Draft of Darkness was released in Early Access back in July 2021. Now, we are thrilled to announce that the game is all set to transform into v1.0 on the 23rd of August! [previewyoutube=9sZE1xr7wvI;full][/previewyoutube] During the Early Access phase, we received invaluable feedback and suggestions from our dedicated players, which has played a significant role in shaping Draft of Darkness into what it is today. Let's take a moment to reflect on our Early Access journey together!

Embrace New Heroes

Four survivors have been added to the roster of heroes, brandishing the five new weapons. Meet Rene, whose Chainsaw mastery lets her slice through zombies with deadly precision, complemented by the acid-spewing Spray Gun that melts enemies away. Ivan harnesses the power of Darkness through his Dark Cannon and fights alongside his loyal robo-dog companion, Leo. Freya's Crossbow skills exhibit unparalleled accuracy, while her protective Shield safeguards allies from harm. Last but not least, Echo, the final unlockable hero, boasts the flexibility of wielding all weapons, empowering you to devise creative synergies.

Enlist Powerful Companions

You won't face the darkness alone. With the inclusion of five new companion archetypes - Chemist, Brute, Leo (exclusive to Ivan), Mascot, and Reverend - and four variants - Sergeant, Outlaw, Fugitive, C. Candy - you will have a diverse array of allies to aid you on your perilous journey. Each companion possesses unique weapons and perks that are essential for survival in the Draft of Darkness.
Overall, there has been 265+ new cards added over Early Access, summing up to a total of more than 400 cards!

Discover New Areas

Two new areas have been added during Early Access: the Factory with its blood and rust-covered walls, and the ominous Lair, the heart of Darkness itself. As you explore these uncharted territories, you'll encounter over 58 new decision events, face 22 additional enemies, and challenge yourself with 11 new boss fights! Your choices in Part 2 of the story will determine which of the three final bosses you'll confront and which of the three endings you'll experience.

Improvements & New Mechanics

Darkness Level

Prepare for a heightened challenge in the dark corners of the maps with the Darkness Level feature. As you explore each area, be mindful of your choices, as facing tougher enemies and suffering debilitating effects awaits those who linger too long. This addition aims to introduce a higher risk-reward dynamic to exploration while maintaining a faster pace. The Darkness Level also replaces the previous hidden "Karma" system.

Improved Metaprogression

Dive into the game with more control over your runs through the introduction of Starting Items & Perks. Now, you can choose from a selection of unlockable Perks and Items to kickstart your adventures. Have some extra credits to spare? Unlock new Starting Items and Perks to expand your arsenal and customize your experience.
Preserving Items has also been enhanced. Now, you can preserve one item per run without fear of it being destroyed, and choose from the last 5 preserved items at the beginning of your new run.

Improved Combat

Embrace the new possibilities brought by Card Upgrades. Push the limits of your decks further by upgrading cards between areas or through consumables and various events, adding depth and strategy to your battles.
Early Access started with somewhat confusing power and defense values, which have since been simplified and fine-tuned during the course of development, resulting in improved progression of power and defense throughout runs.

Streamlined Equipment Management

Managing your Equipment has become more user-friendly and efficient compared to the early stages of Early Access. Simplified tooltips enable easier attribute comparison, helping you make informed decisions about your gear.
With the introduction of Equipment Moves, looting becomes more impactful, allowing you to directly enhance your decks.

Enhanced User Interface

Instead of a cluttered item bar, a cleaner and more organized item bar now await you. With enhanced filtering, sorting, and search options, navigating the content has become a more seamless experience. Additionally, the new Archive lets you access all the cards, items, and enemies in the game, while the improved Flowchart offers better insights into the overarching story, providing valuable clues for your journey.

v1.0 Release and Beyond

We're excited to announce that Draft of Darkness will be officially released from Early Access, launching as version 1.0 on Steam on August 23rd. The release price will be $17.99 USD.
Following the release, we remain committed to supporting the game just as before. Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to us, so feel free to join our Discord server and be part of the ongoing journey to make Draft of Darkness even better. As promised, we're also working on the v1.1 patch, which will introduce the Custom Run Mode. This mode offers a unique opportunity to experience the Draft of Darkness without the story, while facing additional challenges. Get ready for an enhanced, more thrilling experience as you embark on your journey through the darkness. Stay tuned for the full release of Draft of Darkness and prepare to face the challenges that lie ahead!