Community Update 10.2

Big update to instances, general UI changes and more Update 6 fixes.

Following the release of Update 6 and the deployment of Community Update 10, we have been actively monitoring feedback, addressing reported issues, and implementing a range of fixes and quality of life improvements across Aetherion. In addition to these refinements, we have also introduced several new features and enhancements to further improve the overall player experience. One major feature as part of this update, is the introduction of PvE trials - Specifically PvE Horde Wave challenges and the new Proving Grounds challenges.

trials major update - introducing PvE trials

One of the most significant updates to date introduces the highly anticipated PvE Trials system, allowing players to take part in a variety of challenging encounters, including Horde Wave battles and unique boss encounters. In addition to providing a rewarding source of experience and progression, this new framework lays the foundation for future content, including our upcoming Scenario system, which we aim to introduce ahead of the Chapter 1 release.

Please Note: Trials are designed to work around the player, so mobs will match the player's level. Also, similair to Dungeons, the more players join, the harder mobs will become.

pve hordes

PvE Horde Waves is a survival-focused challenge that pits players against an escalating series of enemy assaults. Beginning with smaller groups of foes, each successive wave increases in difficulty through stronger enemies, larger numbers, and more demanding combat mechanics. As players progress, teamwork, strategy, and endurance become increasingly important to overcome the growing threat.

To reward perseverance, players receive rewards every two completed waves, providing a steady sense of progression throughout the encounter. Those who reach the final wave and emerge victorious are granted a major reward, marking the successful completion of the trial and recognizing their ability to withstand the horde's ultimate challenge.

PROVING GROUNDS

The Proving Grounds are a high-intensity PvE challenge centered around a single, powerful boss encounter. Unlike Horde Waves, there are no breaks between rounds or waves of enemies. Instead, players are placed directly against a unique adversary designed to test their skill, awareness, and mastery of combat mechanics.

Inspired by the challenge and satisfaction of difficult boss-focused games, each encounter requires careful observation, tactical decision-making, and precise execution. Success cannot be achieved through brute force alone. Players must learn attack patterns, react to special abilities, exploit openings, and adapt their strategy as the battle unfolds.

Defeating a Proving Grounds boss is a true test of skill and perseverance. Those who overcome the challenge are rewarded with valuable loot, experience, and the prestige of conquering one of the game's most demanding encounters.

the new preperation phase

To improve accessibility and encourage strategic gameplay, all PvE Trials now begin with a Preparation Phase. Before combat starts, players are given a short window to organize themselves, coordinate with allies, and ensure they are ready for the challenge ahead. During this time, new players can join and assist you during the trial. Once the trial begins, no further players can join the fray.

During this phase, players have access to their Personal Windvault, allowing them to change equipment, adjust their build, and make any final preparations before entering battle. Whether you're preparing to endure a lengthy Horde Waves encounter or taking on a formidable Proving Grounds boss, the Preparation Phase provides an opportunity to tailor your gear and strategy to the challenge ahead.

The Preparation Phase lasts approximately 60 seconds, after which the trial will begin automatically.

Statistics, Progression & Leaderboards

This update introduces the foundations of our new Statistics and Progression System, designed to track your performance across all Trials, including both PvE and PvP content. Every action you take in combat contributes toward your overall statistics, allowing you to build a record of your achievements as you progress through the game.

While the initial release focuses on tracking player performance, this system serves as the foundation for a much larger progression framework planned for future updates. Over time, players will be able to unlock exclusive rewards and cosmetic items by increasing their progression level, including new equipment, unique collectibles, mounts, pets, and other prestige rewards.

We are also laying the groundwork for a comprehensive Leaderboard System, allowing players to compete and compare their accomplishments across multiple categories. Planned leaderboards will include:

PvE Leaderboards for Trial and Horde Wave performance.
PvP Leaderboards for competitive combat rankings.
Challenge Leaderboards for special events, achievements, and seasonal content.

Whether you're a dedicated raider, an arena champion, or a completionist seeking every collectible, the Statistics system is intended to provide long-term goals and recognize your accomplishments throughout your journey.

NEW ARENAS

As part of the Trials update and the introduction of new PvE challenges, several new arenas have been added for players to conquer. These battlegrounds offer unique environments, tactical opportunities, and fresh encounters designed to test your skills across a variety of combat scenarios. New arenas included in this update are the Glacial Gauntlet, The Outer Ward and the Abandoned Kweebec Village.

UPDATED COLLECTIONS INTERFACE

Collectors and completionists will appreciate the newly enhanced Collections interface, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of every collectible available in the game. Browse detailed information on all mounts, pets, and companions, track your collection progress, and discover rewards you have yet to obtain. Collectibles not currently owned will be displayed as grayed out entries, making it easier than ever to identify missing items and plan your next adventure.

NEW FURNISHINGS AND COLLECTIONS

We've introduced a wide range of themed Furniture Sets and Collections, giving decorators and collectors even more ways to personalize their homes. Each set has been carefully designed around a distinct theme, allowing you to create everything from humble cottages and lively taverns to grand estates and mystical retreats. Some may not be available from the start as they will be part of a set of unique drops from instances and dungeons. More details will be available as we get closer to the release of Hytale Chapter 1.

Check out the new dedicated page showcasing the different furniture sets - https://www.thelastsanctum.com/furniture-sets.

Bug Fixes and Updates

The following is a list of all features and bug fixes deployed as part of this update:

Updated the UI of the Trials framework. Now shows the latest updates in the Home section.
Integrated the statistics and ranks for PvE, PvP and Challenges.
Integrated a new Queuing system which persists on unwanted disconnections from the server.
All Trials now have a 60s preperation phase. All arenas have now got a dedicated prep room with access to a Windvault.
A number of arena prefabs have been upgraded to the new LPF file format.
The Target UI now shows the player portrait when targetting a player.
Fixed the portrait and target details for a number NPCs showing a broken image, including the bunnies.
Fixed an issue with the bronze pickaxe being unable to mine ore.
Fixed an issue with the wine brewing process which was not working as intended.
Fixed an issue where butterflies where dropping parrot related items.
Updated the collections system to now show all items in the collection but will be grayed out if you have not obtained it as yet.
Added 4 new arenas for the trial system - The Glacial Gauntlet, The Outer Ward, and the Abandoned Kweebec Village.
Fixed an issue with the Whisperwood Brazier due to an invalid sound FX when lit.
Fixed an issue in PvE battles, that would result in the trail ending if 1 player remained.
Added a number of new furniture sets, including the Cozy Kitchen and Spellwoven sets.
The DFS blue torch has been replaced and a new version of the torch, which is available as part of the Spellwoven set. It can be crafted in the Arcanist bench and also includes a wall version.
Categorized all furnishings in a respective collection to better manage the different sets. Some Furnishings will now require the Player to buy Blueprints.
Added the first pass of a possible minimap. This may change in the future, but it should be super light and should not cause any performance issues.

3rd Party plugins

The following is a list of all features and bug fixes deployed as part of this update:

Mermaids updated to v3.4.1
Wardrobe updated to v0.3.5

Hytale Server Browser AND FINAL NOTE

When browsing the server list, we kindly ask for your support by leaving a like on our server. Your feedback helps improve our visibility and overall rating, allowing us to grow and enhance the experience for all players.

Lastely... Please keep in mind that all of these new systems and updates are still undergoing active refinement. As Hytale continues to evolve, we will likewise update and improve our plugins, logic, and internal frameworks to stay aligned with the game’s development.

This means that certain gear stats, item information, recipes, and crafting mechanics may continue to change over time. While the current implementation is stable, nothing is fully final - your feedback will help shape the polished versions of these systems as they mature.

As always, if you have suggestions, ideas, or comments, please share them with us on our official Discord server. Your input helps shape the future of Aetherion.

Happy exploring! 🌿✨