Changelog.ggBeta
HomeGamesUpdatesPricingMethodology
Steam News2 August 202618d ago

Beta Branch: New Mana System Now Live!

Hello everyone! It's been a while! Our beta branch is now live, and it comes with the new mana system we've been developing.

In this update5

Full notes

Full Northwind update

Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.

Repeated intro

Hello everyone!

What changed

0 fixes6 additions6 changes1 removal
  • Compatibility
  • Gameplay
addedIt's been a while! Our beta branch is now live, and it comes with the new mana system we've been developing.
added🔎 Why we redesigned mana systemWe believe the current mana system has always been an issue for new players — managing it just isn't a fun part of the game. It caused frustration over fun and relied too much on randomness.
removed🃏 How the new Mana system worksFocus cards are no longer part of your main deck. They now live in their own Support deck.
changed🃏 How the new Mana system worksAs you progress, you can upgrade your Support cards individually.
added🃏 How the new Mana system worksThe new system is designed to be more user friendly. With Focus cards — your mana — turning into Support cards, there's more room for interesting decision-making, and we think you'll enjoy card synergy much more than ever in Northwind. Please jump in and give it a try! Though there will be bugs!
added🃏 How the new Mana system works⚠️ The beta uses a separate save so you'll be starting a new game from the beginning.

Northwind changes

addedIt's been a while! Our beta branch is now live, and it comes with the new mana system we've been developing.
addedWe believe the current mana system has always been an issue for new players — managing it just isn't a fun part of the game. It caused frustration over fun and relied too much on randomness.
removedFocus cards are no longer part of your main deck. They now live in their own Support deck.
changedAs you progress, you can upgrade your Support cards individually.
addedThe new system is designed to be more user friendly. With Focus cards — your mana — turning into Support cards, there's more room for interesting decision-making, and we think you'll enjoy card synergy much more than ever in Northwind. Please jump in and give it a try! Though there will be bugs!

It's been a while! Our beta branch is now live, and it comes with the new mana system we've been developing.

🔎 Why we redesigned mana system

We believe the current mana system has always been an issue for new players — managing it just isn't a fun part of the game. It caused frustration over fun and relied too much on randomness.

🃏 How the new Mana system works

Focus cards are no longer part of your main deck. They now live in their own Support deck.

  • Each turn, you draw 3 Support cards from that deck.

  • As you progress, you can upgrade your Support cards individually.

The new system is designed to be more user friendly. With Focus cards — your mana — turning into Support cards, there's more room for interesting decision-making, and we think you'll enjoy card synergy much more than ever in Northwind. Please jump in and give it a try! Though there will be bugs!

⚠️ The beta uses a separate save so you'll be starting a new game from the beginning.

🧪 How to join the beta

  1. In your Steam Library, right-click Northwind → Properties.

  2. Go to the " Game Versions & Betas" tab.

  1. Enter the code "northwindbeta" and click "Check Code".

  2. Select the beta branch and let the update download.

⚠️ Heads up: the beta uses a separate save so you'll be starting a new game from the beginning.

We hope you enjoy the new mana system! And please tell us what you think! Share your feedback on Discord or in the Steam forums. Based on your feedback and response, we might merge the beta branch into the main branch quickly.

🛠️ What's next?

We'll keep fixing bugs, and controller support is in the works.

Thank you for your support! We are still working to make Northwind better! – The Northwind Team, Barking Kitten Interactive

Source

Steam News / 2 August 2026

Open original post

Changelog.gg summarizes and formats this update. How we read updates.