DevLog #2: The world, artifacts & monsters

Today we’re taking a closer look at the world of Haunted Lands. Let’s talk about the Order, why silver matters, what artifacts actually do, and, of course, the ones trying to kill you.

A World Where Not Everyone Survives

The Citadel still stands. But every day it gets harder.

Order envoys bring relics and talismans – tools to fight back the Darkness. In return, they collect silver. Every gram is tracked. That silver goes right back into battle: melted into bullets, crafted into new artifacts and protective charms.

(Trading NPC)

After the trade, the envoy hands over a sealed envelope – your next mission. News from the front hasn’t changed: the Citadel is holding. The Cult attacked again, backed, as always, by the Hellspawn. But this time, something was different. Among the demons were beings no one had seen before. Stronger. Smarter. They were pushed back. Probably. No word on the casualties. What does this mean for you? Constant danger. Limited resources. Enemies that don’t forgive mistakes.

Artifacts: Power in Your Hands

Artifacts in Haunted Lands aren’t just stat boosters. They’re ancient tools left behind by those who already fought the Dark. They grant strength, survivability, mobility and unlock new abilities that change how you play. For example, the Dire Bat Wing lets your character double-jump.

(Dire Bat Wing)

Game-Changing Combos

Each artifact offers an individual benefit, but they truly shine in the right combination. For instance, equipping a Mage with Quicksilver and a Ruby Prism makes them surprisingly dangerous in melee combat.

(Quicksilver. Increases melee attack speed)

(Ruby Prism. Boosts damage from the Mage’s magic blade)

By mixing defensive and offensive artifacts, you can create unique builds - like using your health as a resource to deal more damage.

The Beast has access to artifacts that enhance its ability to “gather blood” – a resource used to restore lost health during combat. The Burning Heart lets you spend health to charge powerful Wrath attacks. You can even burn through your entire health bar to unleash one massive hit – and then instantly heal with the Hungering Blade. If you’re fast enough.

(Burning Heart. Charges Wrath attacks using the character’s health)

(Hungering Blade. Grants more blood when dealing damage at zero health)

Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Even defensive artifacts can become deadly in the right setup. Sometimes the key to victory lies in an unexpected build.

Enemies

Enemies in Haunted Lands aren’t just obstacles – they’re part of the world’s story. Each one reflects the forces tearing it apart.

Cultists — Mortals who joined a dark cult allied with demons. Obsessed with forbidden power, driven mad by rituals, and fully devoted to the will of their Infernal Leader.

Hellspawn — Demons from another world. Lesser ones are like beasts, acting on pure bloodlust. The higher-ranked are intelligent, ruthless, and command other creatures, including parasites.

Undead — Not just ghosts and lost souls, but also reanimated corpses and fragments bound by necromancy. They take many forms: toxic shadows, possessed husks, and remnants of the past. All of them are dangerous—driven by death magic, and completely fearless.

Parasites — Mutants warped by infernal energy. Fast, aggressive, and grotesque, they resemble low-level Hellspawn but they were born in this world.

Ready for the Challenge?

Haunted Lands doesn’t forgive mistakes. You’re not just clearing a level - you’re surviving it. Build smart, study your enemies, and try to stay alive.

Tell us in the comments what you'd like to read about in the next devlog.

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