Welcome to another exciting devblog from the Star Plunder team! For those of you just joining us, Star Plunder is our upcoming action-packed, multiplayer third-person PvPvE shooter set in the wild, untamed Azimuth Sector. Players take on the role of space pirates in an epic battle for resources, wealth, and survival, navigating the conflict between the Brethren of The Vast and the oppressive Galactic Exchange Union.
Introducing Psaltu Rock: A World Transformed by Cosmic Chaos
Psaltu Rock is the first major world map in Star Plunder—a place where nature’s raw power and cosmic chaos have collided to create something truly breathtaking. Located within the Azimuth Sector, Psaltu Rock was once entirely submerged beneath vast oceans, a planet teeming with marine life and subaquatic landscapes. However, everything changed with the Galactic Collision. Two galaxies on a collision course have produced catastrophic effects throughout this sector, causing entire planets, including Psaltu Rock, to undergo dramatic and irreversible changes.
As the oceans receded, Psaltu Rock’s surface was unveiled for the first time in millennia. What remained was a world that retained much of its aquatic roots, resulting in bizarre and surreal landscapes that blur the line between land and sea. Picture dense fields of colorful, anemone-like grass stretching across the horizon, trees that resemble coral reefs, and creatures that appear to have stepped straight out of the deep—yet they now soar through the planet’s skies.
Among these evolutionary marvels is a brand new resource, Halite Crystals, which have become the lifeblood of Psaltu Rock. These crystals hold extraordinary power, able to boost Minteri Fuel efficiency by tenfold. It’s no surprise that the Brethren of The Vast and the GEU are locked in a fierce race to control this vital resource. Whoever wins this battle will secure a major advantage in the ongoing war for supremacy, but Psaltu Rock is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Its environment, flora, and fauna have been fundamentally altered by the cosmic forces at play, presenting equal parts opportunity and peril for those who dare to explore it.
The Art Team’s Vision: From Concept to Creation
Bringing Psaltu Rock to life has been a thrilling challenge for our Art team, who have truly outdone themselves in designing this alien world. Each aspect of the environment and its inhabitants tells a story of evolution, adaptation, and survival in the face of cosmic chaos.
One of our favorite creatures on Psaltu Rock, is the Beakfin, a flying fishbird hybrid. It’s a quirky, whimsical creature that’s as playful as it is visually striking. Inspired by the real-world Exocoetidae family of flying fish, our fishbird has evolved to develop small legs, making it capable of gliding between land and air. Seeing these creatures take flight in the skies of Psaltu Rock is a sight to behold, adding a sense of wonder and freedom to the landscape.
Alba Rays: These graceful, translucent creatures drift silently through the air like spirits of the planet’s past. Their semi-transparent bodies emit a soft, bioluminescent glow, lighting up the skies in a mesmerizing display. These flying rays are as peaceful as they are awe-inspiring, providing a sense of calm amidst the otherwise treacherous environment.
Rock Fish: Unlike its airborne companions, the Rock Fish is a fearsome predator. This massive, serpent-like creature has evolved to camouflage itself as a gigantic boulder, waiting patiently for prey to wander close before striking. Its slow but powerful movements on land add a layer of danger to Psaltu Rock’s surface. With its rock-like exterior and serpent-like movement, it’s a deadly reminder of the planet’s ruthless evolutionary cycle. On this image we see the FIN concept of such interesting creature.
Concept Art Spotlight: Anemone Grass, Anemone Tree, and Coral Reef Trees
Our artists have poured their creativity into shaping the unique and vibrant flora of Psaltu Rock. Each plant was designed with the goal of blending the planet’s aquatic past with its new, evolving surface environment, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking.
Anemone Grass: Inspired by the delicate movements of underwater plants, the Anemone Grass covers vast fields on Psaltu Rock. It sways gently in the breeze, adding a surreal, dreamlike quality to the planet’s landscape. The wide range of colors—ranging from deep purples to bright yellows—creates a stunning visual contrast against the alien terrain.
Our team is truly passionate about building a world that feels alive and immersive, one that invites players to lose themselves in its details. The creation of Psaltu Rock’s landscape is an exciting journey for us, filled with exploration and experimentation, all with the goal of making something that feels surreal yet inviting. Every decision in designing this planet’s flora, especially the Anemone Grass, has been thoughtfully crafted to tell a story about the world itself—its past, present, and evolution.
Psaltu Rock’s landscape introduces yet another breathtaking wonder: the Anemone Tree. This unique plant stands tall with delicate, translucent pink leaves that catch the light in mesmerizing ways. Under the planet’s twin suns, these leaves create shifting, colorful displays that evolve with the time of day, adding a sense of magic to the environment.
Expanding the unique flora of Psaltu Rock the Coral Reef Trees: These trees are an homage to the planet’s submerged past, drawing inspiration from intricate underwater coral formations yet thriving in Psaltu Rock’s present above-ground ecosystem. Their complex, branching structures are not only visually stunning but also serve as a living reminder of the planet’s history.
This is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey in bringing Psaltu Rock to life. Our vision for this world continues to grow, and with each step, we’re committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for players. From the surreal landscapes to the intricate details woven into every corner, we want Psaltu Rock to feel like a place worth exploring—a place that lingers in memory long after the game is over. We’re genuinely grateful for the support and enthusiasm from our community; it fuels our drive to create something truly special. Thank you for joining us on this journey—we can’t wait to share what’s next.
A Journey Just Beginning: Crafting an Unforgettable World
We couldn’t have come this far without the support of our incredible community, and we’re beyond grateful for each of you who’s been with us on this journey. Be sure to check out the video format of this devblog below, where you’ll see these environments come to life in even more detail!
