13 Jan 2026Developer post

Update 1.1: Stronger, Bloodier, More Dangerous

Dear Sunborn, The hour has struck. Second Sun Update 1.1 is out now , and with it comes a stronger, bloodier, and more dangerous Rowen. Before anything else, we want to thank everyone who stepped into the 1.1 Beta and took the time to share their thoughts . Your feedback, reports

Dear Sunborn,

The hour has struck. Second Sun Update 1.1 is out now, and with it comes a stronger, bloodier, and more dangerous Rowen.

Before anything else, we want to thank everyone who stepped into the 1.1 Beta and took the time to share their thoughts. Your feedback, reports, and discussions helped guide this update at every step. You sharpened the blade with us, and this release is better for it.

With 1.1, new trials await. Three new difficulty modes have been introduced: Hardened, Veteran, and Divine. Divine, unlocked only after completing the main story, stands as the ultimate test of a Sunborn’s resolve. Those who dare to face it will be rewarded with greater XP, richer loot, and more rubicons. In Rowen, greater danger has always meant greater reward.

The world beneath your feet has also grown more treacherous. Dungeon variety has been expanded, ensuring each descent into Rowen’s depths feels unfamiliar, unpredictable, and alive

Combat now leaves lasting scars. Blood splatters, bullet marks, and improved effects bring every battle to life, letting you paint the dungeons red as you carve your path forward.

Movement and AI have been refined, encounters flow more smoothly, and balance changes across enemies and companions make every fight feel fair, but never forgiving.

This update also delivers a broad wave of polish, bug fixes, and performance improvements, smoothing rough edges and strengthening the foundations of the Empire.

Here are the full patch notes:

Added 4 new difficulty options: Recruit, Hardened, Veteran and Divine. Divine is only unlocked after finishing the main story. The harder the difficulty, the more xp the player gains and enemies drop better loot and more rubicons

Added new dungeon room layout types and combinations to randomly generated dungeons, improving dungeons variety
Implemented bullet decals and blood splatter
Added contrast image adjustment option, and added a separate window for it and brightness in the video options (Adjust image balance)
Player movement has been tweaked to be snappier and more responsive
Improved blood particles
Bloods gushing out of enemies bodies now create blood pools
Player can now crouch without having to wait for the animation to finish
Improved ragdolls reaction when enemies are killed
Significantly reduced the damage of companions and slightly increased their health
Rebalanced all enemies attack minimum and maximm damage
Decreased range of explosive barrels' explosions
Nerfed enemies health at higher levels, preventing bullet sponges
Movement now reverts to neutral if opposite keys are pressed
Wands damage has been decreased
Item elemental damage bonus affixes have been decreased
Character creation screen has been changed to accomodate the new difficulty settings
AI now stop when they're starting to spot the player instead of continuing walking
Decreased the damage of Anguished enemies and their explosive barrels
Small CPU optimizations
Fixed Inquisitor in the In The Name of a False God quest sometimes not spawning
Fixed In the Name of a False God quest marker not disappearing after the player acquired the quest
Fixed containers still being unopened despite the player already having opened them
Fixed Requiem quest having wrong quest marker
Fixed AI occasionally losing track of the player momentarily in certain locations
Fixed Look Sensitivity slider causing a script crash, which could cause among other issues a slow down and not saving mouse look sensitivity correctly
Fixed AI sometimes walk/stopping if the player was seen previously
Fixed a visual glitch caused by some smoke particles
Fixed some enemy types having inconsistent damage over their levels
Fixed enemies rushing to the player's exact position in droves when they die and often getting stuck into each other
Fixed white/shiny artifacts sometimes being visible in dungeons
Fixed AI enemies/NPCs sometimes walking sideways looking at hostiles when they are starting to spot them
Fixed golden/infinity dungeon chests already being opened despite the player finding them for the first time
Fixed Thorn Keep Statue fragments not being picked up properly in the Key To The Castle quest, allowing the player to pick up the fragments repeatedly
Fixed graveyard environment props unloading/disappearing if the player moves to certain areas around it
Fixed some geometry issues in some dungeon archetypes
Fixed AI sometimes stopping their patrol routes forever if they saw a hostile at some point
Fixed the Intensive Shader effects option not being enabled/disabled correctly if set in the main menu and instead enabling/disabling vibration
Fixed Mouse Sensitivity slider in the options menu in the main menu having a very high minimum value
Fixed movement occasionally appearing jerky when sliding down a very high slope

As you step back into Rowen under the light of the Second Sun, we’ll be watching closely and listening carefully. Your journey doesn’t end here. It’s only growing darker, deeper, and more demanding.

Safe travels, Sunborn,

The Second Sun Team

Original post

11 Dec 2025Developer post

Second Sun: Join the 1.1 Beta!

Dear Sunborn, It’s been over a month since the start of your epic quest to extinguish the fires of the Second Sun. We’ve been reading your feedback and rolling out a handful of patches addressing some of the hiccups you’ve run into! Today, that journey continues with the arrival

Dear Sunborn,

It’s been over a month since the start of your epic quest to extinguish the fires of the Second Sun. We’ve been reading your feedback and rolling out a handful of patches addressing some of the hiccups you’ve run into!

Today, that journey continues with the arrival of the 1.1 Beta! While we’re working on bringing you fresh challenges, deeper systems, and a fiercer world for you to master, we’d love to involve you more in the process. This Beta programme will allow us to fine-tune a bunch of new stuff before it lands in the game!

What’s New in the 1.1 Beta?

Three New Difficulty Modes

Rowen has never been kind, and now it sharpens its claws even further! The 1.1 Beta introduces three new difficulty modes, each offering greater risk and greater reward. One of these modes is unlockable only after completing the main questline, and it stands as the most punishing challenge we’ve created yet. Survive it, and your courage will be repaid in mightier loot and greater XP.

Blood, Gore & Bullet Holes

Your battles now leave a lasting mark. With new blood and gore effects and bullet holes, you can paint the dungeons red with the blood of your enemies and watch each encounter unfold with brutal detail.

More Dungeon Variety

Every descent feels fresh again. New layouts, new branches, and new twists bring greater unpredictability to Rowen’s underground. No two runs will resemble each other.

Movement & AI Tweaks

Your steps feel smoother, your enemies more cunning. Movement adjustments and AI improvements create faster, sharper encounters across the world.

Major Rebalancing

Companions, enemies, and several core systems have been carefully rebalanced to create a more satisfying and more dangerous experience. Expect new rhythms in battle — and new strategies to master.

New Contrast Option

A new contrast setting allows you to fine-tune the mood and visibility of your journey!

Bug Fixes & General Polish

Several important bugs have been resolved, and a broad layer of polish has been applied throughout the game!

To sign up for the 1.1 Beta, just right-click Second Sun in your library, go to Properties > Betas and select the ‘updatebeta’ branch from the drop-down menu! We’ve also opened a new Betas Feedback Forum, and we’d love to hear from you! Every insight helps us strengthen the Empire.

Safe travels, Sunborn

The Second Sun Team

Original post

05 Nov 2025Developer post

Second Sun is OUT NOW!

Dear Sunborn, It is time to pick up arms and join the fight against the Order of the Dark Sun. Second Sun is OUT NOW! Watch our brand-new launch trailer below: Click here! After 4 years of blood, sweat, and tears, we are incredibly proud to finally release this game into the wild

25 Apr 2025Developer post

Dev Blog #7: Enter the Dungeon

Dear Sunborn, As you’ve hopefully learned by now, the land of Rowen is a treacherous one. Whether you’re traversing the majestic plains or combing the sprawling beaches, foes await at every turn. But if you think you can take shelter in one of Rowen’s many underground lairs, you

21 Mar 2025Developer post

Dev Blog #6: Bestiary of the Dark Sun

Dear Sunborn, During your journey in Rowen, you will come across various merciless monsters that will attack you on sight . These vile creatures are influenced by the Dark Sun. As Sunborn, it’s your mission to defeat this scourge. If you wish to survive these dangerous encounters

Dear Sunborn,

During your journey in Rowen, you will come across various merciless monsters that will attack you on sight. These vile creatures are influenced by the Dark Sun. As Sunborn, it’s your mission to defeat this scourge. If you wish to survive these dangerous encounters, it would be wise to understand exactly what kind of creatures will be standing in your way…

The mindflare is a dangerous creature, easily recognisable by its floating body and bright green eye. If you end up being noticed by its deadly gaze, keep a safe distance from it and attack with all the power you’ve got.

The Nightmare got its name for a reason. Its agile legs and hair-raising eyes bring terror to those who see it. We recommend you immediately attack when you come across a nightmare, as its speed allows it to get to you quickly and once it’s near you, there’s no turning back…

While similar in appearance, the Banshee and the Nightmare are very different creatures. This monster shoots a deadly spell at any enemy it encounters. Keep your eyes open for any sudden flashes of orange light, and be prepared to face the wail of the banshee.

The anguished are pale and slender creatures who do not seem dangerous at first glance. Their immense strength and adaptability, however, allows them to use the Empire’s weapons against itself. Anguished are often seen carrying barrels of explosives in the hopes of blowing up its prey the moment they have the chance.

A kin of the Mindflare, the Frostmind is another floating creature with a singular eye. They have the ability to freeze their prey, making them unable to move and an easy kill. Immediately attack when you see this creature, as it does not give you even a second to react.

There are many more enemies that you’ll discover on your way through the treacherous lands of Rowen, but hopefully this introduction will prepare you for most battles that you will encounter.

Take down these vile creatures of the Dark Sun and avenge our fallen comrades, Sunborn.

The Second Sun Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2085620/Second_Sun/

Original post

21 Feb 2025Developer post

Dev Blog #5: Second Sun's Classes

Dear Sunborn, Stepping into the treacherous lands of Rowen means you’ll have to be prepared for a fight. To do so, you’ll have to choose between three different classes: Sentinel, Marauder or Diviner . Each one of them affords different playstyles, while offering unique challenge

31 Jan 2025Developer post

Dev Blog #4: A Land to Explore

Dear Sunborn, The world of Second Sun is a world scarred by conflict. As you step into the war-torn lands of Rowen, you’ll quickly understand that danger awaits at every corner. But underneath all the bloodshed lie green fields and rolling dunes – luscious landscapes that’ll make

Dear Sunborn,

The world of Second Sun is a world scarred by conflict. As you step into the war-torn lands of Rowen, you’ll quickly understand that danger awaits at every corner.

But underneath all the bloodshed lie green fields and rolling dunes – luscious landscapes that’ll make you want to explore every corner of the Empire you’ve sworn to protect. This is very much by design!

The art & environments of Second Sun are directly inspired by 20th Century impressionist war paintings. Here, the beauty of nature and the cruelty of war directly flow into each other, creating one cohesive vision of beauty & bloodshed. In this blog, we want to delve into the stunning surroundings we’ve created for Second Sun and give you a taste of what you can expect to explore.

Eden’s Rest is where your adventure in Rowen will begin. It’s lush, green, forested area with towering cliffs and hanging valleys. Large viaducts with decommissioned trains stand tall over the groves, acting as a reminder of the former glory of the Empire. Eden’s Rest is also home to West Point Camp, the base of operation of your imperial battalion.

Southeast of Eden’s Rest, bordering the St. June River, lies the Crimson Plains. Named after the reddish hue of the fauna that can be found here, these grasslands sprawl at the bottom of Rowen’s mountainous terrain. Strewn about the plains, you can find the abandoned ruins of Imperial buildings and majestic monuments.

As you approach the ocean, the luscious fauna of Rowen gives way to scorched earth and dead trees. The Ashen Coast is the starkest reminder of the war the cultists have waged on the Empire. Grey & barren, with eerie statues looming from hilly peaks, the only beauty that remains on the Ashen Coast is that of the seemingly endless horizon.

Venturing through Rowen, you can see the dusty sandstorms of the Valley of the Damned from miles away. The valley is an arid desert area. While little vegetation is able to thrive in the valley, its real beauty stems from the ruins of ancient civilisations that can be found at every corner of the desert landscape.

This is only a snippet of what you can expect when you begin your journey as a Sunborn. There is much more to discover in Second Sun and we can’t wait to see you chart your very own path through the vast lands of Rowen.

The Second Sun Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2085620/Second_Sun/

Original post

17 Jan 2025Developer post

Dev Blog #3: Level Up Your Skills

Dear Sunborn, At their core, RPGs like Second Sun are focused on choices for the player. With their myriad of weapons, load-outs, and quest lines, they invite different playstyles, allowing players to choose the one that works best for them. Skills are another key factor in this

29 Nov 2024Developer post

Dev Blog #2: Into The Arsenal

Dear Sunborn, In the past, we have talked about the world of Second Sun, and the influences behind it. Today, we are going to talk about arguably the most important thing in an FPS: WEAPONS! (and how they kill good) . Bullets & Spells As many of our demo players know, Second

Dear Sunborn,

In the past, we have talked about the world of Second Sun, and the influences behind it. Today, we are going to talk about arguably the most important thing in an FPS: WEAPONS! (and how they kill good).

Bullets & Spells

As many of our demo players know, Second Sun has a variety of weapons ranging from pistols and wands, to fireballs and grenades. Rowen is a fantasy world where modern technology lives side-by-side with the magical and macabre, and no aspect can portray this duality better than combat! With magic and bullets at your disposal, the forces of the Dark Sun stand no chance!

Find Your Style

Getting more into the nitty gritty, these weapons aren't just for show! Shotguns, although very powerful, have short range and wide pellet spread, so they are great for close-quarter combat, but less effective in long distance encounters, which might benefit a player who likes to get in close to their enemies. On the other hand, magic, be it ice or fire, is not as fast as a bullet, however, they carry more than enough power to overcome that flaw! So where a Diviner might try to stay away in combat, a Marauder might rush in. If you want to play a style combining both, how you choose to use these weapons and approach combat is up to you!

Keep Your Favourite Weapon Close

With this in mind, at some point in the game, the player will have outgrown the weapon they love so much, and choose to instead utilize something more level-appropriate. But do not worry, for all weapons, big and small, have different versions with different rarities! Really like that fire staff, but its level is way too low now? Fret not, for you may find another at a much higher level.

Besides finding higher level weapons, you may also encounter ones with enchantment slots which can provide even more versatility in how you engage enemies and allow you to reach even greater heights of power. The possibilities are limitless!

So venture forth and tell stories of your favourite weapons from the demo on our Second Sun Discord!

Happy hunting,
The Second Sun Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2085620/Second_Sun/

Original post

15 Nov 2024Developer post

Dev Blog #1: Second Sun's Biggest Influences

Dear Sunborn, Now that players got a taste of our demo, we would like to talk about some of our inspirations that went into the development of Second Sun! Boomer Shooters & RPGs Inspiration for Second Sun came from many places! Movies, books and TV shows all contributed to in

14 Oct 2024Developer post

Play The Second Sun Demo During Steam Next Fest!

Dear Sunborn, The time has come to heed the call. Your first trial awaits, and it's your chance to prove you can stand against the Dark Sun. We’re excited to announce that Second Sun will be part of next week’s Steam Next Fest , where you’ll get to dive into the demo! From Octobe

16 May 2024Developer post

Second Sun: A grand new adventure, coming soon!

In the dim, foreboding shadow of the Second Sun , amidst the whispers of lost souls, the cultists are on the verge of victory. You stand as the last beacon of hope in a world about to be consumed by darkness. Unravel the story in this brand new First-Person Shooter Role Playing G

Updates & announcements

Dear Sunborn,

Here are the full patch notes:

What’s New in the 1.1 Beta?

Dear Sunborn,

It is time to pick up arms and join the fight against the Order of the Dark Sun.

Second Sun is OUT NOW!

Share Your Thoughts

Thank You For Your Support

Dear Sunborn,

The wait is almost over.

Soon, you’ll set foot in Rowen, a land torn apart by war, and become its last glimmer of hope against the Dark Sun.

We’re thrilled to announce that Second Sun will officially launch on November 5th, 2025.

Dear Sunborn,

Dear Sunborn,

Dear Sunborn,

Dear Sunborn,

Dear Sunborn,

Dear Sunborn,

Dear Sunborn,

Dear Sunborn,

Dear soldiers,

What’s Coming Up?

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