions between armours are now more readable.

– Rebalanced the formula for triggering a black-out from being drunk.

– Rebalanced stealth items.

– Rebalanced the price of meat and other items lootable from animals.

– Rebalanced the difficulty of pickpocketing NPCs.

– Rebalanced the amount of damage each armour layer receives.

– Rebalanced the influence of an item’s quality on its price.

– Rebalanced the prices of horse equipment.

– Rebalanced the prices and stats of jewellery.

– Rebalanced item weights.

– Rebalanced comfort for studying books in inns.

– Changed ranged weapons distribution within shops and other places.

– Changed stats of the Gallant Huntsman’s Kit.

– Slightly improved loot from chests in some bandit camps.

– Lowered skill-teacher prices.

– Lowered the overall value of caravan chest contents.

– Made polearms stronger.

– Made shields cheaper.

– Increased the price for which player can sell herbs.

– Recalculated items’ conspicuousness based on their appearance.

– Fixed the incorrect display of item’s maximum charisma when the item is dirty.

– Made several locks in the Trosky region easier to allow for a smoother levelling curve.

– Made locks on chests containing mostly food easier to lockpick.

– Adjusted lockpicking difficulty for some horse traders’ chests.

– Fixed exploit with a restocking chest containing a Balanced Die.

– Fixed incorrect arrow damage values.

Blacksmithing

– Generally rebalanced the blacksmithing minigame. 

– Improved visual indication of workpiece cooling.

– Added horseshoe recipes to various merchants and locations.

– Removed bezoar from alchemy and added it to blacksmithing.

– Fixed the alignment of semi-finished products at the forge and anvil.

– Fixed the Knight’s sword recipe.

– Fixed issue with not being able to interact with blacksmiths who are idling while player is using their smithery for the minigame.

Carts

– Increased the distance at which the interactor for getting on carts is available.

– Fixed player sometimes spawning right inside a cart when interacting with events close to the Vidlak Pond.

– Fixed the issue with carts sometimes leaving behind their invisible collision even after despawning.

– Fixed cartwheels not aligning with ground properly.

– Fixed players sometimes randomly dying after dismounting a cart.

Combat

– Increased damage from hits from the multi-hit combos.

– Added proper facial animations for Henry during the mercy kill execution.

– Adjusted the animation of drawing a bow while moving.

– Being hit will no longer interrupt the player drawing a weapon.

– Adjusted the free attack animation used when holding a torch.

– Adjusted the animation of a dog attacking a target that is holding a ranged weapon.

– Improved animation for transitioning into aiming with the crossbow.

– Introduced a short delay between melee attacking an opponent while not locked on to reduce the effectiveness of attack spamming.

– Adjusted the animation of the player being pulled down from a horse in combat.

– Adjustments for few sound effects such as hits to the shield or firing of the crossbow.

– The player is no longer able to easily back away from attacking enemies, thanks to the slowdown effect during hit reaction.

– Improved the animation of NPCs shooting from a crossbow.

– Properly adjusted damage type for master strikes when deciding between usage of slash or stab damage value.

– Adjusted damage of the upper master strike with shortsword and shield.

– Adjusted limits of the freelook feature in combat.

– Fixed various freezes following from causing massive mayhem in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed the issue with missing audio responses for attacks and hits.

– Fixed issues with disarming NPCs or player when they were supposed to die from a clinch attack.

– Fixed an occasional infinite fader after being knocked to the ground with low health in a fist fight.

– Fixed an issue with player holding ranged weapon getting knocked back long distances by unarmed enemies.

– Fixed the NPC logic of when to use a torch in unarmed combat.

– Fixed animation alignment while player is backing up while blocking with shield.

– Fixed the issue with NPC’s additive animation for torch while fighting with a dog or a wolf.

– Fixed sometimes missing the chat option to surrender.

– Fixed camera issues in unarmed fight with dogs/wolves.

– Fixed the issue with NPCs not dying properly when running away from player and getting hit by the tackling attack.

– Fixed the issue with player striking the air in a sequence of attacks during clinch if the enemy gets killed by the first strike.

– Fixed some battle cries not being played properly during battles.

– Fixed NPCs being indecisive about bandaging themselves, fighting, or running away in combat.

– Fixed dying enemies still looking at their opponent.

– Fixed the issue with NPCs unreasonably pulling out ranged weapons in melee combat.

– Fixed the player being able to interrupt weapon drawing animation of NPCs indefinitely through their attacks.

– Fixed audio for combat clinches.

– Fixed missing sound while parrying an attack from clinch. 

– Fixed wolves and dogs not transitioning into ragdoll properly under certain circumstances.

– Fixed the issue with the player being able to turn the camera 360° vertically while using free look and holding block in combat. 

Crime

– Made NPCs less precise in where they’re going to look when investigating a sound heard from far away.

– Torch visibility buff now applies even if the torch is not visible while equipped.

– Improved reaction for guards when player steals a corpse that’s currently being guarded.

– Items in player’s stash now keep their stolen item marker.

– Improved the mechanism determining whether an NPC should interrupt player who is currently skipping time in trespass.

– Boosted hearing for NPCs reacting to a violent or criminal situation.

– Adjusted NPC behaviour when feeling threatened by the player.

– Revised reactions to sleeping in beds owned by NPCs.

– NPCs watching a violent situation will now flee if the source of the violence moves too close to them.

– Made enemy corpses now persist in the game longer before despawning.

– Improved an animation of a surrendering NPC.

– Improved reaction for when the player is seen lockpicking a door and opens lockpicked doors in front of the arresting guard.

– Added a tutorial for displaying the list of crimes when in the crime confrontation dialogue for the first time.

– Added more overlay tutorials for the rabbit icons.

– Adjusted cooldowns for various reactions of bandits.

– Changed how civilians react to the player’s dog in stealth areas.

– Fixed a violent assault crime sometimes not being elevated to a murder after the NPC dies.

– Fixed the resisting-arrest crime sometimes incorrectly persisting through an NPC’s unconsciousness.

– Fixed authorities sometimes confronting player in their underwear when raised from their bed at night.

– Fixed NPCs sometimes still looking for the player even though they are fighting right in front of them.

– Fixed NPCs sometimes seeing the player’s actions through obstacles.

– Fixed NPCs sometimes being able to see behind themselves.

– Fixed and rebalanced calculating the angriness of a location triggered by player’s thefts and violence.

– Fixed prolonged loading times caused by stuck NPCs.

– Fixed dialogues about resolving crimes not making sense in the context of Sigismund’s camp.

– Fixed the crime icon stuttering while inside a bush.

– Fixed no fine being calculated for stealing certain horses.

– Fixed issues related to resolving crimes with victims who had been unstreamed in the meantime.

– Fixed NPCs sometimes confronting player about a drawn weapon or other minor issues after being released from the surrender dialog.

– Fixed the recognition rabbit icon sometimes getting stuck.

– Fixed NPCs incorrectly using combat barks meant for group skirmishes when in skirmish with only one person and an animal.

– Fixed player being able to walk through an NPC who is currently arresting them through triggering the ghosting mechanism.

– Fixed the arrest dialogue with guards being broken under rare conditions.

– Fixed being able to start a friendly chat with a NPC in a brief moment after pickpocketing them.

– Fixed the NPC reaction to shooting during a combat encounter.

– Fixed the NPC reaction to arrows/bolts flying by while reporting crime.

– Fixed the NPC reaction to the player lockpicking when the lockpicking should be legal.

– Fixed the NPC reaction to being attacked, but missed, while they’re surrendering to the player.

– Fixed locks not getting locked after player is arrested for lockpicking.

– Fixed the issue where a civilian would not stop banishing the player’s horse.

– Fixed animation issues with a poisoned NPC attempting to run.

– Fixed NPC pathfinding when looking for an active shooter.

Cutscenes

– Made equipped arrows and bolts show on player even within cutscenes.

– Fixed several reasons for video sometimes stuttering during cutscenes.

– Fixed issues with player’s helmet visors in cutscenes.

– Fixed consistency issues across cutscenes.

– Fixed green frames sometimes briefly appearing at the beginning of cutscenes.

– Fixed general synchronization issues.

Daily life

– Generally improved NPC daily schedules across both maps.

– Improved the animation of NPCs sweeping.

– Revised the logic of locking shop doors.

– Improved animation transitions when leaving the leaning stance, now considering the movement direction.

– Improved female beggar pose and animations.

– Improved female sitting pose and idle animations.

– Adjusted trespass at the saddler’s tent by the horse market in Kuttenberg.

– Food items on shelves at the bakery in Tarmark in Kuttenberg are no longer free.

– Adjusted trespass in some of the backrooms in the city bathhouse in Kuttenberg.

– Added an animal companion restriction for tents inside the Sigismund’s camp.

– Adjusted the placement of smoke particles by multiple windows in Kuttenberg.

– Added water particles for NPCs when they wash themselves / drink from troughs.

– The baker in Tarmark now locks his door when he finishes his shift.

– Added a time period before the next bandit starts patrolling the route after the previous bandit was eliminated.

– Door to the player’s room at the Devil’s Den now remains open.

– Fixed day cycles of people at the northern gate of Kuttenberg.

– Fixed day cycles for villagers in Suchdol at night.

– Fixed some food items being free at the Kuttenberg vegetable market.

– Fixed the tailor’s store being left unguarded and unlocked in the evening in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed innkeepers getting stuck by the barrel in the Hole in the Wall tavern.

– Fixed various house doors in Kuttenberg being left unlocked at night.

– Fixed the issue with Cuman soldiers not talking with each other in Sigismund’s camp.

– Fixed constantly active trespass in the smithy in Hoprink in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed a trespass behind the counter of the baker in the Czech quarter in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed the possibility of Mutt easily falling into the mine shafts west of Kuttenberg.

– Fixed issues with some items not having a proper owner in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed NPCs in Miskowitz sometimes falling under terrain while feeding chickens.

– Fixed various places in Kuttenberg where player started reading a book on a bookstand through an NPC reading the same book.

– Fixed conflicts of NPCs wanting to use an item for their behaviour and having to hide it while using a ledge or a ladder.

– Fixed the issue with one of the Kuttenberg fortification towers having a blue trespass instead of the correct red one.

– Fixed the issue with one of the Kuttenberg fortification towers not being marked as trespass consistently across all of its area.

– Fixed the issue with some guards in Kuttenberg not preferring sleep to heal when they are hurt as they should.

– Fixed the baker in the Czech Quarter in Kuttenberg not selling anything.

– Fixed issues related to NPCs using torches wanting to climb a ladder or lie in bed.

– Food items are no longer free at the baker’s stand in Jewish quarter.

– Fixed a certain part of the Kuttenberg underground allowing companions to appear.

– Fixed robbing dead smugglers in the Kuttenberg underground being considered stealing.

– Fixed an NPC stacking wood inside a wall in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed locking of doors leading to the Kuttenberg underground.

– Fixed an issue where NPC would pick up a filled bowl when picking up an empty one.

– Fixed Adder not having a daily routine active after spying in Maleshov.

Dice

– Added more money to some dice players.

– Fixed Agility XP gain when starting a dice game.

– Fixed dice sometimes clipping with the badge.

Environment

– Generally improved environment across both maps.

– Improved environment close to the level barrier so that it looks nicer even though it is not accessible.

– Improved the look of Trosky castle from far away.

– Adjusted interior visibility from afar in the Emperor Charles tavern.

– Reworked NPC navigation in Kuttenberg, allowing NPCs to take better advantage of wider streets.

– Removed out of place collisions on the river by Sedletz.

– Improved shadows on the St James Church model.

– Improved textures of certain houses in Suchdol.

– Placed better chairs in the Devil’s Den.

– Improved lighting in Kuttenberg.

– Points-of-interests underground are now no longer discovered when walking over them on the surface.

– Improved textures on several houses in Kuttenberg.

– Removed a shadow artifact from the bathtub model.

– Improved normal maps of the shelf model.

– Fixed NPC navigation issues in several Kuttenberg houses.

– Fixed NPC navigation in several places around the Nebakov fortresss.

– Fixed multiple issues with inconsistent lights on Suchdol fortress. 

– Fixed water being luminescent in the tunnels below Maleshov.

– Fixed reflections in the northern area of the Trosecko map.

– Fixed the lighting and smoke particles at cauldrons.

– Fixed Z-fighting of various rocks.

– Fixed Z-fighting in Kuttenberg battlements guard towers.

– Fixed Z-fighting on buildings in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed Z-fighting on Suchdol battlements.

– Improved several house visuals in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed stretched texture on a yellow house in Tarmark street.

– Fixed houses missing interior when viewed from a distance.

– Fixed a bad looking house corner in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed an issue where player could go underwater in certain parts of the river by Sedletz.

– Fixed the unclimbable stairs in the All Saints tavern.

– Fixed several issues in houses in the Suchdol village.

– Fixed the missing shrine outside of the village on the Maleshov map.

– Fixed many trees being placed slightly above the terrain.

– Fixed raining inside of a barn in Zhelejov.

– Fixed the player’s head clipping through a wall in a Vrchlitz cellar.

– Fixed inaccessible tailor’s shop in Kuttenberg.

– Fixed issues which could cause the player to get stuck in various places.

Fast/travel

– Added a fast-travel point to Bozhena’s hut.

– Made dialogue prompts triggering fast-travel more consistent across different quests.

– Fixed missing dots during fast-travel.

Horse riding

– Improved the automatic follow feature while on a horse whose stamina is depleted.

– Improved road magnetism.

– Fixed conflict between road magnetism and the automatic follow feature.

– Fixed horse speed restriction in Miskowitz.

Horse trading

– Reworked the transaction in Semine resulting in getting Pebbles as a companion.

– Fixed automatic horse gear equipping after buying a new horse.

Characters

– Improved the visual asset for von tBergow’s face.

– Reduced details of physical simulation of clothes on distant NPCs to improve performance.

– Turned on local lights influence on hair even with the low graphical preset.

– Improved Rosa’s hair.

– Improved textures of women’s bodies.

– Improved textures and overall quality of many character outfits.

– Improved the clothes of several unique characters with added details and polish.

– Fixed physical simulation of clothes not running in inventory.

– Fixed the model of the Crested cuman helmet

Maintenance

– Added the option to repair bows and crossbows to more NPCs, most notably huntsmen.

– Reworked how blood and dirt work on shields and how it is cleaned when the player washes themselves.

– Improved visual effects when damaged firearms explode.

– Fixed non-repairable items sometimes activating the damaged-armour debuff.

– Fixed wielder not getting damaged when a damaged firearm explodes in their hands.

– Fixed broken water trough in Bylany.

– Fixed Bascinets not getting cleaned when using washing spots near rivers.

– Fixed an issue where baths would temporarily disable by constantly entering and leaving dialogue with the bathhouse owner.

– Fixed broken haggle in bathhouses.

Music

– Added more music for villages in the Trosky region.

– Changed mood music for Opatowitz village.

– Added more music into the credits sequence.

Mutt

– Added a marker for Mutt on the map and compass when the player sends Mutt to Zhelejov/Devil’s Den.

– Made it harder for the player to feed Mutt during combat. Work first, treats later!

– Mutt can no longer enter the fighting arena in the Jewish quarter.

– Fixed Mutt sometimes being unable to return to the mill during the night.

– Fixed an issue with Henry not saying anything when Mutt finds an interesting place or object while searching.

– Fixed some of Mutt’s internal timers not resetting correctly through save/load.

Performance

– Generally improved performance and stability.

– Optimized Kuttenberg marketplaces for better performance.

– Improved frame rate stability in battle parts of quests.

– Optimized streaming of NPC visuals, especially in Kuttenberg.

– Improved level switch duration by over 15 seconds on average.

– Limited the number of torches drawn by NPCs in large skirmishes to improve performance.

– Fixed late game stutter in Kuttenberg due to various reputation problems.

Photo mode

– Changed controls for opening Photo Mode on controllers.

– Fixed controller vibrations persisting when opening Photo Mode while using the grindstone.

Platform-specific fixes

– PC/PS5 – Fixed adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller sometimes not working properly.

– PS5 – Fixed audio stuttering when playing with headphones connected to a controller.

– PS5: The Media button no longer pauses the game.

– PS5 – Fixed visual artifacts in the sky when objects were close to the camera.

– Steam Deck – Fixed incorrect button prompts.

– Windows – Added enabling/disabling Audio enhancements directly from main menu.

– Windows – Fixed the keyboard input sometimes getting stuck after system locale change.

– Xbox – Fixed controller sometimes disconnecting before initialization.

– Xbox – Fixed sometimes incorrectly unlocking preorder rewards or season-pass rewards.

– Xbox – Fixed inventory icons sometimes being blurry on Xbox Series S.

PROS

– Fixed placeholder text and icons for PROS appearing in the main menu.

– Fixed a rare case in which PROS would fail to connect.

Random events

– Fixed missing random events after starting a new playthrough.

– Added more goods for several event merchants.

– Removed the chance of a bandit camp spawning right by the Semine fort.

– Fixed logic within the random event with a villager celebrating his newborn.

– Fixed cooldowns of random event variants.

– Fixed carts rarely being moved outside of the playable area when loading a save.

– Fixed random events spawning so their state is consistent during save and load.

– Repositioned few of events so that they are not right next to fast-travel exit points.

– Fixed bandits sometimes never ceasing to loot victims’ corpses.

– Fixed the issue of not being able to loot unconscious event NPCs after loading the game.

Reputation

– Fixed several logical issues within the world’s reputation/faction tree.

– Fixed issues in Tachov and Nebakov location description.

Shop

– Removed asking the player if they want to haggle after already confirming selling their items for all of the NPC’s current wealth.

– Improved the logic for rounding amounts in shop.

– Improved shop haggle logic. 

– Shops no longer sell cobwebs.

– Fixed an issue where items would remain in the shop basket from a previous encounter if the user loaded a savegame during price negotiation.

Skills & perks

– Rebalanced XP gain for Vitality, Agility, Thievery, Stealth, Marksmanship, Houndmaster, Horseriding, and melee weapon skills. Specifically training Marksmanship should be noticeably easier now and training melee weapon skills should be slightly slower.

– Prevented exploiting the Next to Godliness perk for indefinite healing.

– Reimplemented the Warmonger perk so that it increases player’s chance to land a hit on enemy in addition to its previous benefits.

– The Against All Odds perk now has a visible buff icon next to the health bar while it’s active.

– The Opening Strike perk now functions on every hit, even if the player does not damage the health of the target.

– Fixed the issue with the bonus from the Gladiator perk not showing up as a buff in the Swords skill.

– Fixed the issue with activating Surprise Attack / Ambusher perks’ effects when shooting dead bodies.

– Fixed the issue with the Train Hard, Fight Easy! perk applying only to melee weapons.

– Fixed the missing color indication for buffed values in inventory screen while the River perk is active.

– Rebalanced values for the Tendon Slicer perk.

– Fixed the time period during which the Fundamentals of Theology perk is active.

– Fixed the Escape Artist II perk being available to pick even without its Escape Artist I prerequisite.

– Fixed the issue with the Dark Arts Apprentice perk giving an unlimited sprinting stamina between 0:00 and 4:30.

– Fixed stuttering caused by the Local Hero perk.

Stealth

– Created new clothing and equipment specifically supporting stealth gameplay and rebalanced stealth stats for all clothing.

– Fixed material transparency in Trosky castle which allowed NPCs to see through some obstacles.

– Fixed NPC reactions to pebbles being thrown from a different floor.

Takedowns

– Added screaming of NPCs when being stealth killed.

– Improved takedown and stealth kill animations for lying NPCs in complicated areas.

– Removed animation glitch at the end of the slaughter animation. 

– Improved stealth kill animations.

– Polished animations of stealth killing female NPCs.

– Improved light of falling torch after stealth killing or knocking out an NPC.

– Stealth kills are now more likely to fail.

– Fixed positioning player’s hands on takedown victim’s face.

Tutorials

– Disabled tutorial about not having to hold W while riding a horse repeating.

– Added new tutorials providing hints about fighting multiple opponents.

– Fixed damaged hand cannon tutorial appearing inappropriately.

UI

– Main Menu: Fixed invalid result when pressing PROS and Credits at the same time.

– Made POI icons on the map smaller.

– Removed rain from the inventory UI.

– Adjusted the colour indication in the inventory when player is overloaded.

– Removed false notification about discovering Suchdol when game loaded into the Kuttenberg level after startup.

– Removed map marker for items in player’s horse inventory.

– Added horse stat icons to the Horse/Sidekicks tab.

– Improved lighting and shadows in the inventory.

– Fixed incorrect UI message being displayed after loading a save that was created while getting out of a bed.

– Fixed consistency of skill teacher icons so they are not visible when the skill teacher is not active.

– Fixed inconsistencies between the combat rabbit indicator and the actual combat state.

– Fixed issue with clouds appearing incorrectly over the map after loading the game.

– Fixed controls getting stuck in dialogue when pressing Talk and opening Inventory at the same time.

– Fixed incorrect weapons shown in inventory preview when using drag & drop.

– Fixed notifications about losing quest items sometimes appearing even though player didn’t lose them.

– Fixed the stolen in label and other elements sometimes overlapping with the item’s properties.

– Fixed the values of horse armour not being reflected properly in the inventory UI in the companion section.

– Fixed the issue with a few microquests sometimes claiming a tracking slot even after being completed.

– Fixed the dirtiness of items sometimes displaying incorrectly within the washing UI.

– Improved accuracy of the load progress indicator.

– Added an icon for the blacksmith by the Horse market in Kuttenberg.

Visuals

– Added option to enable NVidia DLSS 4 Super Resolution. 

– Improved SVOTI recalculation at camera dialogue switches. 

– Removed lightning underground and indoors during a storm.

– Fixed glitches when player or NPC changes clothes.

– Fixed motion blur being disabled in dialogues.

– Fixed screen flicker during certain situations.

– Fixed various visual pop-in after game is restarted or loaded.

– Fixed issues related to rare shader combinations.

– Fixed objects sometimes not casting the correct shadow.

– Fixed flickering of objects when switching their LoD.

– Fixed character and vegetation detail sometimes being inconsistent when changing advanced graphical settings.

– Fixed the issue with the screen space reflection ceasing to update upon activation of Resolution scaling.

– Fixed flickering artifacts on distant objects showing against a sky.

– Fixed broken vegetation and rain animations for long playthroughs.

– Fixed flickering of horse and dog when player gets closer.

Miscellaneous

– Added numpad keybinds for control of QAM.

– Allowed sprinting while drunk.

– Player no longer gets a head injury caused by hangover.

– Skill teachers’ icons now better represent the availability of their lessons through color.

– Corrected voiceover for innkeeper in Troskowitz.

– Polished physics for all the bridles and chanfrons.

– Improved lipsync across the game.

– Improved descriptions of various items.

– Improved physics of the parsnip.

– Improved physics simulation quality of scabbards.

– Prevented the player from being able to access their inventory while praying at a shrine.

– Changed link for the Plaion web page for help.

– Removed the point of interest tipster icon from some NPCs that had nothing left to tell the player about.

– Fixed controls getting locked after interacting with a kettle after loading the game saved while eating from the same kettle.

– Fixed calculating the Civilians killed statistic.

– Fixed animation of picking up items while holding a bow.

– Fixed guards losing their armour after they kicked player out of the Sigismund’s camp.

– Fixed some facial animations not working in dialogues when the speaker is lying on the ground wounded.

– Fixed looped drinking sound after being killed when drinking.

– Fixed the lockpicking minigame not being cancelled if the cart with the chest moved away from the player.

– Fixed dead NPCs sometimes T-posing after loading.

– Fixed issues in the mash-eating NPC behavior related to save/load.

– Fixed the issue with some water troughs offering to clean the player even though they are clean already.

Quests

A Good Scrub

– Adjusted the slogan yelling, so that the town crier doesn’t yell over Henry.

– Added an adequate hangover buff after the bathhouse party.

– Removed a T-posing NPC in the background of the cutscene.

– Adjusted trespass appearing after the quest in the private rooms of the Kingfisher bathhouse.

– Fixed an issue where the bathmaids started mounting the wagon together, clipping into each other.

– Fixed an issue where during the wagon ride, horses would start jumping halfway.

A Moment of Fame

– Fixed the issue with quest tipster marker staying active on the compass even if the player kills the questgiver.

– Fixed the quest fight arena to solve the problem of player getting stuck in the environment.

Ars Dimicatoria

– Adjusted how the quest reacts when starting the tourney while being wanted for crime in Kuttenberg.

– Adjusted who is the victim for crimes comitted in the fencing hall during certain quest fail scenarios.

– Talking to Menhart to enter the tourney won’t force the player straight into the tourney, but gives the option to still back out of the dialogue.

– The fencing hall crier will now correctly announce which master is teaching in the hall, depending on the quest outcome.

– Improved gestures for the crier at the fencing hall.

– Improved NPC daycycles in the fencing hall.

– Fixed possible stuck fader when talking to Menhard to start the tourney.

– Fixed defeating Menhard sometimes being considered a crime.

– Fixed Menhard being illogically drunk in certain dialogues.

– Fixed Arne not having the same training sword as the player during their fight.

– Fixed an issue where NPCs would get stuck standing around when talking with Menhard in the inn.

– Fixed skill teaching not being activated on certain quest related skill teaching NPCs.

– Fixed the issue where a fight would start before NPCs entered the arena during the tourney.

– Fixed ‘New quest’ marker activating on dead Nicolas of Prague.

– Fixed the objective to get healed by the bathwench getting stuck if the player healed themselves instead.

– Fixed NPCs sometimes not acknowledging the crime of stealing the guild sword, even when catching the player in the act.

– Fixed the fencers sometimes not entering the tourney arena if being called upon when drinking from the barrel.

– Fixed the wenches not healing the player in the second half of the tourney.

– Fixed a broken animation for stealing the guild sword when started from a certain angle.

– Fixed the issue where Menhard and Arne won’t accept a duel while wearing a coif, mistaking it for an armour piece.

– Fixed the issue where fencers could get stuck in a table at the tourney.

Attila

– Improved the environment in the spot where the bandit is buried. 

Back in the Saddle

– Fixed the race failing automatically if too many races were started and completed in short succession.

Bad Blood

– Pavlena will now die at the proper spot if the player decides to leave the Trosky region and come back.

– Pavlena won’t react to the player taking Otta’s sword anymore.

– Prasta won’t go straight to the inn after the player finds Roman anymore.

– Prevented Dusko from having a crime reaction to the player lockpicking Roman’s door.

– Fixed broken dialogue with Jakesh in some rare combinations of previous quest decisions.

– Fixed certain music tracks failing to end properly during the quest.

– Fixed Pavlena not being dealt with by the law after certain quest outcomes.

– Fixed some dialogue options still being available with bailiff Thrush after the player already concluded the investigation.

– Fixed an issue with the contents of Pavlena’s chest changing during the quest.

– Fixed the bed assignment for Bozhena and Pavlena.

Bellatores

– Fixed Posy and Tugbone sometimes going to sleep on a bed with dead Cumans after finishing the quest.

– Fixed the Cuman pillagers sometimes attacking Jan of Zimburg unexpectedly while he’s talking to Henry.

– Fixed a debug string being present when talking to Jan of Zimburg.

Besieged

– Rebalanced the battle.

Brunswick

– Improved Henry’s reactions to collecting the last items.

Civic Duty

– Objectives no longer randomly update when player has no news.

– Fixed the issue where player can infinitely interact with bailiff after killing Chenyek or Knuckles.

Civitas Pragensis

– Adjusted difficulty for the fight with Erik.

– Improved dialogue cameras when talking with Hans and Kubyenka.

– Improved consistency of NPCs clothes.

– Removed a redundant NPC in the camp.

Combat Training

– Added check for weapon and armour if starting it right after the first combat tutorial.

– Fixed the issue where the player could not continue Combat Training II because of a drunken blackout.

– Fixed the issue where the quest wouldn’t continue after yielding.

– Fixed the issue where the player would get stuck in the arena if they challenged Tomcat to a duel after 19:20.

– Fixed broken start of the For Victory! quest if only a polearm was used since the second combat tutorial with Tomcat.

– Fixed attacking in Dry Devil’s combat tutorial.

Damsel in Distress

– Improved timings for notifications of various skillcheck resolutions. 

– Fixed trespasses being globally turned off when quest can be started.

Dancing with the Devil

– Improved NPCs shooting from the battlements. 

– Improved particles at Maleshov. 

– Improved transition of the player’s allies’ hiding animation.

– Improved enemies behavior. 

– Improved loot. 

– Fixed the issue of characters sometimes appearing later than they should in cutscenes.

– Fixed von Bergow being undressed when loading the game from saves from an older version of the game.

– Fixed the quest getting softlocked if the player stayed at edge of quest area when Hans was placing a ladder.

Demons of Trosky

– Fixed a blocked off room at Trosky if the quest is still active after starting For Victory.

– Fixed Osina’s voicelines when player gives up during the fight.

Divine Messenger

– Prevented player from being able to leave the closed area in several places.

– Prevented Godwin from starting the blacksmithing minigame or the alchemy minigame.

– Removed butterflies from the meadow to improve its bleak atmosphere.

– Removed additional NPCs that would sometimes wander into the meadow.

– Improved atmosphere.

– Improved the tour to the fortress with Erik.

– Improved dialogues.

Dragon’s Lair

– Increased the time Gerhart will wait for the player’s response after offering them a deal.

– Added some tasty loot to the Alchemist’s inventory.

– Fixed bodyguards’ behaviour if player beat them using the Ringenmeister perk.

– Fixed Gerhart’s behaviour at the inn.

– Fixed bodyguards reporting a crime after being knocked out with the Ringenmeister perk.

– Fixed the possibility of bodyguards’ AI breaking at the bone site.

– Fixed dead soldiers appearing in a cutscene at the bonesite.

– Fixed disappearing dragon bones after loading a save where the player split with other parties and stole them back.

Easy Riders

– Player can no longer stealth knockout the bandits in the forest.

– Fixed a ledge that allowed player to return to the camp through a boundary.

– Adjusted an objective trigger in the rock maze.

– Increased vision and hearing of the bandits in the forest.

– Added an automatic trigger for a dialogue with Hans if they reach the maze at the same time.

– Improved how the girl reacts to the thrown pebble.

– Improved alignment of Henry and Hans at the log where Hans slides down.

– Adjusted the path of a bandit in the rock maze.

– Improved Hans’ running up the hill in the forest.

– Fixed a repeating dialogue by one of the bandits in the forest.

– Fixed bandits in the forest sometimes getting stuck if distracted by a thrown pebble.

– Fixed Hans running through the bushes at the end of the maze.

– Fixed Hans occasionally stopping for a moment and running again in the forest.

– Fixed a line of Hans’ dialogue in the massacre cutscene.

– Fixed riposte icon showing during the perfect block tutorial.

– Fixed some vegetation in the massacre cutscene.

– Fixed the ability to push an opponent out of a fighting pen using clinch.

Exodus

– Improved NPC movement in the underground.

– Adjusted the distance from which the burning synagogue switches to just being burned down. 

– Removed a possible drunk effect for Samuel’s mother.

– Fixed an issue where the player could get stuck if he and Lichtenstein opened the door to the inn at the same time.

– Fixed the player being able to kill certain horses at the end of the quest. 

– Fixed an incorrect Game over in the underground section if the player stays near Lichtenstein.

– Fixed the player’s unconscious effect in the backyard that should show the Game over screen.

– Fixed weird behaviour of Samuel in the backyard if the player fought unarmed.

– Fixed player barks if he goes the wrong way in the underground section.

– Fixed an issue where Samuel would skip part of his movement and dialogue on the way to his mother.

– Fixed Lichtenstein sometimes missing at the start of the quest.

For Victory!

– Replaced the potentially dead character with another one.

– Removed broken skill XP reward when winning at dice during the feast.

– Fixed sounds missing in cutscenes.

– Fixed broken text in the dialogue with Johanka of Zhernov.

– Fixed continuity regarding a dead NPC from previous quests appearing in a cutscene.

For Whom the Bell Tolls

– Added more groschen around Trosky so that the player can play dice with Nicodemus.

– Fanka won’t be angry that there is no ginger in the chest when there is.

– Repositioned the guards at Trosky to make stealth easier.

– Fixed objective marker on Nicodemus.

– Fixed guards’ reaction to pebbles thrown from a different floor.

Forbidden Fruit

– Fixed the issue where player couldn’t get off the cart after killing the gravedigger.

– Fixed the sliding during the animation of the NPC boarding the cart.

Fortuna

– Prevented non-quest NPCs from walking inside the quest area.

– Prevented quest NPCs from calling guards on the player.

– Improved Bozhena’s behaviour while the ambushers are present.

– Fixed the crime reactions of Bozhena, who will no longer run away from the player.

– Fixed an issue where players couldn’t bandage themselves in Bozhena’s hut after loading.

– Fixed fireplace extinguishing.

– Removed the possibility to leave the quest without a weapon.

– Improved chat with NPCs.

Hammer and Tongs

– Fixed forging the sword in the Trosky region not progressing the quest.

High Toll

– Fixed soldiers or the whole camp disappearing while the quest is active.

Hunger and Despair

– Fixed the tower archers shooting at the player after loading an autosave.

– Fixed the camera issue with Godwin in the polylogue.

– Fixed weather continuity.

– Fixed an issue with the combat lock getting stuck on fallen enemies when player tries to fight unarmed in big battles.

– Fixed the issue with Mutt being respawned if he was eaten.

– Fixed the clothing issues in the preaching cutscene.

– Fixed the issue with the Katherine romance continuing even though the player refused.

– Revised dialogue prompts triggering some of the romance options to make it clearer what their result will be.

– Closed a gap that allowed players to get out of Suchdol castle.

– The battle now ends only when there is no enemy on the walls anymore and ladders are down.

Ill Repute

– Improved snapping NPC movement in the duel area upon calming down from crime reactions.

– Fixed objectives reacting incorrectly if the player kills certain bathwenches.

– Fixed wrongly displayed area markers for certain sabotages.

– Fixed a possible stuck objective if player had the quest related perfume confiscated during certain playthroughs.

In Vino Veritas

– Added ownership of player’s bed in the vineyard.

– Some journal entries rewritten.

– Improved dialogue conditions in cases when the player steals sulphur first.

– Rebalanced alcohol consumption values.

– Fixed dialogue conditions before the dialogue with Havel.

– Fixed NPC’s immortality conditions.

– Fixed an active objective after completing the quest.

– Fixed a dialogue condition with Adleta.

– Fixed the trespass area on the vineyard.

– Fixed conditions for recruiter on vineyard.

– Fixed the locks on the doors between Havel’s room and the player’s rented room.

Into the Underworld

– Prevented the player from leaving the closed area.

– Fixed NPC quest behaviour.

– Fixed missing voiceovers in cutscenes.

– Fixed Chenyek sometimes being obviously seen teleporting.

– Fixed crime reactions after the fistfight in the Hole.

Invaders

– Added autosaves at the beginning and end of the quest.

– Improved time skips while drinking with the Cumans by replacing them with text-based cutscenes.

– Fixed start dialogue having two valid sequences.

– Fixed time sometimes stopping if the player had booze in their inventory and later had it confiscated.

– Fixed Jasak not walking normally after the player draws a weapon when going for more alcohol.

– Fixed Vuytek leaving after being knocked out right before the quest starts.

– Fixed the unconsciousness animation if the player hits a Cuman right before losing consciousness.

– Fixed the cutscene trigger area for Mutt being too close to the booze stash.

– Fixed the tip dialogue about the quest ending abruptly with Kreyzl.

– Fixed after the player gaining a drunkenness buff insteaf of a hangover buff after drinking with Cumans.

– Fixed the quest starting when Cumans are not present in the inn.

– Fixed Nomad missing from the dialogue after flirting with Jasak’s love interest.

Johnny the Gob

– Fixed an issue with the quest sometimes completing prematurely.

Judgment Day

– Rebalanced quest rewards.

– Fixed horse behaviour after the battle.

Justice

– Fixed a situation where player could hand in the quest while being reported for murder at the same time.

Kuttenberg Tournament

– Improved the disqualification process during the tourney.

– Improved timeskipping at the tourney. Fixed tourney getting stuck during timeskips.

– Shortened the time between one discipline end and the start of another.

– Added proper gestures for Kumel while announcing.

– Correct journal entry will now appear if player doesn’t collect their rewards at the tourney.

– Adjusted how long is player banned from further tournaments if he caused a crime during one.

– Kumel shouldn’t arrive drunk to the repeated tourney activity.

– Trying to attack the opponent too early will trigger the fight early instead of a crime.

– Adjusted how the different fighters swap for different tournaments.

– Prevented the attending skill teachers from teaching during the tourney.

– Fans won’t be teleported inside the arena if the player leaves and comes back.

– Fixed an issue where an opponent would surrender and run away from the area.

– Fixed the tourney getting stuck if player left the tourney and returned later.

– Fans standing by the arena won’t stand inside each other anymore.

– Fixed the player sometimes getting stuck in the fighting arena if they got disqualified while inside it.

– Fixed the player committing a crime at the tourney for unsheathing their weapon.

– Fixed objective to ‘Equip tournament gear’ reactivating upon successfully returning the gear.

– Fixed several issues related to saving/loading in unexpected moments.

– Fixed an issue where fighters wouldn’t change their gear for other disciplines.

Lackey

– Fixed Vostatek not talking about other quests after finishing this one.

– Fixed an issue where huntsman Vostatek might have managed to survive being eaten by wolves under certain conditions.

– Fixed terrain issue allowing the player to move into a position unreachable by NPCs.

Last Rites

– Fixed the game sometimes freezing after knocking down a ladder.

– Fixed disappearing edges around the wall hole from trebuchet on lower graphics settings.

– Fixed the Suchdol chimney appearing later than the fortress itself.

Last Will

– Fixed an issue where a player could receive a reward twice if they ordered Mutt to attack Gerda during the duel.

Like Old Times

– Adjusted the position of a chest in the soldiers’ camp to fix a broken animation during lockpicking.

– Adjusted the body of the killed huntsman to not clip into the tree. 

– Fixed the issue with dead soldiers’ bodies staying in the camp upon travelling back to Devil’s Den.

– Fixed a possible chat prompt without text during the horse ride with Capon.

Lost Honour

– Fixed incorrect heraldry on one of Garbow’s pavises in his camp.

Master Schindel’s Toys

– Player can no longer lose an important quest item.

– Fixed journal logs after failing the quest.

Materia Prima

– Fixed dialogue cameras.

Miri Fajta

– Improved animation of NPCs sitting on the ground.

– Polished the music during a dialogue.

– Improved deterred NPC’s behavior.

– Removed items in Tibor’s inventory when being held captive.

– Fixed skill reward in dialogue.

– Fixed the animation when picking up the dead body.

– Fixed woodcutters’ reaction while player trespassing.

– Fixed trespass area in the barn.

Mutt

– Removed mentioning Vostatek if player already knows about him.

– Improved Mutt’s animations in the first dialogue with him.

– Increased damage for parry attacks against wolves.

– Changed loot in Mutt’s wolf den.

– Added note in the descriptions of the items indicating that they are sniffable by Mutt. 

– Fixed the behaviour of the first pack of wolves.

Necessary Evil

– Removed marker from von Bergow while he’s sleeping after the raid on Semine.

– Added waiting behaviour for von Bergow after player reports the results of the torture.

– Added the cleaning activity for Capon after the return from Semine. 

– Increased visibility of the gate from Semine fortress on low settings.

– Fixed horse alignment during the raid on Semine.

– Fixed dying animation if player kills the NPC during torture.

– Fixed teleportation of the player during final polylogue with von Bergow.

Opus Magnum

– Fixed the condition of the objective of bringing the book to the miller.

– Fixed the issue with a guard guarding the book owner indefinitely.

Oratores

– Improved the final horse race.

– Removed the prompt mistakenly offering to play dice with Samuel, Capon, or Brabant while in Ruthard Manor.

– Fixed reaction of vagabonds to a thrown pebble in Ruthard Manor.

– Forbid sending Mutt home from the closed Suchdol castle.

Popinjay Shoot

– Fixed player being unable to shoot after quick sword draw in the Popinjay Shoot quest.

Post Scriptum

– Improved miners’ reaction to crime after the fight.

– Guards are now always present behind the entrance door, so they can let the player see Markolt.

– Fixed the letter staying in inventory after giving it to the bailiff.

Ransom

– Fixed Henry being sunken into the ground in the dialogue with Jan of Suchotlesky if the player woke him up from unconsciousness.

– Fixed a possibility of Jan going back to the ambush site while he’s trying to investigate crime.

– Fixed the burnt down house breaking combat during the handover.

– Fixed objectives not disappearing after talking to the prisoner in Sigismund’s camp.

– Fixed injured Jan standing up in dialogue during some facial animations.

– Fixed Kubyenka and Adder not being recruitable for reinforcements.

Reckoning

– Rebalanced stats of the Prague soldiers to make stealth slightly more challenging.

– Fixed sleeping soldiers not waking up when alarm is triggered.

– Fixed soldiers not reacting to their food being poisoned.

– Fixed some alignment with wine in a cutscene.

– Fixed animation of picking up a sword in the yard.

– Fixed some places where the player could get stuck.

So It Begins…

– Improved food confiscation during siege quests.

– Improved performance after the night attack.

Speak of the Devil

– Added collisions to carts to prevent climbing on top of them.

– Lowered the armour quality of the guards escorting the Dry Devil.

– Fixed Zizka’s men accusing the player of murder when revisiting the ambush place.

– Fixed music getting stuck on the same track during the search for weapons.

– Fixed an issue where killing the sleeping guard would lead to a stuck objective during the quest So it Begins.

Spoils of War

– Fixed the villagers not always counting the valuables taken from their hidden stashes towards the stolen-value counter.

– Fixed missing text when handing in more valuables than required.

Striped Tonies

– Fixed journal not mentioning why the player failed the quest.

– Fixed the standard moving unnaturally when walking on the stairs.

– Fixed saves created within the Striped Tonies quest having incorrect names. 

– Fixed the behaviour of Miner Anton Kaspar, so that he does not leave the spot at the Church of St. Jacob.

Taking French Leave

– Improved soldiers’ animations. 

– Improved environment. 

– Improved Maleshov tower entrance. 

– Improved horses’ behaviour at Maleshov castle. 

– Added weapons to Maleshov castle.

– Improved cutscene lighting. 

– Improved the quest log. 

– Fixed saving/loading issue if the text cutscene is played right after loading game. 

– Fixed the alarm sounding during the cutscene in Maleshov.

– Fixed Capon waking up from unconsciousness after saving/loading.

– Fixed the Nighthawk potion blinding player after escaping from Maleshov.

– Fixed bark if Hashtal is dead. 

– Fixed NPC falling from the stool after knockout.

Teeth in a Bag

– Fixed a rare issue with player is unable to repeat the fight with Zavish and Damian.

– Fixed the invalid dialogue prompt if player refuses to pay the bet in the double fight with Zavish and Damian.

The Best for Last

– Fixed the issue making dialogue with Barnaby inaccessible due to the world time.

– Fixed the issue where you couldn’t start a fight with Herbalist Barnaby after refusing him once.

– Fixed issue caused by Ringenmeister perk while trying to end the fight with a choke.

The Blacksmith’s Son

– Fixed improper objective when taking the materials from the chest.

The Devil’s Pack

– Added the option to bury Ranyek.

– Added missing voiceover with the innkeeper when asking about Ranyek.

– Fixed the objective marker to carry Ranyek to not flash in the navigation panel.

– Fixed the objective to bury Ranyek not activating.

– Fixed the quest not being able to progress after a failed skill check with the dice players.

– Fixed the player losing more groschen than they haggled in the dialogue with the bailiff.

The Feast

– Fixed Godwin not being able to succeed in the skillcheck with Servant Dasha.

– Fixed NPCs jumping to position during treating wounded animation at the end of The Feast.

The Fifth Commandment

– Added a missing journal entry for when player kills someone in the house of Grolle.

– Removing the dialogue loop of giving thanks from Stanya.

– Removed frequent praying from Lipold’s daycycle.

– Changed dialogue for Strnad if beating him until he is unconsious.

– Started to automatically pull the weapon out before the fight with Thaddeus.

– Rewritten journal entries.

– Changed the heads of William and Barton.

– Adjusted position of dead Mandelina during polylogue after trap.

– Changed the prompt for the focus camera for the crime scene.

– Added Marigold decoction to the option to cure Lipold’s hangover.

– Removed trespass from Lipold’s house during the quest.

– Added crime suppression during the trap.

– Edited stash of a chest in the morgue where lies dead Alenka.

– Fixed Lipold’s behavior at the end of quest, so he will leave the room.

– Fixed the quest sometimes getting stuck after accusing Prokop of the murder.

– Fixed dialogue conditions with Prokop.

– Fixed issue in the Fifth Commandment where Strnad would not talk to plazer to finish the objective for thief Zdena.

– Fixed issue of locked doors during the trap in the Fifth Commandment quest.

– Fixed the journal entry for choosing William as a murderer.

The Finger of God

– Improved Bull’s weapon preset before the battle.

– Improved Godwin’s behavior by the graves.

– Improved crime interactions between the player and allies.

– Improved the interactions between the player and other defenders.

– Improved placement of targets for the gun tutorial.

– Fixed broken dialogue option after handing in a horseshoe.

– Fixed stats of weapons for repair.

– Fixed the NPC’s clothing during the dialogue with Klara.

The Heirloom

– Improved reactions of Vendula and Svatava upon being hit.

– Prevented gossip dialogues during hostage situation.

– Fixed Mikush not becoming a skill teacher in some endings.

– Fixed Mikush not accepting his hat in some endings.

– Fixed the hostage situation getting broken by Mutt.

The Jaunt

– Ventza won’t be in the camp when you’re supposed to find him in the rocks

– The Jaunt can now be finished after failing the objective to follow lord Semin and Gnarly.

– Improved the tied-up animation for Gules and Ventza.

– Knocking Ventza out and bringing him to Lord Semine is now a valid option.

– Fixed the issue where Captain Gnarly and Lord Semine were not in Semine after the player completed the quest without them.

The King’s Gambit

– Entering the assembly now properly keeps the player incognito.

– Player can no longer read a book while carrying a pitcher of wine.

– Rebalanced the duel with Christopher.

– Made Vavak easier to get a hold of.

– Added a wine serving tutorial overlay at the start of the assembly.

– Fixed a missing objective marker on Anna of Waldstein.

– Fixed Franta picking up the waiter’s clothes at the tailor repeatedly.

– Fixed disappearing objects at the end of the toast with the king.

– Fixed mismatching character positions after the intro cutscene.

– Fixed Godwin’s horse leaving during the intro polylogue.

– Fixed the Raborsch stablemaster bribery option not having an effect.

– Fixed the head butler asking about Franta multiple times.

The Lion’s Den

– Revised music playing during the quest.

– Fixed the correct reaction when leaving Sedletz after Stephen Crow is dead.

– Fixed the correct reaction when committing a crime after a trial.

– Fixed the correct reaction when attacking Commander Katz.

– Fixed the player not being able to knock out the guard guarding Musa in the Lion’s Den quest.

– Fixed redudant objective to talk to Ditrich Katz after the trial.

The Magic Arrow

– Pasha’s crossbow is now more powerful.

– Removed inappropriate crime reactions at the end of the arrow ceremony.

– Improved a journal entry.

– Fixed gravedigger Lenek’s surrender.

The Mouth of Hell

– Changed the position of a sword in the mine.

– Moved the dialogue camera during the initial scene of massacre in Old Kutna.

– Fixed the issue where the screen would go black after fast travelling through Old Kutna.

– Fixed issue of missing dead cows in Old Kutna.

– Fixed an issue where Marian and Vladimir might show up to confront Taras naked at night.

– Fixed collisions in the mine.

– Fixed the behavior of Taras so that he will not flee if escalating a fight after showing him the contract.

– Fixed behaviour of Taras if he falls down while chasing player.

The Peasant Revolt

– Prevented the shootable stashes from getting restocked.

– Fixed an issue where Vlasta was not willing to speak to the player after finishing the quest.

The Reliquary

– Removed camp trespass when returning the finished sword.

– Fixed duplication of quest reward if it’s stolen before finishing the quest.

The Spark

– Eldris’ chest is not impossible to lockpick now.

– Improved guards’ routine after fight.

– Fixed Knuckles staying in front of the inn when he’s supposed to be banished.

– Fixed the ropes of hanged The Guild members.

– Fixed Whisker’s reaction to player lockpicking the chest in front of him.

– Fixed visual bug of the burnt dugout.

The Storm

– Revised the debuff received from the torturing.

– Removed Mika’s openworld dialogue from the Storm quest.

– Added healing items to stashes at Trosky after the duel with Istvan.

– Improved dialogue lighting.

– Removed Zizka’s mace during the torture scene.

The Sword and the Quill

– The active outfit is no longer partly unequipped upon being woken up by Zuzana.

– Disabled toggling on-road follow while following the wagon.

– Removed the option to ask Katherine about Nebakov when it’s no longer relevant.

– Improved the cutscene.

– Improved Suchdol foot traffic slightly.

– Fixed player’s horse periodically stopping while following the wagon.

– Fixed Suchdol light sources not emitting light.

– Fixed the trialogue with Katherine and captain Frenzl not triggering from a specific direction.

– Fixed a visual issue with Zizka’s eating animation.

– Fixed player’s horse’s tack changing in the final cutscene.

The Voivode’s Curse

– Rebalanced the blacksmithing recipe to require ingredients appropriate for the Trosky region.

– Prevented asking Aranka for more work if the quest is already started.

– Fixed quest log not reflecting some quest decisions properly.

The White Roebuck

– Fixed players being able to easily make money by killing poachers repeatedly.

– Fixed a certain animal not appearing after the game was saved and loaded after finding the hide.

Thou Art But Dust…

– Improved collision of the trapdoor.

– Fixed players not being able complete the pyramid of skulls and continue the quest.

Tragedy in Danemark

– Fixed the issue with the reaction of miller’s family to the player’s elimination of the bandits.

Troubadours

– Fixed Michael and George sometimes standing free after loading a save next to the pillory.

– Fixed daily schedule for Michael and George.

Via Argentum

– Improved trespass zones inside of the secret mint.

– Added alternative dialogue for speaking with Volkmar outside of his court

– Improved dialogue cameras for initial dialogue with Volkmar.

– Fixed the issue sometimes making Buresh immortal.

– Fixed the issue where Buresh could react to the player’s strikes and potentially flee.

– Fixed the issue where Buresh could teleport out of the secret mint during the timeskip.

– Fixed issue where some characters could be stripped during the opening cutscene.

– Fixed the condition in the final dialogue with Christian of Pisek to match the events in the secret mint.

– Fixed the issue where Volkmar teleported a short distance away and did not react to the player if the player chose to kill him.

Victimised

– Improved timings for notifications of certain skillcheck resolutions. 

– Adjusted the Wait for Margaret interactor to be easier to find.

– Fixed possible crime reactions later in the quest, if player knocked out Lacek in the inn.

Warding Off Evil

– Improved lighting in the inn basement.

– Improved the Parler chamber, specifically the window surroundings for a graceful knockout. 

– Fixed an issue where the Protective Axe disappeared from the inventory after giving Johann another axe.

Wedding Crashers

– Improved dialogue cameras.

– Improved Hanush’s position in the dialogue.

– Removed the option to attack NPCs at the wedding.

– Removed blood on NPCs before wedding ceremony.

– Improved movement of the cook while trying to lure her away from the kitchen.

– Rebalanced the training sword’s damage.

– Michael and George can attend the wedding now.

– Fixed GPU performance issues during the wedding cutscene.

– Fixed some optional objectives and behavior.

– Fixed condition in dialogue between Svatya and Vuytek.

– Fixed optional dialogue condition with the guard by the cellar.

– Fixed optional dialogue conditions with Jurko.

– Fixed optional dialogue conditions with the Chamberlain.

– Fixed going unconscious again right after getting up during event brawl.

– Fixed an issue where Strong broth was not working as an anti-alcohol food.

– Fixed dialogue condition before going to the wedding.

Yackers’n’Fash

– Added Innkeeper Helga Schelm as a tipster for the Yackers ‘N’ Fash quest.

– Fixed the issue with foreman Vlach not telling player to meet later in the evening.

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Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Awful Trading System Is About to Become Less Awful https://www.escapistmagazine.com/pokemon-tcg-pockets-awful-trading-system-is-about-to-become-less-awful/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/pokemon-tcg-pockets-awful-trading-system-is-about-to-become-less-awful/#disqus_thread Fri, 14 Mar 2025 03:16:41 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1009250 For the most part since its soft launch, Pokemon TCG Pocket has gotten plenty of things right. The meta game is constantly changing with the release of new cards, though there’s an argument to be made that Triumphant Light has presented a huge powercreep problem, and being able to knock out daily missions easily is a huge win.

That being said, the long-awaited trading system was absolutely terrible when it first got implemented. Trade Tokens were scarce, and it was incredibly expensive to trade cards with other players. Not to mention the fact that you couldn’t trade cards from the newest expansion or booster pack. The community has not been shy in making their complaints known, and it looks like DeNA is listening.

The developers announced today that Trade Tokens will be removed, and players will only need to use Shinedust for trading. Shinedust is a currency that’s much easier to obtain, as you’ll get some of it for opening dupe cards. These changes will be implemented by the end of autumn 2025. Here are the full details:

  • Trade tokens will be completely removed and players will no longer need to exchange cards to obtain the currency required for trading.
  • Instead, trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity will now require shinedust.
  • When you open a booster pack, shinedust will be automatically earned if you obtain a card that is already registered in your Card Dex. Currently, shinedust is also required to obtain flair, so we are looking into increasing the amount offered since it will also be needed for trading. Altogether, this change should allow you to trade more cards than you could before this update.
  • Trade tokens you currently own can be converted to shinedust when the item is removed from the game.
  • There are no changes in how one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards are traded.

In addition to that, the developers also stated that a feature will be added that allows players to share cards they’re interested in trading for via the in-game trade feature, which is a massive win all-around. The developers are also looking to making trading available for promo cards, which is important especially for players who may have joined the game late and missed out on promo events.

Pokemon TCG Pocket is now available on mobile devices.

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The Green & Red Flags of Paranormasight’s Most Eligible Bachelors | Pixel Hearts https://www.escapistmagazine.com/the-green-red-flags-of-paranormasights-most-eligible-bachelors-pixel-hearts/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/the-green-red-flags-of-paranormasights-most-eligible-bachelors-pixel-hearts/#disqus_thread Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=983095 Note: This article contains major spoilers for Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo.

Released in 2023, Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo was lauded for its compelling mystery and story surrounding Japanese folklore in Sumida City. It also sported a very distinct, old-school anime kind of look that helped it stand out.

More importantly, though, Paranormasight boasted striking character designs with subtle animations to help clue you into what the characters were thinking. It certainly helped that we were treated to such a wide range of character types, including the tortured father who chose police work over his family, the weird yet charming private investigator who wears a fedora, and the stoic businessman with well-kempt hair who wouldn’t hesitate stabbing you in the back if it came down to it.

What I’m trying to say is, Paranormasight is a real good-looking game with plenty of eligible bachelors. Don’t get me wrong, though; they all come with baggage, and some might be harder to deal with than others. So if you enjoyed the game and have been fantasizing about entering a relationship with one of these virtual men, let’s go over each of their pros and cons.

Makoto Ashimiya/Fumichika Nejima

Starting off with the very bottom of the barrel, we have Fumichika Nejima, who later changed his name to Makoto Ashimiya.

If we’re just talking about looks, Nejima got a major glow-up. I mean, we’re talking extreme weight loss, whole new haircut, and –not gonna lie– what possibly looks like a minor facelift. This guy looks way more confident now, and confidence is attractive.

There are, of course, downsides. Let’s not forget that Nejima was a serial killer who murdered school girls, went to jail, got released on parole, then continued killing innocent people. The silver lining? He did all this to try to complete a ritual to bring his dead lover back to life. Kinda romantic.

Green Flags:

  • Super committed guy, will never cheat on you.

Red Flags:

  • Serial killer, obsessive, is a psychopath.

Jun Erio

Jun Erio is exactly the type of guy I’d swipe right on if I saw him on a dating app. On paper, this guy is pretty much perfect. Young guy just getting started with his career in the police, has a strong sense of right and wrong, and he even comes with a decent sense of humor. He’s also a conventionally attractive man who looks good in suspenders. What’s not to love?

Green Flags:

  • Cool job.
  • Can protect you from the bad guys.
  • Always willing to do menial tasks.
  • Funny guy.

Red Flags:

  • Kinda rude towards older people.

Richter Kai

Richter Kai is a bit of an acquired taste, but once you get to know him, he really starts to stand out as one of the most dateable guys in Paranormasight. Trust me, just look past the fedora and the smarmy charm. Underneath all of that is a kind, sensitive soul who just wants to help people and do right by them.

Working as a private investigator, he’s committed to helping his clients find what they want, but never at the cost of his own principles. If a client asks him to do something that he deems to be crossing the line, he’s out. And that’s respectable.

Green Flags:

  • All-around nice guy who likes helping people.
  • You just know he’ll be able to protect you in a physical altercation.

Red Flags:

  • Weird fashion sense and choice of hairstyle.

Shogo Okiie

We might’ve lost Shogo Okiie pretty early on in Paranormasight, but that doesn’t mean his death hurt any less. In fact, considering that Shogo came into the game with huge Main Character Syndrome, coupled with the fact that he’s easily the best-looking boy in the game, his death might’ve been the biggest tragedy of them all.

Sure, he’s a bit of a slacker and has kind of a lackadaisical attitude towards his work and life. But look, Shogo is one seriously handsome guy. Look at that messy “I woke up like this” hair, that casual roll-up of the sleeves on his denim jacket, and his hands perpetually glued to the inside of his pockets. He has the whole cool guy look going on, though he does seem to have the tendency to immediately hit on any girl he sees, and is always thinking about whether any of them will give him the time of day. But hey, if you’re good-looking, that doesn’t matter at all.

Green Flags:

  • He’s hot. That’s it.

Red Flags:

  • Unmotivated, no drive.
  • Talks to girls with the intention of hitting on them.

Takumi Yumioka

Takumi Yumioka, on the other hand, is on the other extreme end of the spectrum from Shogo. This man lives for his job, so much so that he’s even willing to straight up kill people for his boss. If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what it is. I mean, really, when it comes down to it, who wouldn’t want to date a man as single-minded and dedicated as Takumi?

Honestly, the only thing giving me pause (aside from the fact that he killed my boy Shogo) is that Takumi’s just so boring. He’s straight up just a work robot who thinks of nothing else. He probably even works on the weekends. And enjoys it. Weird.

Green Flags:

  • Will do anything you ask.
  • Extremely dedicated and committed.

Red Flags:

  • Also a murderer.
  • Probably has no mind of his own.

Tetsuo Tsutsumi

Tetsuo Tsutsumi is also very much an acquired taste. At first glance, he seems completely dedicated to his job with no space for anything else. And you know, that’s kinda true. He’s extremely focused on work, which can make his partner feel neglected.

But when it comes down to it, he’ll do literally anything for his family. He also has a bit of a sweet tooth and a soft side to him. He’s basically just a giant teddy bear. Give Tetsuo some therapy, teach him how to strike a balance between work and family, and he’ll be the best man you can date or marry.

Green Flags:

  • Will literally die for his family.
  • Highly motivated and good at his job.

Red Flags:

  • Doesn’t have a work-life balance.

Yuutarou Namigaki

You just know Yuutarou was the popular sensitive boy at school that all the girls wanted to be close to. He’s the emotionally intelligent boy who knows how to talk to you, listen to you, and make you feel special. The cute sweater and glasses look definitely adds to his charm, making him one of the most attractive male characters you’ll find in Paranormasight.

The problem? He’s also a little bit of a spineless wimp. Once he finds a girl he wants to impress, he’ll bend over backwards for her, and let’s be real, that’s kinda unattractive.

Green Flags:

  • Super handsome.
  • Emotionally intelligent, sensitive.

Red Flags:

  • Spineless. Ew.

Pixel Hearts is a column that explores love and dating in video games.

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Smosh’s Shayne Topp Takes on the Internet One Reddit Post at Time (Interview) https://www.escapistmagazine.com/smoshs-shayne-topp-takes-on-the-internet-one-reddit-post-at-time-interview/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/smoshs-shayne-topp-takes-on-the-internet-one-reddit-post-at-time-interview/#disqus_thread Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1008730 On March 8th, 2025, fans got their pancakes out in Los Angeles to celebrate the one-hundredth episode of Smosh Reads Reddit Stories. The Escapist sat down with host Shayne Topp before the podcast’s milestone episode to swap social media horror stories and discuss what it means to be a YouTuber.

The Escapist: Congrats on one hundred episodes of Smosh Reads Reddit Stories and a sold-out show [at Dynasty Typewriter]!

Shayne Topp: It’s unbelievable. We’re so happy!

I wanted to talk about the show being so rooted in social media. Were you that active of a Reddit user before the show? How has your perception of Reddit as a platform changed through doing the show?

I have lurked on Reddit for a long time, I’d say close to ten years now.

Reddit can be very different depending on where you end up on it. Obviously, we’re sticking to the story-based ones like r/AmIth A**hole, confession ones, relationship advice. Those can vary. Fortunately, we have such a great team who aggregate our stories; Emily [Rose Jacobson] and Bailey [Petracek] are the ones who are doing it right now. They’re doing the hard work of going through and scraping out all the ones that aren’t good, finding the juicy ones.

A tough thing we have nowadays is trying to figure out which ones we believe are real and which ones are not. Which is always a tough thing with the internet, being like: “Is what I am seeing coming from a real person or not?”

Reddit’s interesting. Like I said, depending on where you’re at it can feel very different. I have mixed feelings about social media, which is hilarious working in it. I definitely find that I have to try to limit how much I scroll on Reddit because it can give you a sense of dread. You can [also] end up in an echo chamber. You see it. You see how every subreddit has its own culture to it. Some are incredibly toxic.

But, at the end of the day, it’s also been so entertaining. And there is good that can come from talking about it. I think our show offers a way for people not to have to delve deep into social media. And we can kind of cherry-pick some fun ones and talk about it in a lighthearted way.

I’d say you do have a lot of fun ones because it is a comedy podcast, but you don’t shy away from some of the darker topics. How does that work in terms of curation? Are there specific parameters in terms of topics that are off-limits?

We do have lines. You know, some things get so dark and we definitely keep in mind that this is ultimately a form of entertainment. People listen to this when they’re driving to work or when they’re going to bed or waking up first thing in the morning. So, we’re not trying to hit them with the hardest topics in the world.

But, we do delve into some serious things as long as there is the realm of still being able to talk about it lightheartedly or joke about it. Sometimes we don’t, but I’d say that’s more rare.

If you’re on Reddit, you’ll see that there are tons of stories that get way too tough. I mean, there are some stories you read and they’ll stick with you for weeks. We don’t wanna do that here.

So, we do have lines. We definitely have some strict lines, but I think, overall, it’s more vibe-based.

Do you have any stories from one hundred episodes of the show that haunt you that there were never updates on?

Oh man, so many!

There are so many that end with no closure. Where you’re like: “Okay, what happened there?” Or one’s where you go: “She should break up with him” or “he should break up with her!” And then you don’t get that update and you’re like: “Oh no, what happened?”

But, also, I keep hope, because sometimes we get updates like five years later. And those are the best ones.

At this stage, one hundred episodes, six stories per, I’ve read probably around six hundred stories. It’s hard to keep track. I’m hopeful to get updates on all of them. We need to do an episode where we revisit a bunch of stories that have gotten updates.

It is definitely frustrating because we will film and then our episodes will come out a few weeks after, [and] when we post it people in the comments will be like: “There was an update on this and this is what happened!”

I wanted to talk about social media versus mainstream media and where that bleed-over sometimes happens. Take the A24 film Zola, which was adapted from a Twitter thread. Is there any Reddit story you’ve read, either on the show or encountered on your own, where you’ve thought: “That would make a great movie?”

So many! Once again, almost every single episode we have one.

I mean, in this show we’re about to do today there’s a couple that could be very entertaining. At the very least, you feel like you’re listening to an episode of Seinfeld or an episode from an HBO show. Those are the best! That’s the heart of any traditional TV show or movie, dealing with some dilemma that people debate on.

I’d have to think, though, there’s endless amounts of stories. Almost every single one that has to do with a wedding I feel like could be turned into a movie.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we start to see it, considering things like Creepypastas and No Sleep are getting turned into books and movies constantly. I mean, I just read a book and realized halfway through: “Oh, this was originally posted on Reddit.”

What was the book?

We Used to Live Here [by Marcus Kliewer].

It’s so interesting. We are now seeing that this is the first avenue for people trying to break into any industry. You start on social media. You start on some website and you end up there.

I know you’re a huge reader and you just started your own YouTube channel and mentioned books being something you might want to talk about there. Have you been reading anything you’d recommend lately?

I just read The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang. I’ve read everything she’s written. I know she has Katabasis coming out this year, which I’m stoked for!

I’m reading all over the place right now. I just read The God of the Woods [by Liz Moore], which is this mystery novel that just got published. I’m reading Han Kang’s We Do Not Part, which won the Nobel Prize. So, I’m jumping all over the place!

I do think fantasy/sci-fi is my favorite. It’s super big on BookTok and everything, people love talking about it. I love a good story. Literary fiction, I am not someone who is really capable of talking about [it]. I love reading it, but I am not adept enough or educated enough to talk about the themes that are going on. But, I love a great plot.

What I think I would like to talk about though is finding some of those weird books that aren’t hitting the algorithm, even books from back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Finding those almost embarrassing books. Something I do love about BookTok is that, I think in a good way, it has no shame. We’re willing to read books that are just full-on guilty pleasures. I’d like to find more of those, and some of those old-school silly ones.

Like the proto-versions of A Court of Thorns and Roses?

Exactly! And to find some of those cheesy ’60s sci-fi novels would be so much fun. That’s really what I think I would enjoy.

I’m going through all sorts of avenues. I filmed a video the other week talking about my favorite books. I’m probably gonna scrap that footage and go back and re-film it. Just cause, it was like: “No, I didn’t talk about that book the way I wanted to talk about it!”

And this is for your YouTube channel?

For my own personal one, yeah.

I wanted to talk about that a little because in your first video you were saying that, even though you’ve been making content on YouTube for ten years, you didn’t really identify as a YouTuber. What does identifying as a YouTuber mean to you?

Being a YouTuber is such a general term. It’s so funny how we call everyone a YouTuber who is working on YouTube when there are people on YouTube who are out in the middle of nowhere building huts from scratch, and they’re a YouTuber, and also comedians are YouTubers. It’s like if we called everyone who was on television a TV influencer. It doesn’t make sense. You’re a news anchor or you’re an animal specialist or whatever.

I didn’t call myself a YouTuber because, to me, it was someone who was doing the whole process. That was the sale of YouTube from the beginning, right? You film it all yourself, you’re doing it on your own and you’re a YouTuber.

I always felt like I worked on a YouTube channel. Like, I am an actor and comedian who works here at Smosh. And Smosh is so big. It doesn’t feel to me, as an individual, like I am a YouTuber.

Of course, I am a YouTuber and I have been for ten years. But, it was this itch I needed to scratch of finally taking care of the whole process, of having my own channel and doing the whole thing and doing it from where it all started. You know, Smosh did start with Ian [Hecox] and Anthony [Padilla] forever ago just filming stuff in their own home.

It was weird. It was only a four-minute video. I filmed for like a half hour, and it took me forever to edit it. I did do multiple takes. The take I have on my channel is the original take. But it was really hard because I judge myself so hard.

And that’s what your second video was about, that idea of perfectionism.

Exactly.

I know you said you’re gonna get silly in future videos.

Totally.

But that video did showcase a different side of you than what Smosh viewers might be used to seeing.

It’s a huge challenge. Because what you see in [Smosh Reads Reddit Stories] and most of what we do on Smosh, I feel most comfortable when I’m playing off of other people. So much of my comedy is joking with people. So, filming something by myself is such an interesting avenue. I’m not used to it.
I give so much praise to those who do it. I’m so impressed by them, and I have so much to learn from them.

You are one of those people now.

I mean, yes, I’ve got a couple.

You know, this has taken up so much of my time and, of course, it will continue. My channel’s just a hobby right now, and I do want to keep uploading just for fun. And yeah, I’m not afraid to go more serious there. Because there’s no boundaries.

Smosh is a comedy channel, we’re doing comedy and entertainment. My own channel can be whatever I want any day. So, it felt good to release something a little more serious, with little hints of comedy, of course, because that’s who I am.

Is there anything you’re specifically excited to explore with the channel?

What I’m excited to explore is truly knowing that any time I have an inspiration, I can just go for it.
I do wanna take more risks. I want to do silly things just to do silly things. So that I don’t build too much of a cage for myself. I’m afraid of a bar forming. I don’t want there to be a bar.

I kinda wanna upload a minute-long video. I wanna upload something that’s so throw away and I’m not thinking about to know that’s okay [and] I can do that.

I’m excited to have a video get a small amount of views so that I’m no longer afraid of that. I don’t wanna be chasing anything that channel. I want to enjoy the pure fun of it.

A space for experimentation.

Exactly. I want to let it be a place for my creativity to grow, really.

I want to almost be inspired from the work I do there and get ideas from doing stuff there.

I want to circle back to Reddit and social media in general, because you mentioned having mixed feelings about it. As someone with a psychology degree, how do you feel about the trend of the armchair psychologist and seeing people diagnose others in comment sections?

I definitely have mixed feelings about it.

I make it clear so often that I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and I’m not qualified to say anything. I think the danger of the internet is that people get so comfortable thinking they have the answers. Everyone wants to have the answers, because we’re all driven by this desire to get likes and get attention, and having the answers is a great way to get that.

People speak so confidently online. I mean, how many times I scroll passed a TikTok where someone’s saying: “You need to do this. If you chew this gum, your teeth will be perfect.” Woah, okay, I’m believing you, but then you have to have that shred of doubt. I think it can be dangerous.

On the flip side, though, what’s tough is that therapy is so expensive. This is where it’s a struggle and I understand it’s hard to go out there and pay the money it takes to get an official diagnosis for things. So, I also recognize that people are striving to understand themselves and find community with others who are going through similar struggles.

I don’t want to tell anyone not to think anything or feel anything, but I think it’s also having that open mind and being careful a bit more when it comes to diagnosing others. It’s okay to have your own journey, but to not be jumping in and telling somebody that you’re one hundred percent sure because people do go to college for a long time to learn these things and it’s a very delicate thing. Even when people have this expertise, they sometimes get it wrong.

So, it’s treating it delicately and I think on the internet we don’t treat things delicately. We all kind of have this brashness.

Well, I have one last question for you, and, to move away from the serious: What is your progress reports on doing the splits?

Okay! It is not good, I’ll be completely honest!

I will sometimes at night just sit with my legs spread out in a stretch pose and go: “I’m just gonna read in this pose for a while.” But, my legs are stubborn, man. I will stretch consistently for a month, I will think I’m making some progress, and then I’ll go a week without stretching and it’s gone!

At 33, I’m at the place where I need to stretch genuinely. Like, this isn’t for a bit anymore, this is important that I do this. But, I am still determined. I haven’t given up.

We’re rooting for you!

Thank you!

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If You Love Boba Tea & Stardew Valley, This New Cozy Game Is For You https://www.escapistmagazine.com/if-you-love-boba-tea-stardew-valley-this-new-cozy-game-is-for-you/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/if-you-love-boba-tea-stardew-valley-this-new-cozy-game-is-for-you/#disqus_thread Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:37:58 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1008818 Cozy games are fun, and plenty of players have their go-to cozy world. However, sometimes, you want to try something new, and this game that was recently released into Early Access could be the perfect option. Call of Boba has the feeling of Stardew Valley but with boba tea.

Revitalize Your Friend’s Boba Shop

There are quite a few similarities in how Call of Boba and Stardew Valley begin. You’re an overworked employee trying to make it in a big city. However, you realize that you’ve lost sight of what’s important in your life. So, you do what you usually do in cozy games and return to your hometown.

Of course, things aren’t exactly the same, but you run into an old friend. They’re trying to keep their grandpa’s boba shop running, but it’s fallen into ruin and needs help. Luckily, you were looking for something to do, so your friend offers you a job at the shop and a room to stay in at their house. This marks the beginning of your boba journey as Bobo.

Related: Baldur’s Gate 3 Comes to Stardew Valley in a New Mod – And Yes, You Can Marry Astarion

A Cozy Gameplay Experience with Boba Combat

Call of Boba Combat with Boba
Screenshot by The Escapist

During the day, you can farm, fish, and explore, which you tend to expect in cozy games. This helps you gather resources for the shop and ingredients for new boba tea recipes. However, nighttime isn’t just for resting in Call of Boba. Instead, you travel through your dreams with a boba gun that you use to defeat enemies and loot ingredients.

Naturally, you also help run the boba shop during the day. This adds a small business simulator element to the game, and you pay attention to orders and craft drinks, then deliver them to your customers. I found this aspect to feel rather slow at the start, but it acts as a tutorial, which can definitely be helpful if you aren’t as familiar with this style of gameplay. Still, it’s rather straightforward, and you have cute images around the shop to help guide you.

Overall, Call of Boba has an endearing atmosphere that emphasizes the charm of a small town filled with childhood memories. Since it’s only in Early Access, I expect that we’ll see quite a few changes and extra polishing done as the game works towards its full release version. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing the game grow, and finding out what the modding community can come up with to mix up the experience.

Call of Boba is available now in Early Access.

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Daredevil: Born Again Just Dropped the MCU’s Biggest Miles Morales Tease Yet https://www.escapistmagazine.com/daredevil-born-again-season-1-miles-morales-officer-morales-mcu-easter-egg/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/daredevil-born-again-season-1-miles-morales-officer-morales-mcu-easter-egg/#disqus_thread Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:21:12 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1008664 Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episode 3, “The Hollow of His Hand.”

Daredevil: Born Again Season 1’s latest installment, “The Hollow of His Hand,” features a sneaky Spider-Man-related Easter egg that references the MCU incarnation of Miles Morales. Did you catch it?

Matt Murdock, Hector Ayala, and Kirsten McDuffie in Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episode 3

If you didn’t, revisit the courtroom scene in Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, Episode 3 in which Matt Murdock cites a bunch of police incident reports. They’re all positive accounts of Hector Ayala’s activities as the White Tiger, and Matt attributes one of them to an “Officer Morales” – an apparent nod to Miles’ father, Jefferson “Jeff” Morales.

Related: Daredevil: Born Again’s Kamar de los Reyes Tribute, Explained

In Marvel Comics canon and Sony’s Spider-Verse films (which exist outside the MCU proper), Jeff Morales is a police officer with the NYPD. This lines up with Born Again‘s New York City setting. What’s more, he’s an honest cop, which tracks with Born Again‘s Officer Morales being someone White Tiger would fight with, not against.

So, assuming that Matt Murdock does indeed namecheck Jeff Morales in Daredevil: Born Again, this marks the second time one of Miles’ family members has factored into an MCU outing. 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming featured Donald Glover as Aaron Davis, Miles’ uncle according to both comics and Spider-Verse canon. A deleted scene even had Aaron explicitly reference Miles by name.

Related: Daredevil: Born Again: Does [SPOILER] Die in the Comics?

Predictably, this sparked speculation that Marvel Studios was gearing up to introduce Miles Morales in a future MCU movie or TV show. To date, that hasn’t happened, although studio boss Kevin Feige suggested that Miles’ MCU debut is edging ever closer in late 2024. “I hope that, shortly after [the Spider-Verse trilogy wraps up], he can enter the MCU in live-action,” Feige said.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 is currently streaming on Disney+, with new episodes dropping Tuesdays.

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‘You’re an A**hole’: Anthony Mackie Still Can’t Get Over What One Co-Star Did to Him https://www.escapistmagazine.com/youre-an-ahole-anthony-mackie-still-cant-get-over-what-one-co-star-did-to-him/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/youre-an-ahole-anthony-mackie-still-cant-get-over-what-one-co-star-did-to-him/#disqus_thread Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:19:24 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1008634 Anthony Mackie is one of the faces of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he still looks back at some of his earlier projects. Of course, everyone remembers Mackie’s turn as Papa Doc, aka Clarence, in 8 Mile. Well, it turns out Eminem pulled a fast one on Mackie during shooting.

Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, was already a household name in the early 2000s, so much so that Universal greenlit a movie loosely based on his life. In 8 Mile, Eminem played Jimmy Smith Jr., aka B-Rabbit, an up-and-coming battle rapper who struggled to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the Free World crew, led by Papa Doc, had all kinds of resources and attempted to thwart B-Rabbit at every turn.

This conflict culminated in a final rap battle that saw B-Rabbit take on the members of the Free World. He took them out one by one with his unique rhymes but saved Papa Doc for last. The final battle between Papa Doc and B-Rabbit is one of the greatest moments in cinematic history, but, as Mackie revealed, it wasn’t Clarence that Eminem was insulting.

Related: ‘Immediately Struck by His Kindness’: Leonardo DiCaprio Reflects on the Impact This Late Actor Had on Him

During an appearance on The Pivot Podcast with Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder, Mackie revealed that, during the production of 8 Mile, Eminem had a hard time wrapping his head around the beef between Papa Doc and B-Rabbit. This took him back to the drawing board, and he reached out to Mackie to learn more about him. They talked for hours, and when they went to shoot the rap battle scene the next day, Eminem had a new approach.

“You’re talking about me; you’re not talking about Clarence,” Mackie said jokingly. “This has nothing to do with the character. You’re an a**hole, Eminem. I want to fight this motherf**ker.”

Mackie was laughing during the entire story and took time to praise Eminem for his decision to use his real-life against him. It may not have been what the powers that be intended going in, but it created a moment that movie buffs and rap fans will never forget. The revelation also means that Mackie is one of very few individuals to go up against Eminem and have his career stay afloat enough to tell the tale.

There’s even an argument to be made that Mackie getting roasted helped his career reach new heights. After all, 8 Mile was his first film role, and in the years since he played Papa Doc, he’s become the new Captain America and has plenty of other major projects under his belt, including the Oscar-winning Hurt Locker and Twisted Metal.

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Baldur’s Gate 3 Comes to Stardew Valley in a New Mod – And Yes, You Can Marry Astarion https://www.escapistmagazine.com/baldurs-gate-3-comes-to-stardew-valley-in-a-new-mod-and-yes-you-can-marry-astarion/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/baldurs-gate-3-comes-to-stardew-valley-in-a-new-mod-and-yes-you-can-marry-astarion/#disqus_thread Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:42:48 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1008398 Baldur’s Gate 3 can be an intense experience, but now you can relax with your favorite characters in a new, low-stakes environment thanks to the Baldur’s Village mod in Stardew Valley. Most importantly, this mod includes a fully fleshed romance for your favorite vampire, Astarion.

The Baldur’s Village Mod Combines BG3 with Stardew Valley

BV on Nexus Mods has released Baldur’s Village, a Stardew Valley mod that adds a new map to the top of the default map. We’ve seen similar mods, but they tend to replace the usual characters in the game and revamp their homes to fit Baldur’s Gate 3 characters, which is likely an easier way to implement this type of mod since you have a base to work with.

However, Baldur’s Village’s approach to adding BG3 to Stardew makes it more charming, since you still have the characters and locations from the standard game, but with a new area and multiple new characters based on the Baldur’s Gate 3 cast to meet and spend time getting to know. It’s one of many Stardew Valley mods that make it worthwhile to start a brand new save file, as it makes the game feel fresh.

If you aren’t familiar with modding Stardew Valley, you’ll need a few additional mods to run Baldur’s Village properly. Specifically, you need SMAPI, Portraiture, and Content Patcher.

A New Romance Blooms in Baldur’s Village

Stardew Valley Baldur's Village Astarion Conversation
Image via Nexus Mods

Along with the new locations and characters, you’re able to fully romance Astarion using the Baldur’s Village mod. Right now, he’s the only character that has a full romance option, including heart events. Since this mod was recently uploaded to Nexus Mods and already gives you a decent amount of new content, it’s not too surprising that it might not include every romance that you have in Baldur’s Gate 3.

However, because the mod is still new, it’s entirely possible that more content like other full romances with heart events for characters like Karlach, Shadowheart, Gale, Wyll, and the rest of the cast could be added in the future. Perhaps not all at once, but periodically receiving mod updates with more romance options for Baldur’s Village would be amazing.

If you’re ready for a familiar game with a fresh twist, then Baldur’s Village might be perfect for you. It blends the cozy feeling of Stardew Valley with the beloved characters and aesthetics of Baldur’s Gate 3, letting you get to know the cast in circumstances that don’t include the possibility of turning into a Mindflayer.

Stardew Valley is available now.

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Titmouse’s Churp Puts an Exclusive Animated Twist on Subscription Box Services https://www.escapistmagazine.com/titmouses-churp-puts-an-exclusive-animated-twist-on-subscription-box-services/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/titmouses-churp-puts-an-exclusive-animated-twist-on-subscription-box-services/#disqus_thread Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:30:00 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1007964 There exists a novel period of human history between the fall of physical video stores and the rise of streaming where receiving a DVD in the mail provided a small, simple thrill. Churp, a brand-new subscription service from Titmouse, modernizes that nostalgic joy.

Titmouse, the animation studio behind Big Mouth, The Legend of Vox Machina, and Star Trek: Lower Decks, unveiled the subscription box/fan club hybrid Churp at SXSW as a part of the studio’s 25-anniversary celebration. While a hoard-worthy monthly influx of collectibles, apparel, and more from Titmouse’s artists certainly appeals to the studio’s fanbase, what sets Churp apart comes in its access to exclusive cartoons. Each month’s loot drop will include a secret code that grants members access to hand-crafted Churp-exclusive animated content from some of the studio’s most prominent voices.

Titmouse’s Churp-exclusive cartoons will include:

  • Bruddies: “A bloodbath action-comedy about two best friends”.
  • The Mitch Owl Show: “A bright-eyed Hollywood hopeful learns the horror of working directly for an A-list celebrity”.
  • A Million Dollar Idea: “The story of the world’s biggest entrepreneur, who happens to live in his car”.
  • How Can It Be A Do?: “A pitch-perfect parody of early 2000s industrial cable network documentary series”.

Though the creative voices behind each cartoon vary, from Metalocalypse co-creator Tommy Blacha behind the wheel of The Mitch Owl Show to Colbert Report writer Sam L. Kim helming A Million Dollar Idea, each share in Titmouse’s signature tone of irreverence and absurdism. Stylistically, the Churp cartoons will embrace an analog style of production and animation. Churp’s President and Creative Lead Mark Brooks summarized his mission statement: “My lifelong experience in underground bands and cartoons has led to the following philosophy for Churp: if it’s too fucked up for anyone else, then we’re definitely making it”.

Churp isn’t the first instance in which Titmouse has offered experiences that engage fans beyond the screen, with the brand making its board game foray last year with Drunkards, Druggies & Delinquents. The party game, launched on the crowdfunding site Backerkit, embraces the chaos of roleplaying under the influence. After crushing its fundraising goal last year, Drunkards, Druggies & Delinquents will make its way to backers this summer.

Titmouse has not announced the precise arrival date for Churp yet but promises that animation fans will be able to get their hands on the service’s fresh merch and cartoons sometime this year. In the meantime, those whose interest has been piqued can sign up and get notifications at Churp.tv.





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‘Everyone’s Entitled to Their Own Opinions’: Paris Jackson Addresses the Hate Over Her Sheer Outfit Choice https://www.escapistmagazine.com/everyones-entitled-to-their-own-opinions-paris-jackson-addresses-the-hate-over-her-sheer-outfit-choice/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/everyones-entitled-to-their-own-opinions-paris-jackson-addresses-the-hate-over-her-sheer-outfit-choice/#disqus_thread Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:06:44 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1008336 As the daughter of Michael Jackson, there was always going to be interest in Paris Jackson’s life. While she shied away from the limelight as a child, she has now fully embraced stardom with her work as a model and singer, even if this decision sometimes comes with negative attention!

Paris is also active on social media, giving fans a glimpse into her world and, on occasion, sharing her thoughts. This includes weighing in on what has been said about her, most recently her decision to wear a sheer outfit, which attracted negative attention from critics because her nipples were visible.

So, how does Paris feel about the criticism? Does she regret her outfit choice? Her TikTok video would suggest this is not the case because she called out the haters and made her thoughts clear. In a video posted on the social media platform, she looked straight into the camera and recalled how she had received “a good amount of flack” for the off-the-shoulder dress she wore to attend Stella McCartney’s Paris Fashion Week show.

“I would like to point out that everyone’s entitled to their own opinions,” she said on TikTok. “And we’re animals. At one point, we abided by the laws of nature. There was a harmony [that] worked really well for the planet until one day, humans decided we’re not animals, we’re going to wear clothes and we’re gonna rule over all the other animals. And a segregation was born and spoiler alert, that’s why s*** got really bad.”

She continued to call for the normalization of seeing the nipples. “You’ve got one, I’ve got one, it’s OK,” she said of the human form. “There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s just a human body. Let’s do something for the environment, man, let’s do something for the planet, man. Stop freaking out about nipples, man!”

Paris is not the first woman to campaign for change regarding the exposure of female nipples, and the #FreeTheNipple campaign has attracted some attention over the years. However, she likely anticipated some backlash over the TikTok video because she chose to disable the comments.

Comments on Paris’s Instagram account, which boasts 5.4 million followers, are still allowed, albeit limited. She shared photos of her outfits and the time spent in the French capital (which she shares he name with). Reactions include, “Woow she is the original Barbie,” “beautiful,” and “you have a beautiful life Paris. I can only envy you.” Interestingly, there are fewer reactions to her looks and more comments about her decision to eat the French delicacy, foie gras, which is made from the liver of duck or goose.

The backlash against eating foie gras, which many consider unethical and cruel, has resulted in many negative comments. “Can’t believe people are still eating fois gras,” a critic wrote. “I don’t know what to think now. I’m hoping the foie gras is ethical…?” another shared. Another fan attempted to educate Paris with their comment, writing, “@parisjackson, I thought you were an animal lover. Please research how foie gras is made and never buy it again!!”

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‘Immediately Struck by His Kindness’: Leonardo DiCaprio Reflects on the Impact This Late Actor Had on Him https://www.escapistmagazine.com/immediately-struck-by-his-kindness-leonardo-dicaprio-reflects-on-the-impact-this-late-actor-had-on-him/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/immediately-struck-by-his-kindness-leonardo-dicaprio-reflects-on-the-impact-this-late-actor-had-on-him/#disqus_thread Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:02:48 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1008305 Leonardo DiCaprio has worked steadily in the entertainment industry for decades and has encountered several celebrities. However, one star whom DiCaprio met in 2019 on the set of the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood stood out to him because of his kindness.

“I was immediately struck by his kindness,” DiCaprio said of Luke Perry. His comments were made in a documentary titled I Am Luke Perry (via People), which focuses on Perry’s life and premature death. “Having been born and raised in Los Angeles and worked in this industry my entire life, it has, in many ways, greatly shaped who I am,” DiCaprio continued. “There was an immediate sense of excitement in seeing Luke Perry on set. It was incredible.”

Perry died in 2019 from a stroke. He was 52. Perry is remembered fondly for many roles (showing his diversity as an actor), including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Riverdale. In the ‘90s, he was considered a heartthrob, and DiCaprio recalled how “everyone was crazy about him.” Perry was also cast in Quentin Tarantino’s dark comedy Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (he played the role of Wayne Maunder) in which DiCaprio starred, and the two actors interacted in a scene. It was a moment that DiCaprio remembers fondly because he admits he was “starstruck.”

“I felt this overwhelming feeling of being starstruck,” DiCaprio recalled “But then he and I got to sit down and talk about Los Angeles, the ’90s, his life, where his career had gone, where my career had gone, where his life [had gone], my life [had gone]. I was so, struck, how do I say this, by the kindness of his character. [He was] just an incredibly generous human being.”

Although Perry would never see the result of his work on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, having died four months before it premiered, he left an impact on DiCaprio and many of his previous co-stars. At the time of his passing, DiCaprio used the platform X to share his thoughts in a short yet emotional statement. “Luke Perry was a kindhearted and incredibly talented artist. It was an honor to be able to work with him,” he wrote. “My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones.”

Upon learning of Perry’s death, many celebrities reacted and paid their respects, including Gabrielle Carteris (the pair starred alongside each other in Beverly Hills, 90210). “I am absolutely heartbroken. Luke was a tremendous force in the lives of so many,” Carteris said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly at the time. Her words echoed DiCaprio’s as she also remarked on Perry’s kindness. “He was a very sensitive soul who was kind, generous and he fought for the underdog,” she continued. “He was a strong voice and an advocate who will be so missed by all who knew him. He has left his mark – never to be forgotten …”

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‘I Don’t Understand’: The Internet Can’t Wrap Its Head Around Sony Testing AI-Generated PlayStation Characters https://www.escapistmagazine.com/the-internet-cant-wrap-its-head-around-sony-testing-ai/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/the-internet-cant-wrap-its-head-around-sony-testing-ai/#disqus_thread Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:22:33 +0000 https://www.escapistmagazine.com/?p=1008237 The worrying trend of adding AI to video games appears to show no sign of slowing down. A leaked video of Aloy from the Horizon franchise shows that Sony is experimenting with making its PlayStation characters fully AI-generated.

This report comes from The Verge. The prototype that was shown off on YouTube has been taken down via copyright strike, but the clip has made its way onto the social media platform, X.

Sharwin Raghoebardajal, Director of Software Engineering at Sony PlayStation, shows off the AI technology with Aloy. The machine-powered Aloy responds to questions from Sharwin with synthesized voice and facial movements. The entire experience is eerie in that Aloy does not sound remotely like a human being.

The reactions to this demo on social media have been quite negative, as you can imagine. Here are some examples:

I was lead to feel very confident that Sony wouldn’t do anything like this lol 🫠

Alanah Pearce (@charalanahzard.bsky.social) 2025-03-11T08:45:22.355Z

Alanah Pearce, who used to work at Sony Santa Monica, can’t believe the footage since Sony explicitly told her and her team this would not happen.

I don't understand what it's for. If I wanted to know how Aloy felt about the story and world I'd play the game?? And see for myself??

Anna Megill (@annamegill.com) 2025-03-11T11:16:53.067Z

Anna Megill, a writer at CD Projekt Red, makes a good point, saying there is no need to talk to a character because we experience their stories and personalities through gameplay.

Related: Disney Dreamlight Valley Teases a Long-Awaited Character In a Big Way

How do gamers like you and me feel?

"This is just a glimpse of how much we DIDN'T understand about THE ENTIRE POINT OF THOSE GAMES."

Satyros Phil Brucato (@satyrosphilbrucato.bsky.social) 2025-03-11T13:44:08.764Z

Bluesky user Satyros Phil Brucato cleverly showcases that the whole point of the Horizon titles were to show the dangers of technology.

Pay @ashlyburch.bsky.social their full union rate for every 30 minutes the AI talks

🐭🧀•°{I know he ate a Miggs} (@miggsboson.bsky.social) 2025-03-11T15:47:17.958Z

Miggs Boson mentions Ashly Burch, the voice of Aloy, in their comment, saying she would deserve royalties if this nightmarish future came to pass (Ashly is part of the voice acting strike going on precisely for this very real concern over AI replacing human actors).

I’m very concerned if Sony is taking AI this seriously. I have friends and family in the voice acting business, and their jobs are not secure if AI is going to take over voice work and motion capture. Microsoft is already pursuing this kind of tech, too, leaving Nintendo as the only holdout of the big three, so my only hope is that this crashes and burns sooner rather than later.

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