After a year of exclusive availability on the Epic Games Store, the roguelike shooter Witchfire has made its debut on Steam. For those who have been waiting patiently or have taken a break, the game has undergone significant enhancements over the past twelve months, steering it in a promising direction.
Evolution of Gameplay Mechanics
The development team at The Astronauts has diligently refined Witchfire to make it more accessible. The initial release in 2023 presented a steep learning curve that many players found daunting. In response, the team introduced Gnosis, a new mechanic that replaces the original level-based difficulty. This system allows players to progress at their own pace, unlocking higher levels of Gnosis to access more challenging areas while enhancing their character’s attributes without the fear of becoming overwhelmed.
In August, the Wailing Tower update brought forth a new locale, the Island of the Damned. Contrary to its ominous name, this area is designed to be welcoming for newcomers, featuring easy navigation, fewer enemies, and generous resource drops. Players can hone their skills and improve their weapons in a less punishing environment, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the game.
Refining Challenges and Player Experience
Another significant improvement came with the High Stakes update, which addressed the notorious calamities—unexpected, often lethal events that disrupted gameplay. Previously seen as random and frustrating, these calamities have been reworked to be more deterministic, allowing players to feel a sense of control over their encounters. The adjustments mean that players will now perceive calamities as a challenge they can prepare for, rather than an arbitrary punishment.
In a move to clarify its identity, The Astronauts has shifted the game’s description from a mix of genres to a more straightforward label: “a singleplayer RPG shooter.” This change aims to better communicate the game’s evolving nature and to attract players who may have been deterred by its previous classification. Creative director Adrian Chmielarz emphasized that this new designation reflects the growing RPG elements, such as build crafting and lore, which are set to expand with future updates.
Smooth Transition to Steam
For those transitioning from the Epic Games Store to Steam, the process is seamless. Players can easily carry over their saved progress, as both platforms utilize the same save location and format. This means that upon installing the game on Steam, players can pick up right where they left off.
Since its launch on Steam, Witchfire has maintained a strong presence in the top sellers list. Chmielarz previously noted that the exclusivity deal with Epic was beneficial, allowing the studio to remain independent while providing a financial boost to the game’s development. He expressed gratitude for Epic’s support, stating that it contributed positively to the game’s growth.
As Witchfire continues to evolve, players can look forward to a roadmap that includes two major updates planned for release through 2025, alongside various smaller patches. While the full 1.0 release is anticipated near the end of that year, the timeline remains flexible. For those who have not yet explored Witchfire, now may be an opportune moment to dive into this transformed experience.
