Dear Survivors,
Welcome back, we hope you recovered from your weekend in Vegas. To cool you down after an intense few days of playtesting, we’re bringing you some light reading today. In this blog, we’ll be diving into the Singleplayer and Multiplayer elements which Hellbreach: Vegas has to offer. We will be taking a deep dive into how we balance them, and how we try to tailor them to each player’s unique preferences.
As we all know, there’s duality in gameplay experiences in the world of (wave-based) first-person shooters (FPS), between the thrill of a single person's achievements versus the banter and reliance of camaraderie in a Multiplayer game. Whether navigating the treacherous waves solo or banding together in a cooperative assault, our aim is to captivate you in both playstyles. Making both unique and fun to play.
Getting the balance right between a solo run and a team-up in Hellbreach was a bit like walking a tightrope – thrilling but tricky. The real game-changer wasn't about beefing up the baddies but getting the numbers just right. It's all about the spawn rates and how many of those neon nightmares we let loose on the screen at once. For the lone wolves, it's a manageable mayhem, but throw in a squad, and you've got a full-on demon party. Whichever style you play, it's the crowd control that makes all the difference in the end.
image 1. So this is not how to position yourselves.. backed in a corner
So how has Ash tried to capture this magic in Singleplayer?
Embarking on a solo journey in a wave-based FPS is a visceral experience. Whether you’re trying to have some fun, level up, or chase high-scores, you’ll be faced by a maelstrom of chaos and challenges. When you’re facing hordes of enemies alone, armed with nothing but your trusty arsenal, skill and strategy, your true mastery of Hellbreach: Vegas will be put to the test. Every decision is crucial, every shot counts, and the tension is palpable as wave after wave becomes progressively harder.
Ash has shaped Hellbreach in a way that the solo experience is an opportunity for players to truly get to know the game. The only person you can rely on is yourself, and as a result every mistake you make will be punished.
Diving into single-player mode is thus like embarking on a personal quest for greatness. For Ash, it was all about hitting that sweet spot between a tough challenge and giving the players the rush of levelling up. You're in it to outdo yourself, round after round, getting a kick out of boosting your weapons and getting savvy with the perks. For many, the real buzz comes from topping your own best scores, pushing the limits to see how far you can go, and this is exactly what Ash set out to do. Solo play isn't just fun; it's about proving to yourself what you're made of, one demon at a time.
But I want to play with friends! How is it any different?
On the flip side, the cooperative mode in Hellbreach: Vegas introduces an entirely different dynamic. The chaos that ensues is enhanced by your teammates being there, but also managed by their support. Teammates become allies in the face of adversity, and your success is no longer fully in your own hands.
Communication, coordination and sharing resources become paramount. While Singleplayer is focused on careful kitting, Multiplayer is focused on resurrecting your mates, communicating locations, and luring enemies to the various corners of the map to allow for the skillful completion of the round.
For Ash, the key to Multiplayer was making sure it wasn’t too easy with additional players present. When switching gears to Multiplayer, the vibe changes. Sure, there's a bit of a competitive streak with those group scores, but it's more laid-back. Think of it as kicking back with your crew, mowing down demons while bantering over Discord. It's less about the scoreboard and more about having a blast with your friends. Multiplayer is where you chill, strategize on the fly, and share those "OMG, Did you just see that?!?!" moments. It's about that shared adrenaline rush and those belly laughs that come from taking on the apocalypse together.
Of course that doesn’t mean we don’t expect dedicated squads to show us some true demon extermination SWAT strategies. The game will allow you to chase your chosen goals. Rest assured, the demons will be ready for you in Multiplayer too. In bigger numbers and longer waves.
image 2. We weren't joking when we said 'in bigger numbers'
Why not both?
We hope we have given you some interesting insights into what went into the design of both ways to play. As you try to get the most out of Hellbreach: Vegas, both modes will offer unique experiences.
Bit of news for the dedicated readers; Ash is working hard to rework the leaderboard into Singeplayer & Multiplayer to reflect your achievements more accurately. If you get to round 30 in Singleplayer that’s a different achievement than in Multiplayer after all.
So what will you be trying first?
Will you test your mettle in solo mode, refining your skills and adapting to the ebb and flow of the waves?
Or
Will you rely on communication and collaborative efforts and push for shared greatness in Multiplayer?
We can’t wait to see how far you get.
See you in Vegas! The Hellbreach Team
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