Sand Sailor Studio has released the “Server & Road” update, which adds the highly requested dedicated server feature to Aska, as well as in-game chat, visual improvements, and new terrain tools.

Now, you can set up a server that’s always online for your friends or other players to join. Just like before, your server will appear in the list of joinable games, but it can be accessed anytime regardless of the original host’s status.

The great thing about this is that the dedicated server automatically pauses when no one is online, solving issues with unintended events, such as Blood Moons triggering at random. Also, the auto-save function and centralized server backups guarantee that game progress is not lost if the host encounters technical issues. For me, this was the most annoying thing about Aska: after spending our time building, we lost all progress because the friend in my group who hosted the game experienced a crash. Hopefully, this won’t happen with the dedicated server.

The “Server & Road” update also introduced changes to the in-game chat system, making the game more convenient for those who prefer using a chat window instead of joining voice channels to communicate with their group while playing. Now, you only need to open the chat menu to join the open session for communication with other players.

New terrain tools such as a road planner and path maker were also introduced, helping you build better paths and roads to your villages. Creating paths doesn’t require materials, but they don’t provide a speed boost. However, building stone roads with the planner requires stones and adds a speed benefit for villagers.

Some other improvements include visual upgrades, such as more detailed sunrises and sunsets, enhanced weather effects, and improved ground details.