Key Changes

This article is intended to help existing and returning players understand the key / big changes between playing Legacy FSN and playing our current FSNextGen iteration. These do not include all changes, but notable ones, be sure to read all articles to have a full grasp of NextGen!

Vehicles

All vehicles in NextGen must be registered, and can only be initially registered into the system via a dealership from the manufacturer, or from a dealership block auction authority. Dealerships also have the ability to perform leasing now. This means there is no purchasing of equipment in game. All equipment is bought through the site and then delivered in game. This allows us to utilize a player driven economy with supply and demand where not every item is available in every part of the world all the time, as well as allowing us to balance the economy.

Vehicle Upgrades

Vehicle upgrades are likewise now handled by the team. If you need upgrades done on a vehicle you can simply request it whenever a team member is on your server, or open a support ticket in discord (Please note we are happy to do upgrades upon delivery when you get new equipment, and ask that you limit your non-delivery requests to once per game year). However the system now keeps track of key metrics while vehicles are in storage including gps, engine upgrades, tire upgrades, front loader attachment, etc. This means vehicles that go to storage will come out of storage with the same configuration they had entering it.

Palletized / Big Bag Goods

In an effort to build in the best server stability possible, pallets and big bags are no longer purchasable through the store, but will be purchased through the FSN bulk sell points that will be located on each map. This serves as a way to regulate the input pricing of various goods, as well as promotes a healthier, more stable server environment.

Land Acquisition & Pricing

Under the historic FSN, land was acquired when a parcel would come up on auction. On average, a parcel was based on a cost of $22k/hectare, or about $8.9k per acre. Under the new system, land is acquired through a token system. 1 token = 1 acre of land purchasable. If you have enough for a plot on a map, you can own that plot. This means you do not have to wait for a parcel you want to come up on auction, but means you’ll also be bidding against all farmers of the same farm type instead of just your neighbors. The price per acre has also increased with new farmer auctions starting at $10k per acre, regular farm auctions at $20k per acre, and ironman farms at $30k per acre.

Customs

In legacy FSN, customs was a building on each map. You would deliver your crops here and then create a contract for export. In NextGen, there are no customs buildings. All exports must be done through a contract with a Commodity Broker, but the contracts can only be created at the time of sale/export. This means you need to have the crop ready and available on your farm for pickup by the customs semi. Crops should be in a silo, auger wagon, or ready to be loaded with a wheel loader (front loaders not allowed due to the amount of time it would take to load). In addition, commodity brokers now have limited space and silo capacity for crop types and crop amounts, meaning generally they won’t be able to take all crop from all farmers each year.

Locations

In the previous iteration of FSN, each server had a global location. In NextGen, each farm has a unique location, and so does each business and it’s branches. This means that distance between locations from your farm to a business will matter in shipping time, and shipping cost, pay attention to this when beginning to play under the new playstyle, and be sure to read the article Geography Matters

Support Tickets

The support system is now completely ran through discord. Visit the #support channel and hit “open ticket” and staff will get with you as soon as possible. This new system helps us streamline getting you the help you need when you need it!

Repairs

In NextGen, in addition to in game repairs, you will have website based inspections and upkeep, and RNG potential (based on things like age, workhours, condition, upkeep etc of equipment) of various parts breakdowns. Some can be repaired while the vehicle remains in game, but some will require the vehicle be pulled from the map for repairs by the farm or Mechanic shop.

Insurance

Insurance now plays a major role in your experience in NextGen. From liability insurance to cover you from RNG events (And allow you to hire people to work for you), to animal and crop insurance to help offset lost yields to vehicle insurance to help cover unexpected maintenance costs. Insurance is now a vital part of play and is highly recommended to all farmers.

Mother Nature & RNG

In the NextGen system, there can be RNG events that happen. When they happen, it happens to all servers of a given type (12d, 24d, 24d Ironman). These events can be positive or negative, and can dramatically affect a farms operations throughout the game years. Players nor staff have control over the RNG system, other than staff will execute the functions dictated by RNG with administrative tools. The best way to protect yourself from negative potential RNG is to keep equipment in good condition, diversify your operation to several crops/animals, carry crop/animal/vehicle/liability insurance and always have both a backup plan and a nest egg for a rainy day!

Landscaping/Building Permits

Now having landscaping done or adding structures goes through a permit system where staff can approve the location and ensure there are no stability issues, along with helping you with items if you need it, and ensuring everything remains within the realm of intended playstyle for the NextGen environment.

Mayors & Mayoral Actions (Now Governors!)

Mayors are given an increased role now, and will be called “Governors” under the new system. As a Governor, they will be responsible for a portion of taxes that are collected and using these funds to better their server for their farmers. They also will be tasked with keeping their server active ensuring they gain valuable tokens to use to help their server. In addition, they will be presented with “mission” opportunities as a way to gain bonus tokens to use to help offset malice or give boons to farmers on their server.

Other

There are a ton more changes, but this article aimed to give you a brief overview of some of the biggest changes made. Please take the time to read through the other articles that are out, or coming out, to keep up to date with all that NextGen has to offer!