Recently, indie developer Greg Styczen, known for the medieval city-building game Manor Lords, shared an exciting sneak peek on Steam about the upcoming update. Although the game, still in Early Access, has been lauded for its realistic approach, players have been hoping for more consistent updates. Being a one-man team under his studio Slavic Magic makes frequent updates a challenge, but the next patch promises a wealth of new features.
While an official release date for the update remains elusive, there’s buzz about an overhaul of major features and new maps that are set to enhance this historical gaming experience. Even without a concrete timeline, there’s speculation that Styczen plans to make waves with this release before the end of 2024.
Confirmed features in the upcoming patch include two fresh maps, enhancements to building upgrades, and significant improvements in ale and water distribution, along with a marketplace revamp. These upgrades are welcome news for players eager for more content and quality-of-life improvements. Details about the new maps are scarce, but a hint of snowy weather has been revealed. Styczen has hinted at changes to improve how taverns and wells operate, which should delight fans who appreciate the game’s meticulous attention to detail.
In particular, players can expect wellheads to display supply and demand levels for each town, helping manage village needs more efficiently. The game’s marketplace is also getting a makeover. Styczen has been actively testing various systems to create a more engaging, intuitive, and easier-to-understand marketplace, incorporating much-requested distribution filters for goods, demonstrating his commitment to player feedback.
With 2025 fast approaching, there’s optimism that this update might drop sooner rather than later, marking a significant step forward for Manor Lords. The city-builder, although not yet a fully realized game, has shown promising growth. It’s thrilling to think about the enhancements that lie ahead for players.
Adding to the excitement, Manor Lords has been nominated for this year’s Game Awards—a remarkable achievement for an indie game still in Early Access. A win, paired with the anticipated update, could cap off the year on a high note for Styczen and his medieval creation.
The Game Awards, where Manor Lords is up for Best Debut Indie Game, will air on December 12. Winning or not, being nominated is a significant accomplishment, highlighting the game’s potential and the hard work behind it.
