Today, Manor Lords Version 0.8.090–0.8.104 (update 8) has officially moved from community beta testing to the main branch, bringing a substantial collection of new content, gameplay mechanics, balance changes, AI improvements, and bug fixes to the medieval strategy game.
Manor Lords update 8 update introduces the new Wide Valley map, a redesigned main HUD, expanded livestock systems, new beverages and food options, improved construction logistics, and several other additions to expand the settlement-building experience. One of the update’s biggest additions is a major expansion to livestock and agricultural systems, with cows, calves, oats, animal feed, cider, mead, and cheese now available.
Cows can be imported through the Livestock Trader and provide milk year-round, while oats can be harvested and either consumed directly or converted into Animal Feed, which is required to keep cows, calves, sheep, and lambs fed during the winter. The update also introduces seasonal breeding and production, with cows and sheep following different breeding cycles and animals producing certain resources only during specific seasons.
Manor Lords update 8 also includes the Cheesemonger artisan workshop, which becomes available at Burgage Plot Level 3 and enables players to convert milk and salt into cheese. Artisans have now been given an Active Recipes system which replaces the old Production Focus method, allowing players to set a priority order for various recipes rather than restricting an artisan to just one production focus.
Construction and logistics have received a significant overhaul through the addition of the Construction Yard. Workers assigned to the new building can store construction materials, transport resources to building sites using handcarts, and complete construction 50% faster when the yard is properly maintained. Oxen assigned to Construction Yards can also use the new Ox Cart to transport timber in bulk, while the Advanced Construction mechanic introduces professional builders for certain structures classified as Advanced Structures.
Elsewhere, the update includes the Large Stone Church upgrade and introduces a Seasonal Assignment system which enables buildings to automatically change the families assigned to them according to the season. It also enhances the game’s environmental and animal systems through the new Herbage affinity, seasonal apiaries, the revamped Wilding Affinity, better pasture behaviour, and new grazing animations for cows.
Manor Lords update 8 brings major AI improvements, including computer-controlled settlements that can now select an Origin Perk, build Construction Yards, choose Artisan Production Focus, construct Forester’s Huts, and adjust Logging Camp placement as they grow. The AI also benefits from fixes and strategy changes in resource management, trade, taxation, food production, construction, and early-game priorities.
Balance changes affect several areas of the game, including settlement Influence rewards, construction times, pasture requirements, livestock yields, crop production, food resources, and trading values. Vegetable and fruit yields have been reduced, while changes to wheat, rye, pigs, sheep, chickens, and other resources are intended to make production choices more meaningful as settlements grow.
Manor Lords update 8 adds quality-of-life improvements, UI changes, localization updates, new visuals, pathfinding fixes, save and load fixes, crash fixes, and better optimization. The main HUD has been redesigned, with new Help Pages covering pasture animals and the Ox Cart, and it has fixed many issues with marketplaces, farmers, traders, animals, workers, and resource transport.
Developer Slavic Magic responded to community feedback about the pace of new content. Another update is planned for late September, which will add new Perks. Players can expect more content after the release of Manor Lords update 8 on the main branch.
Manor Lords has been a considerable success since its launch in 2024, crossing a couple of impressive thresholds: a million copies sold just 48 hours after its early access release, and a second million just three weeks later.
Momentum has continued to build since then, with the medieval city-builder crossing the 3 million-sold mark back in February 2025. The strategy title is currently available in early access for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store for $39.99.
