Combat Arena: Alpha 3.0 Patch Notes

Aaand we’re back!

We are thrilled to share the release of our expanded Combat Arena Alpha (CAA) update—a true milestone for Kindred Fates. While the previous version of the CAA contained a roster of Kinfolk and arenas to choose from inside of the main menu, this update transforms the arena experience into something far bigger, introducing open-world integration. All of our systems for single player open world used in our story mode now exist in this update, as the CAA itself is a smaller piece inside of the main game. Even the arenas themselves are now locations embedded within the open world! While this update does not provide single player missions or allow for free exploration of the open world just yet, it does however provide many gameplay features that exists in the single player. After years of hard work, we’re excited to finally give players a glimpse of the game’s broader vision!

This initial update has mostly been stripped down to match in parity with the previous CAA so that we may better test the latest changes and optimizations to our gameplay and netcode. However, we will continue to release new content in following updates as we roll out towards the Beta release in early 2025.

Reaching this point has been no easy feat. As a small indie studio, we’ve poured our lives into striving to deliver our dream game. This milestone is a testament to our passion for Kindred Fates, but we can’t do it alone. With your support—sharing the game, joining the Combat Arena Alpha, or spreading the word—we can continue bringing that dream to life. Thank you for standing with us as we push the game closer and closer to it’s full potential.

Below are the patch notes for the Alpha Combat Arena version 3.0

GENERAL CHANGES

• You can now play as a human character with a randomized appearance. Appearance customization will be included in a future patch.

• A brief movement tutorial has been added.

• A small campsite has been added that acts as a hub between PvP and PvAI matches. This area will continue to be updated with new features in future patches.

• Practice matches can now be played against the AI by interacting with the binoculars at the campsite ruins. There are three difficulty levels to choose from.

• Team loadouts can now be customized at the green tent found near the lit campfire in your campsite. You can also add or remove Kinfolk from your party here.

• The start menu in now available. By pressing TAB on keyboard or the options button on a controller, you can now access a menu that allows you to quickly navigate between the following UI pages:

  • Inventory

  • Team

  • Missions

  • Network

  • Help

  • Settings

• From the Team menu, you can now inspect individual party members to give them items to hold, view their info, check their stats, adjust their equipped abilities, and even set them as followers!

• From the Network menu you can now queue up for public or private online PvP matches. Private matches have also been updated to allow for easier arena selection.

• The new arenas “Grand Chime” and “Echo” have been added to the game.

• Major improvements to character responsiveness when playing online.

• Lock-on has been re-enabled with several major improvements. This feature massively improves the feel of melee combat and can make it easier to land certain ranged attacks. When aiming a skill shot or spawn attack while locked on, you can also move your mouse or the right control stick to