Update log
Full Barony update
The complete published notes, normalized for clean reading and source attribution.
Extracted changes
- Gameplay
- Store
- Balance
In late 2025 we decided to split the enormous “Instruments of Destruction” update into two parts, allowing us to get the new “ Deserters & Disciples” DLC to you as soon as possible, as much of that content is dependent on major game overhauls we were working on. While that was still an enormous undertaking, the wait is now over! We’re proud to announce that part one of the FREE Instruments of Destruction update, and the Deserters & Disciples DLC, are now both LIVE!
If you’re here for the DLC, you can just go buy it now!
[dynamiclink href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1010822/Barony_Deserters__Disciples/"]
Naturally there’s a LOT to discuss, so let’s start with the free stuff! You can also go view the changelist on our blog with that link if you prefer, and you can get a quicker summary with our “Instruments of Destruction: Part 1” release trailer below.
Instruments of Destruction: Part 1
“Instruments of Destruction: Part 1” includes many additions and overhauls that make each Barony adventure more dynamic and interesting, providing for totally new playstyles, improving the viability of some existing ways to play, and adding a little quality-of-life along the way. It also includes a bunch of fixes and tweaks to make your dungeon experience more fun and engaging!
If that sounds exciting to you then read on, champion!
Overhauled Magic System
The largest aspect of this update is a massive overhaul to Barony’s magic system, introducing the Barony world’s three primary schools of magic.
New Schools
“Instruments of Destruction: Part 1” replaces the Magic, Casting, and Swimming skills with three new skills which govern all spells:
Sorcery
The school most familiar to the classic wizard archetype, Sorcery features very direct effects. Those disciplined in this skill will have an easy time learning attack spells, in addition to straightforward but powerful defensive and utility magic. Manipulation of material forces, and writing exceptions to natural law, is the academic obsession for followers of this school.
Sorcery spells become more powerful based greatly on the caster’s INT stat.
Thaumaturgy
Commonly practiced by devout adventurers, Thaumaturgy is best known for its restorative effects unavailable to other schools. Enhancements to one’s self and followers makes for practical adventuring, in addition to spells that reveal hidden knowledge. But not all these spells are so benign, with some highly effective at pouring out righteous wrath upon evil spirits.
Thaumaturgy spells are more powerful based on the caster’s INT + CON stats.
Mysticism
The control of a target’s mind, body, and spirit is the purview of Mysticism. Manipulation of the mind, and corruption of the flesh from the inside out, are useful against foes in combat. Mystics are also able to beseech spirits that lie inside of all things, allowing them to alter them physically, sometimes with transformative results. Though often less direct than other schools, the practice is no less powerful.
Mysticism spells are more powerful based on the caster’s INT + CHR stats.
Each new skill governs dozens of spells, increasing the original count of ~30 spells by about +80. So while adventurers will no longer be able to learn every spell with a single magic skill, they now have a similar quantity of spells available to them, even if they only practice one school of magic!
Touched by Magic
A new way to cast is introduced by the new spell additions. Called “Touch” spells, some lock onto applicable targets while others can be cast directly on the environment. Once you cast the spell, it’s
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