24 October 2026
Hello,
Most of this week went into the ground under your feet. The Whisperwood started out flat, with platforms floating over it, and it felt like a stage set. So we gave it hills. There are ramps to run down, cliff faces to drop off and ledges stacked one above the other, and the Gloamdeep, the Mirewick Fen and Thornreach got the same care. Walking uphill takes a little longer. Running down is faster, and more fun than it has any right to be.
We also spent time on how a fight feels. When something hits you, your hero flickers for the short moment nothing else can, so you always know where you stand. And every technique moves its own way, so a Rising Slash and a Cleaving Whirl look nothing alike.
Next up is the workbench in Larkhollow. There is a first look at it just below.
See you on the Hearthside Trail.
The Zukama team
Hollis keeps a workbench in Larkhollow, and it is where your gear gets stronger. Each piece has a few notches. Work something you hunted into one and choose how hot to strike. A gentle heat always takes. A blazing one rarely does, and when it holds, everyone hears about it.
A crack costs the material and never the gear. We tried other ways to grow gear and kept coming back to the sound of the hammer.
23 October 2026
High above Thornreach a lake has frozen solid. The footholds are ice, the gaps between them are long, and the only way up to the chest is a ramp that would rather you slid back down. Bring good boots.
A Mystic can blink a short hop ahead, or whichever way you are holding. It costs very little and gets you out of more trouble than it should. Bram in Larkhollow sells the book.
Nettle, Ansel and Flint have moved into town. We will let them introduce themselves.
Hello,
Today was about how it feels to move. Running builds up speed instead of starting at full tilt, jumps hang in the air a touch longer, and a monster's hit knocks you back a step. Loot pops out and bobs where it lands. That last one is the small thing we keep stopping to watch.
See you on the Hearthside Trail.
The Zukama team
22 October 2026
Somewhere in Lanternmere a climb goes up and up, and there is a chest at the top for anyone who keeps going. Missing a jump never hurts you. The fen wind just sets you back on the last ledge you stood on, so you can try again.
There are other climbs out there. We will let you find them.
Still in the workshop
We are testing every day. Leave your email and we will write when the doors open.
Thank you. Check your inbox for an email asking you to confirm, and press the button in it.
It signs you up for the Solder Spark Studios newsletter. You can leave any time.
