Songs of Syx v68 - All in Good Time

Summary

Version 68 of *Songs of Six* brings exciting updates, improving both the challenge and prestige of the game. Key changes include a reworked event system with optional challenges, balanced industries offering equal viability, and an overhauled tech tree. Army logistics, battle mechanics, and fortifications are refined for strategic depth. Nobles can now boost industries or govern, offering new paths for city expansion. The world map, AI rivalries, and diplomacy have been revamped for more dynamic interactions. With Early Access ending soon, the game is heading toward a balanced, polished 1.0 release with new features like water wheels and farmsteads.

Takeaways

• 😀 Version 68 of the game introduces significant changes, focusing on enhancing both challenge and prestige in gameplay.
• 😀 The game aims to balance industries so there is no single 'best' strategy, with players needing to specialize as they scale up.
• 😀 The tech tree has been redesigned, separating innovation and knowledge into distinct tech points to improve gameplay balance.
• 😀 Army supply depots now simulate logistical costs, and trade buildings are more restricted to prevent exploits.
• 😀 Fertility is less important than before; irrigation and water usage are now more emphasized for resource management.
• 😀 Monument auras have been introduced, replacing the old dread system and offering more versatility in upgrades and management.
• 😀 Employment assignments now allow for more precise management of workers, with specific groups assigned to specific rooms once priorities are met.
• 😀 Nobles are being introduced as a late-game mechanic to boost industries or act as governors, giving players more control over their empire's growth.
• 😀 Major updates to the battle system include fixed movement issues, removal of friendly fire, and a new stance for archers to stay in place when targeting enemies.
• 😀 The world map and factions have been revamped, with new rivalry mechanics and the introduction of a more complex diplomacy system involving emissaries and opinion thresholds.
• 😀 After nearly five years, the game is approaching the end of Early Access with plans to introduce new content like water wheels, farmsteads, and new monuments in future patches, while aiming for a stable and balanced 1.0 release.

Q & A

What is the main focus of version 68 in 'Songs of Six'?

Version 68 primarily focuses on improving the balance between challenge and prestige in 'Songs of Six'. The goal is to enhance the gameplay by gradually increasing the difficulty while maintaining a sense of achievement, rather than relying on exploits and meta builds.

How does the event system work in version 68?

In version 68, the event system has been improved to emphasize optional challenges. Players can choose whether to accept an event, and if they win, they receive a reward. If they decline or fail, there are penalties, adding a layer of strategic decision-making.

What changes were made to the industry system in version 68?

The industry system has been rebalanced to ensure all industries are equal, with no single 'best' meta build. Players can now choose any industry at the start of the game, and scaling up requires specialization depending on the game’s circumstances.

What is the significance of the new tech tree in version 68?

The tech tree has been redesigned to improve the balance of bonuses for different industries. It now uses two types of points: Innovation and Knowledge, to better track and manage the progression of technological development.

How do army supply depots work in version 68?

Army supply depots now simulate logistical costs for maintaining armies. Import depots function as pull sources, and there will be new limitations on where trade buildings can be placed, specifically near the throne or in its vicinity.

What changes have been made to employment assignments in version 68?

Employment assignments have been expanded, allowing players to assign specific groups to particular rooms once regular priorities are met. This provides greater control over workforce management.

What are nobles, and how do they impact the game in version 68?

Nobles are new game elements that can be assigned to industries or serve as governors. They boost the efficiency of industries or provide governor points that can be used for kingdom development. Nobles also impact the game's expansion, allowing players to decide between focusing on city growth or kingdom management.

How has the tutorial been improved in version 68?

The tutorial has been significantly enhanced to be more user-friendly. It now covers the basics of self-sustaining colony management, and future chapters will delve deeper into industry, trade, and battle mechanics.

What are the changes in the battle system in version 68?

The battle system has been refined to address movement issues, eliminate friendly fire, and give defenders a significant bonus. New stances for archers have also been added, preventing them from moving into range of enemies, improving strategy during combat.

How do AI factions work differently in version 68?

AI factions now have a system of rivalry instead of opinion, which affects their relationships with the player. Managing opinion and rivalry has become more strategic, with new mechanics like vessel relationships and new diplomatic actions such as trade and peace treaties. AI factions are more dynamic, with armies potentially being sent to neighbors if diplomatic relations deteriorate.