Emperor's Chest

The Emperor's Chest is now available. It can be purchased from the in-game store or obtained through gameplay.
The Emperor's Chest is an item that contains a set of 4 randomly generated items. Chests can be purchased or obtained for free through gameplay. The main reason we’re going in this direction is because we wanted an easy way to reward player’s loyalty. Essentially, we’re looking to give away plenty of Chests for free going forward.
• An Emperor's Chest contains 4 items, of which one is guaranteed to be Rare or better.
The chances (calculated per-item) are as follows:
• Every player will receive 1 Emperor's Chest when installing the game. Existing players will get it when first logging in into the game.
• Founders will receive 3 additional Emperor's Chests.
• A Emperor's Chest will be gifted to the player for every 1 hour of gameplay, with a limit of 2 every 2 days. We consider this a first step in creating a larger ecosystem where we will have more fun and interesting ways to obtain Chests for free by playing.
• Two Civilization Fragments of any kind can be combined into a Emperor's Chest.
• Chests can be accessed through the Armory.

Civilizations

• It is now possible to unlock Civilizations through gameplay!
• Civilization Fragments can be found inside Chests. Four Fragments of the same Civilization can be combined into a Sigil.
• Sigils are special in-game items that allow you to play a specific Civilization.
• Fragments and Sigils are non-tradable and non-sellable.
Items
• In-game items now have an explicit rarity: Common (Gray), Rare (Blue), Epic (Purple) and Legendary (Gold).
• In-game items are now tradable and sellable on the Steam Marketplace.
• We now allow customization of Villager Tools (Axe, Pickaxe, Hammer, Hoe, Skinning Knife, Bow)
• 18 new Villager Tools items are available.

In-Game Store

• We have a brand new in-game store that makes easier to browse and purchase in-game items.
• We now display which items are contained inside of a Crate.
• The store will be constantly updated with new Items and Sales so make sure to check it out often!

Menu

• Upon logging in we now show the latest Changelog if the user is playing a new version of the game.
• The Changelog can be accessed in-game via a button next to the version number.
• Added a note regarding AI opponents in Multiplayer matches in the Create Lobby popup.

Gameplay

• It is now possible to set a Rally point on a Unit, Fauna or Relic.
• On an Allied unit this will be interpreted as a Guard command.
• We now support Camera Hotkeys.
• You can Save Camera Locations and jump back to them using the function keys.

Pathfinding

• Fixed a Pathfinding issue were units would get stuck in cliffs or other unwalkable terrain.

Stability

• Fixed a possible desync with ungarrison.
King of the Hill
• Players that resigned from King of the Hill are now considered out of the game.
• Players that lose all their villagers and town centers in a King of the Hill match are now considered out of the game.
• If a whole team is out of the game, it is considered defeated in a King of the Hill match.
Bug fixing
• Fixed an issue with Mongol Transport Ship not transforming into a Settler.

Balancing - General Changes

• Every civilization now has a dedicated Scout unit that they start with.
• The Scout is faster than a regular Infantry unit but slower than cavalry and has great LoS. It has a good amount of HP to survive some arrow fire but only deals 2 damage.
• This change is intended to equalize the early game more (especially for Aztecs) and free the Light Cavalry line of most civs to be re-balanced on its own.
• Mangonels and Ballista projectiles no longer track targets.
• Mangonels and Ballista now have a “Attack Location” command. This is intended to keep Siege strong while raising the skill cap. This should make for more interesting high-level gameplay.
• Long Weapon I Bonus damage vs Mounted reduced to 8 (from 10).
• Long Weapon II Bonus damage vs Mounted reduced to 16 (from 18).
• Gold Mines gold amount increased to 800 (from 600).
• Berries food amount increased to 400 (from 300).

Byzantines

• Spearman health decreased to 40 (from 50).
• Veteran Spearman health decreased to 50 (from 60).
• Elite Spearman health decreased to 65 (from 70).
• Archer damage decreased to 4 (from 5).
• Skirmisher health decreased to 35 (from 40), min range increased to 200 (from 100).
• Veteran Skirmisher min range increased to 200 (from 100).
• Mounted Archer cost increased to 60w, 70g (from 50w, 70g).
• Veteran Mounted Archer health decreased to 100 (from 110).
• Light Cavalry health increased to 70 (from 65).
• Veteran Light Cavalry health increased to 90 (from 80).
• Heavy Cavalry health decreased to 100 (from 110), ranged armor decreased to 4 (from 5), damage decreased to 8 (from 9).
• Veteran heavy cavalry health decreased to 120 (from 130).
• Anti-Cavalry Cavalry cost changed to 65fm 75g (from 70f, 70g).
• Ballista cost increased to 140w, 120g (from 130w, 100g), min range increased to 400 (from 300).
• Alexios I Komnenos cost changed to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 300g).
• Belisarius cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 250f, 300g), health increased to 400 (from 180), melee armor increased to 6 (from 3), ranged armor increased to 8 (from 6), damage increased to 18 (from 16), range increased to 140 (from 120).
• Veteran Spearman upgrade cost increased to 250f, 200g (from 200f, 150g).
• Elite Spearman upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 200f, 150g).
• Veteran Archer upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Elite Archer upgrade cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 350f, 300g).
• Veteran Cavalry Archer upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Veteran Light Cavalry upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Battlements health bonus increased to +30% (from 20%).

French

• Increased Charge stagger time from 2 seconds to 3.
• Warrior health points increased to 50 (from 45).
• Spearman health decreased to 40 (from 50), damage decreased to 4 (from 5).
• Veteran Spearman health decreased to 55 (from 60), damage decreased to 6 (from 7).
• Elite crossbowman damage increased to 9 (from 8).
• Veteran Light cavalry ranged armor reduced to 2 (from 3).
• Heavy Cavalry health increased to 100 (from 90), damage decreased to 8 (from 10).
• Lancer cost increased to 80f, 75g (from 75f, 65g), health increased to 100 (from 90).
• Templar cost reduced to 180f, 200g (from 180f, 220g), melee armor increased to 3 (from 2).
• Priest cost reduced to 80 (from 90).
• Mangonel min range increased to 400 (from 300).
• Bombarde health increased to 80 (from 70), min range increased to 400 (from 300).
• Jeanne d’Arc cost increased to 400f 350g (from 300f, 250g), health increased to 300 (from 250), damage increased to 12 (from 10), range increased to 140 (from 120), Active ability range decreased to 600 (from 800).
• Roland cost increased to 400f 350g (from 300f, 250g), health increased to 450 (from 400), melee armor increased to 6 (from 4), damage increased to 20 (from 180), range increased to 140 (from 120).
• Veteran Spearman upgrade cost increased to 250f, 200g (from 200f, 150g).
• Battlements health bonus increased to +30% (from 20%).
• Veteran Crossbowman upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Elite Crossbowman upgrade cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 350f, 300g).
• Veteran Light Cavalry upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Veteran Heavy Cavalry upgrade cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 350f, 250g).
• Elite Heavy Cavalry upgrade cost changed to 800f, 650g (from 900f, 500g).
• Veteran Lancer cost upgrade cost changed to 400f, 350g (from 350f, 250g).
Aztecs
• Spy cost reduced to 80g (from 100g), bonus damage when Invisible Increased to 80 (from 60).
• Eagle Warrior cost reduced to 50f, 30g (from 50f, 40g).
• Shorn One cost changed to 100f, 90g (from 85f, 95g).
• Archer production time reduced to 16s (from 17s). damage reduced to 5 (from 6).
• Veteran Archer damage reduced 6 (from 7).
• Skirmisher production time increased to 17 (from 15).
• Prisoned movement speed increased to 200 (from 190).
• Ahuitzotl health increased to 400 (from 250), melee armor increased to 4 (from 2), damage increased to 20 (from 18).
• Acamapichtili health reduced to 100 (from 180).
• Ballgame stadium cost reduced to 150w, 250s (from 150w, 350s).

Mongols

• Villagers can now be permanently turned into Militia.
• Militia has Long Weapon I and therfore serves as an answer to the French matchup and introduces some spice in the Mongols mirror match.
• Light Cavalry health increased to 50 (from 45), damage increased to 4 (from 3).
• Veteran Light Cavalry health increased to 65 (from 55), ranged armor increased to 2 (from 1).
• Heavy Cavalry damage increased to 8 (from 7).
• Light Cavalry Archer health reduced to 40 (From 45).
• Heavy Cavalry Archer cost increased to 60w, 60g (from 55w, 60g), ranged armor increased to 2 (from 1), attack speed decreased to 1.4 (from 1.3).
• Veteran Heavy Cavalry Archer ranged armor increased to 2 (from 1).
• Ram damage increased to 70, attack speed increased to 2.5 (from 3).
• Mangonel cost increased to 140g, damage decreased to 40 (from 60), minimum range increased to 400 (from 200).
• Trebuchet cost increased to 160g (from 150g).
• Chinggis Khaan cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 300f, 250g), health increased to 300 (from 200), Active Ability Cooldown increased to 60s (from 40s).
• Khubilai Khan health increased to 400 (from 150), melee armor increased to 4 (from 2), ranged armor increased to 6 (from 5).
• Veteran Light Cavalry upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 200f, 150g).
• Veteran Heavy Cavalry upgrade cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 300f, 250g).
• Veteran Light Cavalry Archer upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 200f, 150g).
• Veteran Heavy Cavalry Archer upgrade cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 300f, 250g).

Chinese

• Warrior production time reduced to 16 (from 17).
• Spearman damage reduced to 4 (from 5).
• Veteran Spearman damage reduced to 6 (from 7).
• Elite Spearman damage reduced to 8 (from 9).
• Crossbowman production time reduced to 16s (from 18s), health reduced to 40 (from 45).
• Elite Crossbowman damage increased to 9 (from 8).
• Chu ko nu health increased to 70 (from 60).
• Veteran Chu ko health increased to 80 (from 75).
• Sniper cost increased to 60w, 90g (from 50w 80g), damage reduced to 20 (from 40).
• Sniper has a new passive ability that deals 2x damage against unit.
• Flamethrower ranged armor increased to 5 (from 4), damage increased to 35 (from 30), min range increased to 100 (from 0), max range increased to 600 (from 500).
• Veteran Light Cavalry health increased to 80 (from 75).
• Heavy Cavalry cost increased to 60f, 70g (from 60f, 60g), health increased to 90 (from 85), damage decreased to 8 (from 19).
• Veteran Heavy Cavalry health decreased to 110 (from 120), ranged armor decreased to 2 (from 3), damage decreased to 10 (from 12).
• Priest movement speed decreased to 220 (from 240).
• Zhug Liang health increased to 200 (from 160).
• Yue Fei cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 300f, 250g), health increased to 350 (from 250), melee armor increased to 5 (from 3), damage increased to 20 (from 16), range increased to 160 (from 130), active ability range increased to 160 (from 140), Active Ability damage increased to 60 (from 40).
• Yue Fei (dismounted) health increased to 200 (from 150), range increased to 120 (from 110), Active ability range increased to 130 (from 120), Active Ability damage increased to 40 (from 35).
• Elite Spearman upgrade cost decreased to 300f, 250g (from 350f, 300g).
• Veteran Crossbowman upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Elite Crossbowman upgrade cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 350f, 300g).
• Veteran Chu Ko Nu upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Veteran Light Cavalry upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Veteran Heavy Cavalry upgrade cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 350f, 250g).
• Battlements health bonus increased to +30% (from 20%).
Arabs
• Veteran Warrior Movement Speed increased to 240 (from 230).
• Archer Damage decreased to 4 (from 5).
• Grenadier Cost increased to 40w, 35g (from 35w, 35g).
• Veteran Cavalry Archer Health decreased to 100 (from 110).
• Light Cavalry health increased to 70 (from 65).
• Veteran Light Cavalry health increased 90 (from 80).
• Heavy Cavalry health decreased to 100 (from 110), damage decreased to 8 (from 9).
• Veteran Heavy Cavalry health decreased to 120 (from 130), damage increased to 12 (from 10).
• Medic cost reduced to 60g (from 80g), passive range increased to 300.
• Mangonel minimum range increased to 400 (from 300).
• Salah ad-Din cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 300f, 250g), health increased to 450 (from 220), melee armor increased to 6 (from 4), damage increased to 18 (from 14), increased attack range to 140 (was 120).
• Increased cost of Veteran Spearman upgrade to 250f, 200g (from 200f, 150g).
• Increased cost of Veteran Archer upgrade to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Increased cost of Veteran Cavalry Archer upgrade to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Increased cost of Veteran Light Cavalry upgrade to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Increased cost of Veteran Heavy Cavalry upgrade to 400f, 350g (from 350f, 250g)

Koreans

• Spearman damage decreased to 4 (from 5).
• Veteran spearman damage decreased to 6 (from 7).
• Archer damage reduced to 4 (from 5).
• Cannoneer minimum damage increased to 200 (from 100).
• Light Cavalry health increased to 70 (from 65).
• Veteran Light Cavalry health increased to 90 (from 75).
• Heavy Cavalry health increased to 100 (from 85), damage decreased to 8 (from 10).
• Veteran Heavy Cavalry health decreased to 110 (from 120), melee armor increased to 2 (from 1), ranged armor increased to 5 (from 4).
• Hwoarang production time decreased to 20 (from 22), health increased to 85 (from 75), speed increased to 380 (from 360), Active Ability arrow damage increased to 10 (from 8).
• Veteran Hwoarang health increased to 100 (from 95), ranged armor increased to 4 (from 3), speed increased to 380 (from 360), Active Ability arrow damage increased to 12 (from 19).
• Hwacha health increased to 110 (from 90).
• Mortar cost decreased to 200w, 120g (from 200w, 140g). Health increased to 110 (from 90).
• Veteran Spearman upgrade cost increased to 250f, 200g (from 200f, 150g).
• Veteran Archer upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Veteran Light Cavalry upgrade cost increased to 300f, 250g (from 250f, 200g).
• Veteran Heavy Cavalry upgrade cost increased to 400f, 350g (from 350f, 250g).
• Battlements health bonus increased to +30% (from 20%).

Wait so you can get 2 chest a day and the next day get 2 chest a day again? or is it 1 chest each day. and can you earn it by playing custom matches?

Originally posted by RowdyRen™:

Wait so you can get 2 chest a day and the next day get 2 chest a day again? or is it 1 chest each day. and can you earn it by playing custom matches?

You can earn it playing everything, it's max 2 every two days.
So you can gain 1 every day if you play one hour more or less constantly, or 2 every two days if you play more.

Originally posted by Zamy:

Originally posted by RowdyRen™:

Wait so you can get 2 chest a day and the next day get 2 chest a day again? or is it 1 chest each day. and can you earn it by playing custom matches?

You can earn it playing everything, it's max 2 every two days.
So you can gain 1 every day if you play one hour more or less constantly, or 2 every two days if you play more.

Ok so this "Every hour you play in Empires Apart you are granted an Emperor's Chest, with a limit of two per day." is very confunsing then and not clear at all, one might even see it as a lie... "limit of two per day." is not 2 every 2 days... IS PER DAY! Please correct it.

What about duplicates from items?
I had some luck and recieved the same item 3 times. Can I do something about it like change three items of the same rarity for another one of that rarity?

There is Bug with chest's need to turn on/off game to get chest

I like this game very much already. But I have some suggestions, just minor ones.

1) More maps, and more ones where you can engage your opponents through naval battles.

2) Healing units (or capabilities) for Byzantines, French and Mongols.

3) And finally, some thoughts about the Aztecs (my favorite civilization). I think they could use some towers for defense (just simple ones, since they never built large fortifications throughout their empire, but those existed nevertheless (see Oztoman). I would also like to see more units for them: Jaguar Warrior is there, but I miss the Eagle Warrior... I know he appears in the game, but is replaced by the Jaguar after promotion, when I think the Eagle Warrior should be a unit on its own. I also read about Aztec slingers and a clay projectile filled with obsidian shards, which could be used as an area of effect attack for them in the game.

Of course, these are just opinions, and if they feel like they are going to be "out of the flavor" of the civilizations, just ignore them. More importantly, I hope they - if implemented - do not break the balance between the civilizations.

Overall, like I mentioned before, Empires Apart is a very nice game! Keep up your good work, developers!

Thanks, the designer will read it.
About healing, every civ (Mongols aside) can always heal units garrisoning them in buildings