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Steam News17 May 20261mo ago

Dev Blog #6 - Introduction to Combat

Devblog #6 – Introduction to Combat Hello adventurers, welcome back to our sixth Devblog! I can’t believe we’re halfway through May now.

Full notes

Full Distant Isles update

Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.

What changed

0 fixes1 addition5 changes0 removals
  • Gameplay
  • Maps
  • Balance
  • Store
addedDevblog #6 – Introduction to CombatI can’t believe we’re halfway through May now. We’re continuing to work on the next big update for the Playtest that is currently available .
changedEntering CombatYou will enter combat from the island map, and enemies on each island will chase you if they spot you (and Spindles will even try and catch you in their webs).
changedThe Field of CombatBackstabbing attacks do an extra 50% damage if the opponent is surrounded by an ally
changedThe Field of CombatSlowing attacks, such as those from bows, will slow the movement speed of an opponent (even if the shot doesn’t land)
changedThe Field of CombatEnemies will also have different tactics – for example, young Monkeys will attack your ranged party members first, and Spindles will spit webs that stop you from attacking!
changedThe Field of CombatBig thanks to you if you made it this far, and have enjoyed our monthly Devblogs. I can’t wait to show you what’s in store in the next update.

Devblog #6 – Introduction to Combat

Hello adventurers, welcome back to our sixth Devblog!

I can’t believe we’re halfway through May now. We’re continuing to work on the next big update for the Playtest that is currently available.

As always, we’d love any feedback you have on the playtest, as it helps us to make it a better game.

Entering Combat

With the preamble aside, this week I want to give you a brief introduction to combat.

As you visit and explore the various different islands, you’ll come across a range of enemies. This includes dangerous wildlife such as Borgs, Monkeys, Spindles and Cassowaries. It also includes other adventurers, such as cut-throat Pirates and other crews.

Engaging in combat with enemies is a key way to:

  1. hunt for food and restore your resilience; and

  2. find valuable equipment and treasure.

You will enter combat from the island map, and enemies on each island will chase you if they spot you (and Spindles will even try and catch you in their webs).

The Field of Combat

Combat works differently to a traditional roguelike, and rather, works more like an auto‑battler.

Each party member can have weapons equipped, and before combat commences, you will select which party member will attack what enemy. Weapons (and enemies) have traits that make them stronger or weaker against particular enemy types, for example:

  • Backstabbing attacks do an extra 50% damage if the opponent is surrounded by an ally

  • Piercing attackscannot be blocked by the opponent

  • Slowing attacks, such as those from bows, will slow the movement speed of an opponent (even if the shot doesn’t land)

Enemies will also have different tactics – for example, young Monkeys will attack your ranged party members first, and Spindles will spit webs that stop you from attacking!

Overall, these systems work together to make combat challenging and fun, without being too micro-intensive.

Wrap Up

Big thanks to you if you made it this far, and have enjoyed our monthly Devblogs. I can’t wait to show you what’s in store in the next update.

Just a reminder to Wishlist and Follow on Steam if you want to see more, and to join our fledgling Discord community!

Thanks!

Elliot

Source

Steam News / 17 May 2026

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