Indulge in your favorite Strategy game with: Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown (#ad) – perfect for a cozy night in!

Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown is like a fantasy land with a twist of stronghold vibes. It's a cozy city-builder with occasional purple crystals and fog to spice things up. You lead a group of travelers, carving a new home in this mysterious land. It's a beta test for the Early Access, so expect some hiccups, but it's definitely worth a try for a chill RTS experience. 👑🌄🔮

Introduction 🏰

Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown is an upcoming City Builder/SLRS hybrid that you can try for yourself right now if you're in the statistical majority watching this video on or before December 18th, 2023. It's available on Steam, and there's a link in the description. This is a beta test for the Early Access release next year, and it's sponsored by Playside Publishing. Let's dive into what Thrive is and why it's worth adding to your Steam wish list for its 2024 release.

A Fantasy World with a Twist 🌍

Thrive takes place in the fantasy world of Nisso, which, despite its fantastical setting, doesn't feature magical elements or extraordinary phenomena. Picture a game similar to Stronghold, but with occasional purple crystals and fog. The game's story sets you up as the leader of a small enclave of travelers, seeking to establish your town, grow your population, and navigate the complexities of this new land while contending with rival factions and trying to forge relationships with the local inhabitants. There's a single sandbox mode available for now, and Thrive offers the unique twist of multiplayer gameplay for up to four players.

The Mechanics of Thrive 🏗️

The current demo of the game offers a few hours' worth of gameplay, and while it lacks specific end-game goals, it provides ample room for experimentation and learning. Players can expect to encounter city-building mechanics, limited combat, and trade systems, as well as explore resource chains, such as harvesting hemp for clothing or producing cider using apples and water. Thrive introduces unique inclusions, such as a building priority list that allows you to allocate peasants to specific jobs and a naming system for all your peasants.

Experience the Land of Walg 🌌

Walg is a key element in the land of Nisso, and it significantly impacts the gameplay as it builds up and culminates in various outcomes, both positive and negative. In addition to the walg mechanic, Thrive features a trade system, a research tree, and a benevolence system, each of which introduces decision-making elements that can shape the game's progression.

Beta Testing and Beyond 🛠️

As this is a true beta testing phase, players should expect some minor issues with loading times, missing UI elements, and performance optimization. However, the developers have demonstrated a commitment to resolving these issues promptly, showcasing a dedication to refining the gameplay experience. Thrive boasts a visually appealing art style, though there is room for improvement, particularly in nocturnal scenes and weather effects. Despite its early stage, Thrive shows great potential for a cozy, multiplayer city-building experience, making it an exciting addition to the genre.

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