Steam News8 July 20261mo ago

How Runs Work in Crimson Moon - Gameplay Explainer

Hey everyone, One of the questions we've seen come up most often since revealing Crimson Moon is... How do runs actually work?

In this update5

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Full Crimson Moon update

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Hey everyone,

What changed

0 fixes6 additions10 changes0 removals

Gameplay
Events
Balance
Maps

addedToday, we're answering that with a brand-new gameplay explainer, walking through the core gameplay loop that sits at the heart of Crimson Moon.

addedEvery Hunt Begins at Sanctus ClypeusHere, you'll prepare for the hunt ahead by managing your gear, upgrading equipment, unlocking new items, and shaping your build before venturing into Gildenarch.

changedVenture Into the WardsEach Ward is made up of multiple replayable missions featuring enemies, elite encounters, mini-bosses, secrets, valuable loot, and a powerful boss waiting at the end. As you push deeper into the city, your build evolves through the weapons, armour, boons, and rewards you discover along the way.

addedProgression That Carries ForwardAs you progress, you'll be able to purify powerful items and permanently add them to your growing arsenal. Future runs can begin with equipment you've already unlocked, allowing you to experiment with different builds, weapons, armour sets, and playstyles.

changedLife, Death, and Another ChanceEach run is supported by a life pool, giving you opportunities to recover from death and continue pushing deeper into the Ward.

changedLife, Death, and Another ChanceEventually, that life pool will be exhausted. When it is, the run comes to an end. You won't return to recover lost loot or continue where you left off.

Crimson Moon changes

addedToday, we're answering that with a brand-new gameplay explainer, walking through the core gameplay loop that sits at the heart of Crimson Moon.

addedHere, you'll prepare for the hunt ahead by managing your gear, upgrading equipment, unlocking new items, and shaping your build before venturing into Gildenarch.

changedEach Ward is made up of multiple replayable missions featuring enemies, elite encounters, mini-bosses, secrets, valuable loot, and a powerful boss waiting at the end. As you push deeper into the city, your build evolves through the weapons, armour, boons, and rewards you discover along the way.

addedAs you progress, you'll be able to purify powerful items and permanently add them to your growing arsenal. Future runs can begin with equipment you've already unlocked, allowing you to experiment with different builds, weapons, armour sets, and playstyles.

changedEach run is supported by a life pool, giving you opportunities to recover from death and continue pushing deeper into the Ward.

One of the questions we've seen come up most often since revealing Crimson Moon is... How do runs actually work?

Today, we're answering that with a brand-new gameplay explainer, walking through the core gameplay loop that sits at the heart of Crimson Moon.

Every Hunt Begins at Sanctus Clypeus

Every run begins at Sanctus Clypeus, the Nephilim sanctuary and your central hub.

Here, you'll prepare for the hunt ahead by managing your gear, upgrading equipment, unlocking new items, and shaping your build before venturing into Gildenarch.

Venture Into the Wards

From there, you'll enter one of Gildenarch's Wards.

Each Ward is made up of multiple replayable missions featuring enemies, elite encounters, mini-bosses, secrets, valuable loot, and a powerful boss waiting at the end. As you push deeper into the city, your build evolves through the weapons, armour, boons, and rewards you discover along the way.

Progression That Carries Forward

Not everything is lost when a run ends.

As you progress, you'll be able to purify powerful items and permanently add them to your growing arsenal. Future runs can begin with equipment you've already unlocked, allowing you to experiment with different builds, weapons, armour sets, and playstyles.

Life, Death, and Another Chance

Each run is supported by a life pool, giving you opportunities to recover from death and continue pushing deeper into the Ward.

Eventually, that life pool will be exhausted. When it is, the run comes to an end. You won't return to recover lost loot or continue where you left off.

Some progression remains permanent- including purified gear, upgrades, and unlocked equipment - while other power exists only for that run.

Then the cycle begins again.

A new run.

A new build.

Another chance to reclaim Gildenarch.

Watch the Full Gameplay Explainer

If you'd like to see the entire gameplay loop in action, we've put together a short video walking through each stage of a run from start to finish:

And if you like what you're seeing, Crimson Moon launches this September- add it to your Steam Wishlist today and be ready to reclaim Gildenarch.

Crimson Moon

Thanks for reading, and we'll see you in Gildenarch.

The Crimson Moon Team

Source

Steam News / 8 July 2026

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