What’s new
The changes that matter on your next journey: combat, exploration, controls and fixes. Each update lists what changed since the previous release.
Browser and desktop updates can arrive at different times. Check the platform label on each entry. Both now include the latest game changes. Desktop version 0.2.0 adds signed updates with local save backups; the browser keeps its own saves.
Desktop updates and a steadier Holy Ray
- Desktop game updates: the new Windows and macOS downloads check for new versions in the background, show release notes and download signed game updates. Restart to install, keep playing offline, or restore the previous game. Your local save slots are retained and backed up before installation.
- Desktop catch-up: this release also brings the rune shop and etching, rune words, Holy Ray/Holy Wave, saved Q selection, tower improvements, frozen shattering and smoother elemental combat from the recent browser updates.
- Holy Ray: its damage no longer pushes enemies away, including the final hit when you stop channeling.
- Lidande’s chamber: the left bookshelf has its complete wooden frame again, while the descent and arrival remain clear.
The browser receives the Holy Ray and bookshelf fixes. Download desktop version 0.2.0 once to acquire the updater (Windows 10+ / macOS 13+); future game updates are offered inside the game. Engine/updater upgrades still require a new full ZIP. Existing local saves stay on your computer.
Runes and the pilgrim’s light
- Holy Ray and Holy Wave: the old three- and five-bolt cone talents are replaced. Hold Q for a stream of holy light whose damage and mana use rise as you channel. Holy Wave spends 60 mana to send three waves in every direction. Existing talent points carry over.
- Choose your Q ability: drag an unlocked Throw, Holy Bolt, Holy Ray or Holy Wave onto Q in Skills. Keyboard/controller users can select an ability and confirm instead. Your choice is saved and shown on the HUD.
- Find and etch runes: eight new letter stones drop as rarely as gems. Lidande sells them and can etch your equipment. Choose an item on the left, choose letters on the right, then Etch. Exact words ASH, AID, WARD and DAWN grant extra bonuses. An item holds gems or runes; weapons hold three runes, shields/body armor up to five, and belts one.
- A livelier tower: Lidande’s workroom has new painted furnishings, an unobstructed descent and moving stirring/cleaving actions with chopping sounds and a teasing spoken greeting. Her counter also sells potions. Dark gnomes now fall when killed and have their own voices.
- Peace belongs to the tower: befriending Lidande turns its thorns into harmless lilac vines and blossoms and calms the gnomes. The banshees outside remain hostile. Tower teleports arrive at the incoming ladder.
- Rune landings, pickups and etching have distinct sounds. All eight runes can also be granted from Developer Tools.
The spell and Q-slot changes apply to the Crypt demo and full browser game. Lidande’s tower, shop and etching services are in the full game. Also included in desktop version 0.2.0, released on 1 November.
More ways to shatter frozen foes
- A strong enough direct melee or ranged hit can shatter a frozen enemy even above the low-health execution threshold.
- Frozen enemies at 10% health or less still shatter on an eligible direct hit. Burning, poison and bleeding ticks do not trigger shattering.
- Added this changelog, with links from the homepage and game pages, so you can see what changed between updates.
Available in the Crypt demo and full browser game. Also included in desktop version 0.2.0, released on 1 November.
Smoother elemental combat
- Reduced the slowdown when several enemies are burning, poisoned or frozen at once, especially when multiple effects overlap.
- Ruby flames keep their distinct one-, two- and three-stack appearances with less slowdown during crowded fights.
- Fixed status glows and hit flashes being cut off on long weapons, including the Skeleton King’s sword.
Applies to the Crypt demo and full browser game. Damage, effect strength and freeze duration are unchanged by this performance update.
The Marshal fights back
- The Chain-Marshal can reel you in for a heavy overhead blow and throw his shield to pin you against a wall. His shieldless phase gives you an opening before he retrieves it.
- Press Down or S to drop through one-way platforms, including tilted platforms. Stairs still take priority when you are standing at an entrance.
- Refreshed Windows and macOS downloads include these combat and movement changes, with saves stored locally on your computer.
The Marshal encounter is in the full game. Platform controls apply wherever one-way platforms are present.