Development Update
We've been busy at work over the past few months on a variety of gameplay features, including:
- Enemy mob design & systems
- Biomes & environment design
- Laying the groundwork for persistence and supporting large open worlds
We will have much more to share about these things later, but figured that while it is the new year and everyone is trying to lose all that holiday weight, we could talk about FOOD! ːsteamhappyː
Food & Drink Sytem
Food & Drink in WILDWOOD is important not only for sustenance, but there are other considerations as well:
- Warm food or drink can help stave off frostbite.
- Foods can go bad over time.
- Some foods can attract predators.
- Foods have differing availability, and effects on the player.
You will have to balance the drawbacks and advantages of different foods when preparing to embark on a journey into the wilderness. Do you pack extra rations, or more ammo for your trusty bow - counting on your skill to hunt for the food you need as you go?
Here's a little 'taste' of some of the early game food we're cooking up for you (Editor's note: we are sorry about all the puns. Truly).
Early-Game Foods (Partial List)
Pine Nuts
- Can be scavenged in evergreen forests
- Never goes bad
- Doesn't provide many calories or comfort
Elderberry Juice
- Can be scavenged from abandoned buildings and camps
- Reduces hunger and thirst
- Gives some comfort
Pine Needle Tea
- Can be crafted from scavenged ingredients over a fire
- Provides healing
- Can warm you when hot
- Provides comfort
Salted Ethercarp
- Easily found when scavenging abandoned buildings
- Slight chance of food poisoning
Simple Stew
- Can be cooked from scavenged ingredients over a fire
- Provides a large amount of comfort
- Heavy & hard to transport
Hot vs. Cold Foods
A common feature of food in WILDWOOD is that it can often be served hot or cold. Hot food will often provide not only warmth, but comfort as well, allowing you to delve deeper into the wilderness away from the comforts of home.
However, hot foods will not stay hot forever, so timing, and access to a campfire are key to providing a comfortable meal.
Hot foods can also be harder to transport, so adding camps or 'inns' along your commonly traveled roadways where hot meals can be provided, will be an important part of comfortable travels later in the game.