Skyclimbers Pushes Early Access to 2024 and Introduces the 5 Dynasties

Skyclimbers is an upcoming multiplayer city-building game set in a procedurally generated anime-themed universe. Paratope has recently released more information about their recent 1.0.13 patch, along with a roadmap update, and an introduction to unique Dynasties.

This update marks the last major engine update before they transition into the beta testing phase of the game. One of the major additions in this patch is that they have been able to increase performance by up to 50% while also adding volumetric fog to POIs such as temples, as well as improved lighting, a new grass shader, and even better texture scaling on large assets like landmarks, rocks, and trees.

Paratope started their Kickstarter for Skyclimbers back on February 9^th, 2021, and was funded within 24 hours. They closed their successful campaign, raising $340,721 from their $25,000 goal. Though they have been hard at work with the development of the game, their updated roadmap shows that while the alpha is currently underway, the actual beta has been pushed back to mid-2024, with an early access launch in the 4^th quarter of 2024.

By pushing early access to 2024, it will allow them to release the game on multiple platforms, starting with PC and Xbox first and then releasing to PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and even mobile, with cross-play and cross-saving promised.

Dynasties are the most inherent part of the game, with five dynasties currently being worked on. So far, the current Alpha build only features the Drakonian Dynasty, but as the game progresses, the 5 Dynasties will bring new locations, new characters, and new items, with each dynasty’s architecture being truly unique from each other.

Drakonians come from an area with green fields and lush forests, all the way to misty coasts and burning peaks. The Drakonian Dynasty takes inspiration from medieval knights, royalty, and Vikings. Their military is proud of its raw power, heavy armor, and berserkers driven by fury and flame. They are also lively people, enjoying good meals and drinks and toiling in the fields.

Shoi: With great power comes great responsibility. The Shoi Dynasty have internalized this concept and set themselves the task of defending the universe against the Void. After losing their own planet to the void, they have set out to save other planets from the same fate. The Shoi work from the relative safety of Ether, using holograms and deploying mechanical units to combat the void. With the power of teleportation, they are able to strategically transport their units from small support pods to gigantic pyramid-style buildings.

Void: The Void is said to originate from the void realm and is a chaotic space realm without rules. The Void Dynasty is an infection eating away at the universe, one planet at a time, with a never-ending hunger for more. Once the Void has made a connection with a planet, it slowly begins to corrupt sentient lifeforms and animals alike. Those infected with it lose all their inhibitions, desires, and emotions until they succumb to the hive mind, becoming Voidlings. There are a few who retain aspects of individuality, are known as Voidlords, and will command the vast numbers of Voidlings into battle.

Foryoku: The Foryoku Dynasty takes inspiration from feudal Japan, Shaolin monks, and ancient China. Their continent, Yukos, features floating cliffs, dense forests, and sprawling meadows with a wide range of flying and land-dwelling Sentius. Their chosen element is Aer, giving rise to fleets of airships and mounted flying warriors. The Foryoku are masters of flying mounts and light-weight airships that are capable of carrying an assortment of bombs and can decimate entire armies. Besides being trained in the martial arts, they are also known for their love of poetry, painting, and musical instruments.

Rokkuhito: Traveling through the Rokkuhitan lands can be harsh to the unaccustomed; they also rely on building with clay and stone to build monuments that defy the environment. The Rokkuhito Dynasty takes inspiration from ancient Africa, Egyptian architecture, and sci-fi themes. Rokkuton, their home continent, includes barren deserts, lush savannahs, and robust cliffs across the horizon. The Rokkuhitan culture boasts a rich oral history, with legends and tales passed on from one generation to the next, which includes rhythm, music, and dancing, with each tribe having its own unique flair. But the Rokkuhitan military has adapted to the rough terrain and harsh climate of the continent, excelling in quick attacks and guerilla warfare, relying on speed and maneuverability over long, drawn-out battles.

Which of these Dynasties do you find the most interesting? Let me know in the comments below.