Westera 2.0 - The Biggest Update Yet (Preview!)

When I started making Westera, I knew almost nothing about resource packs. Unfortunately, that meant that I accidentally created a pack in an antiquated format that lacks a lot of functionality. Previous versions of Westera use grayscale specular textures, which are essentially the most basic form of specular textures that can exist in a resource pack.

I was informed of my mistake several months in, but was too stubborn to change to the newer format because it meant I would have to redo almost everything. However, for the past few weeks I've been working on converting Westera to the newest format, LabPBR. This gives me access to a TON of new functionality that I could only dream of before. Much of the pack had to be redone from the ground up, but it was worth it. The pack is the best it's ever looked. Looking back at older versions of Westera, I can't help but think that they're a bit ugly (no offense, past me).

I've attached some preview images to show you guys some of the new things Westera is capable of. I'm making a lot of changes to the pack that are cosmetic as well, like changing the logo (which you may have noticed if you're in the Westera Patron Discord) and adding a new panorama to the main menu. Quality of life stuff.

Speaking of Discord, I've also decided to create a new Westera Discord server! This one will be public instead of existing ONLY for patrons, but patrons will still have private channels like the current discord server. My hope is to create a space that will be more active and more approachable for anyone that's interested in my work. It also means that if you ever stop supporting me on Patreon, you can still hang out in the discord and see the progress of the pack!

Of course, I have a lot more to share with you all, but I want to save some of it for the actual release of this update (which will likely happen this weekend, October 2nd or 3rd). The release will be accompanied by the release of the new Discord server as well, and I'll try to ensure that the transition between servers is as smooth as possible.

I hope you're all excited for Westera to be even more beautiful! I sure am. To everyone that's supported me since the beginning, I can't thank you all enough. You're the reason Westera is what it is today.

More coming soon!

- Sean