Hey everyone!

I know I’ve been in the shadows for a while, but trust me, it was all for a good reason. Prototyping Level 2 took a lot of time, but I’m finally happy with how things are shaping up! Today, I want to share what’s new, what’s coming, and where Harem of Valerius is headed next.

Level 2: The Depths Beneath the Holy Hill

After Valerius begins restoring the city, his next mission takes him deep underground—to the stone mines beneath the Holy Hill. This location isn’t just another battleground; it holds secrets tied to the events of Level 1. Here, Valerius will uncover more about the forces at play and his own fate. Lore-wise, this is a key turning point in the story.

New Mechanics: Wall Jump & Climbing

The mines aren’t just dark and dangerous—they introduce vertical gameplay! Valerius will now be able to wall jump and climb, adding a fresh layer of movement and exploration. Mastering this mechanic will be crucial to navigating the rugged underground terrain.

A New Enemy Type

A new type of foe awaits in the depths. While I won’t spoil too much, let’s just say these creatures thrive in the dark and will challenge Valerius in ways he hasn’t faced before. This will test not just combat skills, but also positioning and mobility.

Puzzles Are Coming, But Not Just Yet

I’ve designed some puzzle mechanics for Level 2, but they won’t be implemented until the core movement and combat systems are 100% solid. My priority is ensuring that everything runs smoothly before layering in complex interactions.

The Final Core Mechanic: Romance Mode

Now, let’s talk about something exciting—romance mode! After Level 2, when Valerius returns to the city, the final core gameplay system will be introduced. While I can’t reveal too much yet, I will say this: Romance Mode is meant to be a well-earned reward rather than another challenge. After everything Valerius goes through, he deserves some pleasure, right? 😉

What’s Next?

• In 2 weeks → Level 2’s environment should be fully ready.

• By the end of the month → A core mechanics demo, including Romance Mode!

I appreciate everyone’s patience and support—it means the world to me. If you want to help keep HOV growing, consider supporting on Patreon or grabbing the DLC packs. Every bit of help makes this project better!

See you in the next update, and as always, thank you!