Hot Preview - Free Update & The Archives I

Hello Adventurers!

As promised in our last update, we're back with a closer look at what we've been working on. We have both a free update and a new paid DLC in the works — here's where things stand.

Note: Everything shown here is work in progress. Details may change before release.

Free Update

We're putting together a substantial free update that focuses on giving you more ways to play and more reasons to come back. Here's what's shaping up:

Kill or Timer — Your Choice

This one we're really excited about. When entering the Shrine of Torment, you'll now be able to choose your completion condition for each map: survive a set timer, or reach a kill threshold. Every stage (except the Vault and Training Grounds) will support both modes.

Prefer a more aggressive, fast-paced approach? Switch to Kill Count and race to mow down the required number of enemies. Like the classic pressure of the ticking clock? Stick with Time Limit. Your choice, your pace — and your records are tracked separately for each mode.

Statistics & Records

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We're adding personal per-map records along with general run statistics. See your high scores, fastest times, and most kills at a glance — broken down by map and game mode. A great way to track your own improvement and settle the question of "was that my best run?"

Challenge Shrine

A new shrine will appear in your encampment offering curated challenges with a fixed seed. Each challenge presents a specific scenario: a set world, a selection of artifacts, increased monster waves, and limited shard upgrades. You pick your character and loadout, then work out a strategy to master the challenge. Your best result is tracked right at the shrine so you can always try to beat your own record.

We'll share more details on exactly how the Challenge Shrine works as we get closer to release.

Fragile & Affliction Rework

We've given both the Fragile and Affliction systems a significant overhaul:

• Universal damage amplification — Both effects now increase all damage enemies receive, whether from direct hits or effects like burn, frost, and electrify. Previously they would only buff one or the other.

• Unlimited stacking — Both effects now stack without a cap. No more hitting a ceiling.

• Permanent application — Stacks are no longer removed over time. Once applied, they stick.

• Diminishing returns — To balance unlimited stacking, each additional stack is less effective than the last. The base effect is stronger, but piling on hundreds of stacks won't break the game — there are diminishing returns the higher you go.

• Affliction spread — Affliction can now spread to nearby enemies, making it a much more impactful effect in dense fights.

These changes should make both effects feel more meaningful and rewarding to build around, while keeping things balanced at the extremes.

Paid DLC — The Archives

We're working on the second paid DLC for Halls of Torment. Welcome to The Archives — a forgotten repository of forbidden knowledge, guarded by creatures that have been sealed away for good reason.

The Archives introduces an entirely new stage along with two new characters, new items, abilities, and a fresh gameplay system.

The Inquisitor

A righteous enforcer who wields the power of Judgement — a brand new stacking debuff system. Judgement stacks build up on enemies and can be detonated through execution strikes, dealing massive burst damage to the target. If the target survives the execution, the remaining Judgement stacks jump to nearby enemies — allowing chain reactions across tightly packed groups. The Inquisitor brings a deliberate, calculated playstyle focused on marking targets and delivering devastating finishing blows.

The Blood Apostle

A sacrifice-driven character who trades their own health for raw destructive power. The Blood Apostle's attacks cost HP, amplified by the Sacrifice system — but the payoff is immense. Items, traits, and abilities all interact with HP sacrifice, creating a high-risk, high-reward playstyle for those who like living on the edge.

What will be in the DLC

• A new stage: The Archives

• 2 new characters: The Inquisitor and The Blood Apostle

• Judgement — a new stacking debuff & execution system

• 15+ new items

• 3 entirely new abilities plus new upgrades for existing abilities

• New quest boards for each character and the stage

• New traits, blessings, and artifacts

We'll reveal more about The Archives in the coming months.

When?

We're targeting 2nd half 2026 for both the free update and The Archives DLC. There's still a lot of work to do, but we wanted to give you an honest look at where things stand. We'll keep you updated as we get closer.

If you don't own Halls of Torment yet or have been eyeing the Boglands DLC — the Steam Spring Sale runs from March 19th through March 26th. A fine time to stock up before the new content arrives!

Thank you for all your continued support, feedback, and bug reports. They genuinely make the game better.

Stay hydrated!

• Chasing Carrots