Witchfire’s massive next update is inspired by games like Syndicate and Bloodborne, and it’s the biggest one yet: ‘We really mean it’

Witchfire, the ambitious first-person shooter developed by The Astronauts, has been steadily evolving over nearly a decade. Since its early access debut on Steam last year, following an initial release on the Epic Store in 2023, the game has gained momentum, evidenced by two substantial content patches rolled out in the past seven months. The developers have now teased their most significant update to date, aptly named Webgrave, set to be unveiled later this July.

New Features and Enhancements

Webgrave introduces an intriguing new region known as the blighted town, though The Astronauts remain tight-lipped about the specifics. Players can also look forward to an arsenal of new weapons, including the oracle sniper rifle, capable of penetrating walls to take down foes, and a lever-action rifle dubbed nemesis, which promises to deliver unique gameplay mechanics.

In a recent blog post, Adrian Chmielarz, the creative mind behind Witchfire, reflected on the game’s development, drawing parallels to the mechanics of the classic Syndicate. He reminisced about the thrill of waiting for advanced cybernetic upgrades, a sentiment that resonates with the new workshop system in Witchfire. While Syndicate allowed players to research projects within defined categories, Witchfire streamlines this process, enabling players to select a category and complete projects sequentially.

Webgrave also revamps the game’s stats system, introducing six core attributes: flesh, blood, mind, witchery, arsenal, and faith. Each stat influences gameplay in distinct ways; for instance, investing in flesh and blood enhances physical abilities, while mind and witchery bolster magical prowess. Chmielarz emphasizes that this new system is designed to complement player skill rather than overshadow it, ensuring that skillful gameplay remains central to the experience.

Additionally, the update will feature a secondary stat system called the Rosary, reminiscent of Bloodborne’s caryll runes. This system allows players to equip magical beads that unlock powerful bonuses, contingent on meeting specific stat requirements. This design encourages players to adopt particular playstyles without mandating rigid commitments through the core stat framework. Chmielarz notes, “Witchfire is about failing and trying again with a new setup—not repeatedly hitting a wall with the one you’re stuck with.”

As anticipation builds for the Webgrave update, Chmielarz hints at the potential addition of at least one more weapon, with the possibility of further surprises. He acknowledges that the phrase “the biggest update yet” is often overused, but assures players that this time, it holds true. The Webgrave update is set to launch on July 28, promising to elevate the Witchfire experience to new heights.

AppWizard
Witchfire's massive next update is inspired by games like Syndicate and Bloodborne, and it's the biggest one yet: 'We really mean it'