If you appreciate the thrill of top-down action role-playing games (ARPGs) reminiscent of Diablo, or if you find yourself captivated by the urgency of power-leveling in titles like Elden Ring Nightreign, then Ravenswatch is a must-try. This dark fantasy roguelike has seamlessly blended elements from both genres and has continued to evolve since its 1.0 release over a year ago. A standout feature is its roster of beloved fairytale characters, and with the introduction of the first DLC character, Merlin, today, the game is set for an exciting transformation. This update also includes a significant overhaul of magical objects and various balance adjustments.
Merlin’s Magical Abilities
Previously, I have highlighted how effectively Ravenswatch adapts its instantly recognizable characters into the ARPG format. From Scarlet, a unique interpretation of Red Riding Hood who shifts between human and werewolf forms with the day-night cycle, to the co-op duo of Romeo and Juliet, who create a fiery spectacle on the battlefield with their playful synergy, each character is vividly brought to life. With Merlin’s addition, Passtech Games is venturing into paid content for the first time, but early impressions suggest that he is a worthy investment.
Merlin fits perfectly into the existing Arthurian landscape of Ravenswatch. While he may lack his iconic clairvoyance, his diverse skill set compensates for this absence. Departing from the conventional three-ability structure of power, special, and defense, Merlin employs two-button combinations to unleash a total of nine distinct spells, categorized into three groups: nature, arcane, and sacred.
- Nature Spells: By hitting the power button once, Merlin can summon formidable brambles, falling stars, or protective stones.
- Arcane Skills: Pressing special allows him to channel lightning, launch explosive fireballs, or deploy tracking frost orbs that freeze adversaries.
- Defense Options: Utilizing the defense button, he can cast a regenerative blessing, stun foes with a blinding flash of light that shields allies, or teleport short distances.
This level of flexibility resonates with players who enjoy a more intricate combat experience. Personally, I have spent countless hours mastering characters like Invoker in Dota 2 and have been a dedicated Ninja main in Final Fantasy XIV since its introduction. The use of button combinations adds a satisfying depth to spellcasting, allowing for a more immersive gameplay experience. Moreover, having a variety of options to consider during battles enhances strategic thinking, especially once the foundational mechanics of the game are understood.
Merlin’s passive trait allows him to build runes of potency through basic attacks, which can be maximized using his active trait skill, albeit with a cooldown. These runes can then amplify the power or effects of his next spell, introducing yet another layer of strategy to his gameplay. His ultimate abilities include summoning a massive standing stone to draw enemy attention or unleashing a set of powerful ‘forbidden spells’ waiting to be discovered.
In addition to Merlin’s debut, Passtech is rolling out a complimentary update for all players. This update features five new magical objects and reworks for several existing ones. Enhancements to the enemy aggro system and leashing mechanics have also been implemented, alongside various balance changes based on community feedback. Notably, chests marked in yellow or red are now guaranteed to yield at least one rare or epic item upon opening.
Merlin becomes available in Ravenswatch on Monday, January 19, priced at .99 / £6.49, alongside the free update of magical objects. With an impressive 86% approval rating on Steam, this could be the perfect game for you and a friend to enjoy during the early 2026 downtime.
