In this update5
Full notes
Full Varthos - Heir to the Throne update
Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.
Repeated intro
Hello everyone! We’ve been hard at work addressing your feedback, introducing new item progression, and implementing quality-of-life upgrades—especially for our controller players. Here is a breakdown of what’s new in today's update:
What changed
- Gameplay
- Compatibility
- UI and audio
- Balance
- Maps
Varthos - Heir to the Throne changes
🎮 Controller & Gamepad Improvements
Custom Virtual Keyboard
We have implemented a built-in Virtual Keyboard solution that automatically activates when you select a text input box while using a gamepad.
Note
Steam Big Picture Mode is no longer required for this to work.
New Auto-Sprint Feature (New Default): Say goodbye to thumb fatigue. By popular demand, we’ve added an alternative sprint mechanic. Instead of holding down the left stick, you will now automatically sprint when the stick is pushed 100% in a direction, and walk when it is only partially tilted.
If you prefer the old way, you can easily toggle this back to manual sprint in the settings menu.
Selectable Control Schemes: We have introduced pre-set gamepad layouts! You can now choose between our default"Souls-Style"or the newly added"Hack'n'Slay-Style"(tailored to match Diablo IV or Path of Exile as closely as possible).
We need your feedback! We built this system so we can easily add new layouts in the future, with the goal of creating 3 to 5 highly optimized presets based on community consensus. Fully customizing every single button would have taken significantly longer to develop, so please test these presets out and let us know if we should swap any buttons or add a specific new layout!
⚔️ New Additions & Content
- Monster-Themed Random World DropsWe’ve added very rare unique items that drop randomly in the world, themed aesthetically around the specific enemy that dropped them. We haven't made one for every monster type yet, but if you enjoy this mechanic, let us know and we will create more!
Boss-Exclusive Set Items: Every boss in the game now has a guaranteed chance to drop at least one item from their own exclusive gear set. The more pieces of a specific boss set you equip simultaneously, the more powerful bonus stats you will unlock.
- Stat Power SpikeWhile still belonging to the Legendary rarity tier, both the new monster-themed world drops and boss set items have a rolling chance to spawn with higher base stats than a standard Legendary item of the same level.
- System Info MessagesIn addition to the existing audio cues for inventory hurdles, we’ve added clear on-screen text notifications to better describe what's happening (e.g., "Not enough space in inventory" , "Out of range" , etc.).
⚖️ Balance & World Scaling Overhaul
We have completely restructured how world level scaling works to eliminate sudden, frustrating spikes in difficulty.
- The ProblemPreviously, monster and item levels were locked to the average player level the moment a map started. While this made you feel stronger as you leveled up during that specific map, entering a new zone (like transitioning from the overworld into a dungeon) caused monsters to suddenly jump up to your current level, while your gear was still stuck at the lower level from when you first started the run.
- The SolutionWith the new system, monsters and items will now dynamically and permanently scale alongside the average player level. These new calculations also seamlessly account for teammates leaving or getting disconnected mid-session. This ensures a smooth progression curve without unexpected difficulty spikes.
Please let us know how this new pacing feels to you! Your feedback on this change is incredibly important to us.
🐛 Bug Fixes
- Item Name & Localization FixFixed a bug where items would lose their custom dynamic names (which are generated based on their random stats) when dropped on the ground or put into the stash. This system has been completely overhauled to be much more robust.
- Multiplayer Host Language DesyncFixed related cases where a multiplayer host with a different language setting than the connected clients would accidentally dictate and overwrite loot-related names. Language settings should now correctly respect individual players.
🔭 Outlook
We heard you loud and clear and will continue improving controller support until it's polished to your liking. Expect more bugfixes and quality-of-life improvements soon, such as improved Slate Cardinal Navigation to allow for smooth diagonal movement inside the cellular inventories, alongside native support for the Switch Pro Controller, Joy-Cons, the Steam Controller, and much more!
As for the next biome: we are officially in production of the upcoming boss fight! And yes... the boss's exclusive set items (mentioned above) are already finished. 😉
Thank you all so much for your continuous feedback, bug reports, and support as we navigate our Early Access journey together. Keep the ideas coming, and see you in the game!
Source
Changelog.gg summarizes and formats this update. How we read updates.
