Starting to Play

Mar 10, 2015 - Features - New

Learning the Base

The client interface is the main view of Kingdom Age during the game. The general layout of the interface cannot be modified, although some components can be moved around (automap, inventory, status bars and buttons) or modified in size (game window, console).

Most actions in Kingdom Age are controlled through so-called “context menus”. Context menus are small sub-windows that open up whenever you right-click on a character or on an item. A number of actions will be displayed. To pick one, select it by using the mouse pointer and click on the left mouse button to confirm.

These keys indicate shortcuts you can use to speed up controls. For instance, holding down the Shift key while left-clicking on an item will cause your character to look at it, and clicking on an item while pressing the Ctrl key will make him use an item.

Game Window

The game window takes up the main part of the interface. Almost all game play takes place on this window – you will see other characters moving about, approaching monsters, items on the floor and, of course, the surrounding countryside. Your character will always be in the centre of the game window.

Using the Mouse

To control your character’s movements by using the mouse simply left-click on the spot in the game window where you want it to go to. The character will do so automatically, taking the shortest possible route. If the spot you have clicked onto is out of reach, the character will stop.
Although characters tend to avoid moving diagonally while walking towards their destination automatically, they are nonetheless capable of doing so. To walk diagonally left-click on your character and keep your finger on the mouse button, then move the cursor in the direction you want it to go. Please note, however, that there is a short delay when moving diagonally.

Using the Keyboard

You can also control your character’s movement by using the cursor keys or the number keys on the num pad. Simply use them in the customary fashion to move up, down, left or right. Moving diagonally is also possible by using the keyboard. Simply press 7, 9, 1 or 3 on the num pad to move the character to the northwest, northeast, southwest or southeast. Please note, however, that the num lock must not be activated if you want to use the num pad to control your character. If you have selected “chat off”, you can select the popular letters w,a,s,d to move your character.

It is also possible to change the direction your character is facing. To do so press Ctrl and leave your finger on the key, then choose the direction you want your character to look by pressing the corresponding cursor button. This feature can be especially useful when casting spells that require your character to look into a certain direction.

Moving Up or Down Floors

Of course, characters can also move up or down floors. Depending on the area you are in you will encounter stairs, ramps, sewer grates, ladders or simple holes in the floor. The controls to move up or down floors differ depending on the type of stairs you are using:

To climb stairs or ramps simply move your character onto them. The same is true for holes in the floor.
However, if you would like to climb up through a hole in the ceiling, you must use a rope on the rope spot on the floor. Keep in mind that you cannot climb up holes in the ceiling unless you have a rope or the “Magic Rope” spell.
To climb down a sewer grate right-click on it and select “Use”.
Finally, to climb ladders simply right-click on the floor in front of the ladder you wish to climb and select “Use”.

Looking Around

Sometimes it won’t hurt to have a closer look at your surroundings, for example if you would like to find out the name of an item. Taking a closer look at items or creatures is an action that is typically carried out through context menus. Simply move the cursor on the item or creature you would like to look at, right-click to open the context menu, and select “Look”. Alternatively you can click on the item you wish to inspect while holding down a Shift key on the keyboard.
Note: Some items have an additional description that you can only see if your character is standing next to it or your character carries the item in the inventory. Also, you can get additional information on characters like their vocation or level if you look at them. If you look at books, scrolls, letters or other editable items, you will receive general descriptions only. To actually read or write into such items they must be used. Please see below for instructions on how to use items.

Moving Items

In Kingdom Age, items are moved using “drag&drop”. In other words, to move an item you must left-click on it, then pull it on the place you want it to be, holding down the mouse button. The cursor will turn into cross-hairs to help you determine where exactly the item will be placed when you drop it.

If you want your character to take an item, simply drag it onto her backpack and let go of the mouse button. Your character does not have to be placed next to the item you wish her to take, because characters move automatically towards the desired objects they are about to pick up. If you would like to throw an item away, click onto it and drag it onto the game window. The item will be dropped on the spot where you let go of the mouse button. Of course, your character cannot throw items through obstacles like walls. Also, note that heavy items such as furniture can only be moved one field away from your character at a time.

Moving Stacks of Items

If you would like to move a stack such as a heap of gold, a small dialog will open up in which you will be asked how many items you would like to move. You can modify the number of items you would like to move by using the slide bar or by typing the amount with the keyboard. There are 2 shortcuts in order to speed up the process of moving stacked items: if you drag the stack while holding down the Shift button, you will only move one stacked item at a time. On the other hand, if you keep your finger on the Ctrl key while you are dragging the items, the whole stack will be moved at once.

Moving Wall Decorations

Drag&drop is also used to put up or take down wall decorations such as cuckoo clocks, tapestries and paintings. Simply place your character in front of a suitable wall and drag the decoration onto it. Note, however, that wall decorations may only be put up on walls facing south and east. You cannot place decorations on windows, doors or southeast corner walls. Also, wall decorations may not be placed on walls that are already decorated. Finally, please note that some wall decorations cannot be moved at all.

Pushing Creatures

Pushing creatures or characters works just like moving heavy items. Simply left-click onto them, then drag them in the direction you want them to be moved. You will find that after a short delay your target will be moved in the desired direction, provided there is no wall or other obstacle and the creature or character has not moved away in the meantime. Note that your character will skip the next attack if he pushes a creature or character in combat. Also, please note that pushing your own character or another character will be slower than moving to the desired destination normally. Finally, many strong monsters cannot be pushed and often they can also push items or other weak monsters blocking their way.

Using Items

Using items is another action that is controlled via context menus. Open the menu by right-clicking on the item, then select “Use” with a click on the left mouse button. Items are used in a manner that is typical for their function – torches will be lit when used, food will be eaten, scrolls can be edited etc.

However, some items must be used on other items, characters or map spots in order to work. To use such items open the context menu, then select “Use with …”. On doing this the mouse pointer will turn into crosshairs. Now move the crosshairs on the item, character or map spot you want to use the item with and left-click to confirm. Typical items that are used this way include ropes, shovels, potions and runes. Also bread, cakes and cookies as well as various drinks can be produced this way. Weapons may also be used this way in order to smash many large items such as chairs, chests, etc. Note, however, that each strike only has a limited chance of success, so you may have to hit the target you want to destroy several times. Also, please note that most items cannot be destroyed this way.

If you have items you need to use often such as runes or food, you can make your life in Kingdom Age much easier by assigning them to hotkeys. Once you have done this, all you need to do is to press the assigned button and the action of your choice will be performed automatically.

Rotating Items

This option is only available for large items such as chairs, chests and other kinds of furniture. Since these items come with standard facings when bought in a shop you may want to change their facings, e.g. to make sure they fit well into your private home. To rotate an item open the context menu by right-clicking on it, then select “Rotate” on the menu. The selected item will be turned 90° clockwise, i.e. if it faced south, it will now face west.

Attacking Creatures

To attack creatures open the context menu by right-clicking on your opponent, then select “Attack”. A red frame will appear around your opponent, indicating that you are attacking him. Your character will actively attack your opponent as soon as he is in range. If your enemy strikes back, there will also be a black frame around him that flashes up briefly with every attack. To cancel the attack simply open the context menu again and select “Stop attack.” As usual, clicking on Escape will also work to cancel the attack. Finally, clicking on an opponent while holding down the Alt key works as a shortcut to start or to stop an attack.

Creatures as well as players often carry items on them, and if they die, those items can be taken. To loot dead creatures or characters simply right-click on their bodies to open them. You can now check any possessions the dead creature or character has. If you find something that catches your eye, you can take it.

Controls Buttons

Stop

The “Stop” button will cause your characters to stop whatever action they are currently taking. As a shortcut you can also hit the Escape key to stop your character.

Skills

A click on this button will open up a subwindow that will show you all you need to know about your character. Among other things, this list contains your character’s experience, level, hit points, mana…

Battle Window

Use this button to open the battle window. Here you will see a list of all characters and monsters that are currently within battle range. The list includes a miniature version of the character, his health status bar and possibly a skull mark. You will find the battle list is very useful because you can direct your attacks and even your spells through it.

VIP List

Clicking on this button will open up the VIP list (“Very Important People”). You can add up to 20 characters to this list and premium players even up to 100. This is a very useful feature, because by looking on the VIP list you will always know when your friends and enemies are online.

Quest Log

If you click on this button, your quest log will open up. Here you can check quests that your character has started or already completed. To find out more about this feature, read the section about the quest log.

Options

Clicking on this button will open up the game options menu.

Leave the Game

To leave Kingdom Age you should use this button. Unless your character is barred from logging out by a logout block clicking here will take you back to the title screen where your character list will be displayed, so you can easily log in again.

Even though it is possible to shut down the client anytime you should keep in mind that it is possible that your character will stay in the game due to the logout block. The same is possible if you get disconnected from the game server. Also, please note that characters log out automatically if they have been idle for sixteen minutes, i.e. if no action whatsoever is performed during this time. If a character has been idle for 15 minutes, a red message will be displayed which will warn players of the imminent logout.

Console

The console is reserved for communication with other players. It consists of an area where all messages are logged as well as an entry line in which you can compose messages yourself. The console is usually set to the local chat channel in which you can talk to nearby characters. There are further channels available, though, which will allow you to chat with people who are far away or to NPCs. You can recognise these channels by the labelled tabs. To switch between channels use the “Tab” key or click on the tab of the channel you would like to use.

Set Character Outfit

The setting of character outfits is a typical example for an action that is performed by using a context menu. You can change your character outfits anytime. Just open the context menu by right-clicking on your character and select “Set Outfit”. Also, you can customise characters even further by painting individual body parts with the colour of your choice.

The set outfit dialog also serves another important purpose. Here, players can also select mounts here they have already unlocked or purchased.

Inventory

This part of the interface shows your characters’ equipment. You will see a portrait of the active character’s body, split up into a number of individual slots. These slots represent the locations where items can be equipped. To equip an item simply move it into the slot it is intended for.

Please note that items can only be placed in the slots they are designed for. For example, you cannot place a sword in your character’s head slot. Further, some items require a certain vocation.

Condition Indicator

The oblong field at the bottom of the inventory will tell you if your character is suffering from a special condition. The nature of the condition is indicated by a corresponding symbol. Special conditions include poisoning and burning as well as the logout block.

Capacity Indicator

A character’s capacity to carry items will increase each time he advances a level. Again, a character’s vocation is a crucial factor here, because some character classes tend to be stronger than others.

The small field in the bottom right hand corner of the inventory shows your current capacity. If you try to pick up an item whose weight exceeds your capacity, you will receive an error message. You can check an item’s weight by looking at it.

Experience Indicator

The level of a character is perhaps the single most important characteristic. As a rule, characters grow in power whenever their level increases, so the level is a good indicator of a character’s overall strength. To advance in level characters must collect experience points. Whenever they have amassed enough points they will advance to the next level automatically. The progress to the next level advancement is indicated by a little bar. Experience points are gained by killing creatures. In addition to the increase in power there is another good reason why you should try to level up your character. Many quests can only be completed by characters that have reached a certain level.