Your home village serves as your central hub throughout the game. Between expeditions, you'll return here to rest, trade, and interact with your family and other villagers. As the years pass, your family's trade will develop, offering better services or more valuable items. For example, a Blacksmith family will eventually offer higher-tier weapon and armor crafting. A Merchant family will provide better prices for buying and selling goods. Regularly checking in with your family is crucial for accessing powerful upgrades.
Beyond your family, other villagers may offer side quests or provide useful information. The 'Caravan Upgrades' refer to the improvements you can make to your caravan's equipment and the services available in your village. This includes upgrading the Blacksmith's forge, the Tailor's loom, or the Alchemist's lab. These upgrades are often tied to specific crafting materials found in dungeons or by completing certain tasks. Investing in these upgrades is vital for crafting the best gear and ensuring your caravan is always prepared for the increasingly difficult challenges of the Miasma Stream.