We know you have all waited quite a bit for this update. And here it is.
As you can see in our timeline above there are many vital steps upcoming. We do not have fixed dates for every step. Some steps might move a week later or earlier so we want to avoid confusion by giving estimated dates that might change. Instead, you can see roughly when each step will take place. Rest assured that we will announce every step again when we have a clear date set.
We will start by granting you access to our Unity Testserver to get an early glance at the future of TSO. This Version will of course not be in a final state. But it should allow you to see the progress that has already been made as well as further development. Furthermore, we will switch our regular Testserver to the Download Client very soon, to ensure its stability and provide you a way to have a look at the system and test it yourself.
Only a bit later, the brand-new download client will become available which will bridge the time until our Unity Version is up and running. There have been some delays and other circumstances that in the end led us on a path to not creating just one, but two technologies to continue our beloved TSO. Among our reasons are that we wanted to allow everyone to continue playing in the browser, to have a solid base for the next decades of development, and to open a bucket of opportunities for the future of The Settlers Online.
Our famous Christmas Event with lots of neat new things awaits next. We recommend switching and getting accustomed to our interim solution as early as possible to avoid friction when the Christmas Event starts. Although you will be able to play the way you are used to until the end of the year, we do not want you missing out on the end of the event or having to switch technologies mid-event. We kindly ask and recommend planning and taking time to install the Download Client. Of course, we will be here to help you with every step. We will do our best to enable you to continue playing with as few issues as possible and we will also try to get the Unity Version up and running as soon as possible.
Roughly in mid-January, you will also require a Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay) account to continue playing. This has several reasons such as security, homogenizing our technology overall instances, and getting ready for all future steps. So, this is another important task we all need to complete as early as possible to ensure our islands continue thriving.
After these important technical changes, it is time for more awesome events. Of course, our Valentine's Event will be held again, and Flora will be waiting with her flowers.
But this is not all, we are currently looking for and preparing something special, but we don't want to spoil the surprise just yet. So, stay tuned!
Afterward, we'll welcome everyone to the new lands of The Settlers Online and into a bright future. We cannot wait to utilize the new technology to bring the game to new heights and develop some long-awaited features together with you, our ever so committed, passionate, and beloved community.
One last note. Please be aware that especially during these times even the best-planned and most beautiful timelines can be tricky to adhere to. Thus, we ask for your understanding in case of unforeseen changes in timings.
Please join us on this exciting and thrilling adventure into the future, where no Settler has gone before!
Once a Settler, Always a Settler!
Check below to read our extensive FAQ on the transition to Unity, and don't forget to leave your feedback here!
