Over the last few weeks, I've received some questions regarding the game as it is right now and specifically what to expect when 5.0 releases. Let this post serve as the final resting place for all updates 5.0 related. If you have any questions that aren't listed here, please feel free to comment your question. I'll do my best to answer it and include the update in the section below.
Section 1: The game as it is right now.
Q: Will achievements be coming to Cross of Auria?
A: No. For the time being, it isn't possible to implement achievements. At some point in time, the plugin which connects the engine (RPG Maker MV) to Steamworks stopped working. I've tried on multiple occasion to fix it, you can even see some of the files leftover in the game folder. However, it appears to not be possible to re-establish the connection between client and Steam. In the place of achievements, I made a room in Ruby's house dedicated to trophies. They will be functional when 5.0 releases and will offer in-game rewards. At first, the room will be much larger than is necessary as to accommodate future trophies. If you happen to know how to code in Java or Ruby and are interested in making a plugin to make actual achievements work, feel free to let me know & join the Discord @ https://discord.gg/bMS9ktw.
Q: Where can I find herbs?
A: The "Herbs for Clarence" quest is unfinished and will not function as expected. Originally, details and a conclusion were planned but ultimately put on the back-burner in favor of preparing the 5.0 update.
Q: How do I get into the dojo?
A: The newer section of Lvell (main city area) is not yet finished. Some buildings, like the Dojo, are inaccessible.
Section 2: Updating to 5.0
Q: Will the Founder's Pack DLC still be available?
A: Yes. The FP DLC will be moved to a new location in the Veil which will be accessible at multiple points in the game. Additionally, the Challenge of the Headless will also remain accessible in a similar manner.
Q: Will I be able to keep my current save file?
A: No. Once the new version of the game is released, a group of save file replacements will be launched to erase all currently held save files for all players. Playing the game in a 4.0 zone on the 5.0 framework will lead to crashes and other undesirable effects.
Q: Will all the blocked off cities open up in 5.0?
A: Not right away. When 5.0 launches, Ruby will be confined to the Lvell area for a short while. The beginning of the game is being expanded, so expect to spend more time in Lvell than you did before. Other unfinished or blocked off cities will open up at the rest of the game is opened up in the time following 5.0's release.
Q: Which areas will be included in the initial 5.0 release?
A: The Veil, Lvell, The Colosseum, The Pit, & Shoreline. The Agartha activities will be temporarily moved to a regularly accessible place within the Veil until Agartha is reopened later.
Q: After 5.0, what can I expect to be released next?
A: Originally, Ruby wakes up on the second or third day with the timeframe being unclear. With 5.0's release, Ruby will wake up from the Veil on the first day and the events of day one will be more clear. The events which take place during the current game will still happen, but the when of it all will be more ironed out. 5.0 basically encompasses the day one. After the initial release, the meetup with Jack and progression through Den An'ura and Scarlet Cavern up to Hell's Gate will be added, then Auria with the Rabbit's Foot and Frost Forest and the rest of the current game. I'm adding some time between launches in order to untangle the Rabbit's Foot from progression throughout Revan and to fix some incomplete or otherwise unintuitive questlines. For instance, Ewynn is completely broken and needs to be fixed from the ground up. I can't release Auria with Lvell at the same time without completely fixing the Rabbit's Foot questlines.
Q: When is 5.0 coming out?
A: I wish I could answer this, but making a promise before I'm sure would only lead to disappointment. As of right now, I'm entirely sure how much work needs to be done to untangle Lvell from other parts of the world. I also need to add worthwhile things to do for day one.
Whenever I come with another Q/A that needs to be posted, I'll edit it in. If you have any questions, let me know!