Hello fellow inmates!
Since the update article last September, where we updated everyone with a couple of optimization and port announcements, we haven't had the time to share our recent development with everyone. With the Chinese New Year coming up, it was the perfect opportunity for us to think back on the year, and look forward into the future.
We'd also like to thank the players who cheered us on throughout the Golden Box Awards judging process. We'd also love to thank IGN China for awarding us the "Niche Glory" award of the year. We hope that with the combined efforts of developers and players, Back to the Dawn will become more "mainstream". As Back to the Dawn makes its way to Nintendo Switch and Playstation, we hope more players will experience the rich life of Boulderton Prison.
Reflecting on 2025
2025 was a landmark year for us. Back to the Dawn, 7 years after the project was first initiated, has finally become a fully released game. Besides the long-term support of old friends, we have also made many new friends - the total number of players of Back to the Dawn across all platforms has now reached over 500k, and players continue to share about our game via word of mouth.
That's why, as we give everyone the first update of the year, it is still our top priority to show our appreciation to everyone for your endless support. Thank you all so much for making this possible!
In this fast-paced era of trends that last only a week, we are truly blessed to have players with as much as patience and passionate as you are with us. The fact that the extensive tale of Boulderton and its inhabitants has found an audience is an incredible affirmation of our efforts.
If fixing bugs and releasing version updates make us feel more like "developers," then seeing everyone discussing the details of Boulderton and sharing their love for the game makes us truly feel that we have achieved as "creators." As always, we are still quietly collecting feedback from players regarding their game experience, and we are very grateful for everyone's comments and suggestions.
Champion Mode
Today, we're officially launching the "Champion Mode" content update! This will also be the last major update for the base game of Back to the Dawn. The "Champion Mode" will bring a more challenging "Champion Mode" to veteran escape artists. Completing this mode will reward you with a "Champion Dice Skin" corresponding to your chosen character, as proof of pushing your limits!
Groundhog Badge
And if you're someone who is the opposite, we've got something for you too! We've added a new mystery item to Thomas' "New Eden Mode" and Bob's "White Mode"—the "Groundhog Badge." Having this badge while sleeping on day 21 allows you to remain on day 21 the next day. This means players choosing this mode no longer need to worry about failing to escape before the deadline.
Russian Localization
Back to the Dawn now supports the Russian language! Massive thanks to "pol4rcat" who provided us with the Russian localization script. Furthermore, the game's Chinese voice acting work is nearing completion and will be available on Steam in March, simultaneous with the Nintendo Switch port launch.
And... Drumrolls please!
We have heard the call... And it seems like the Gray Cat DLC... may perhaps... be officially under development!!!
If Thomas' story is about protecting the city and his dream, and Bob's duty is to defend the nation and his beliefs, then Supernatural Investigator Bam's mission is to save the world and reality as we know it! And faced with a potential "chaos" crisis, he may need the assistance of two other "trainee investigators".
A mage, a warrior, a ranger — wouldn't this be the perfect hero party? With patience, a year from now, we shall unleash a resounding success!
Next, the details of update [V2.0.0.30]!
Content update:
Thomas's "New Eden Mode" and Bob's "White Mode" now include a new starting special item: the [Groundhog Badge]. This item possesses a "mysterious and powerful" force: when the game progresses to day 21 and the player goes to sleep, a prompt will automatically appear asking if they wish to use the item's power. If used, the day will remain at day 21 the next morning. If not used, the story will proceed to its ending…
A fourth mode has been added to the mode selection, "Champion Mode"! This is a challenge designed for seasoned escape artists. You must first complete a protagonist's route in any mode to unlock this mode for the corresponding protagonist.
A new pop-up has been added to quickly change the dialogue speed during dialogue (specific instructions will be displayed below the "Dialogue Speed" option in the game options menu).
An "Organize Backpack" function has been added to the item purchase interface.
The text display of some in-game prompts has been optimized.
Performance and art optimizations have been made to some scenes.
Russian language support has been added.
The following is an overview of the Champion Mode content:
New Save File: You can only select this mode when creating a new save file. You can't use a save file from a previous playthrough to activate Champion Mode.
No Memory Recall: As with "Skidroad/Gray" mode, you can't use the Memory Recall feature in Champion Mode. Whatever the outcome of your choice or the roll of the dice, you'll just have to accept it.
Survival Trial: It will be more difficult to maintain good Body and Mind in this mode. Furthermore, going to sleep with Pain or Depression will immediately result in failure to survive.
Money Trial: When you buy items or take part in gang activities, the cost will be higher.
Growth Trial: All other characters except you will receive attribute boosts, and they will continue to get stronger every week.
Combat Trial: Your opponents will gain the Absolute Focus ability to counter your critical hits and dodges. In certain special fights, your opponents will also gain extra ability enhancements.
Escape Challenge: In this mode, every path to freedom becomes more perilous. The good news is you will get warned when the time comes.
Completion Reward: Finishing the final act storyline to complete this mode will earn you the Champion dice skin of your protagonist!
After Completion: Complete Champion Mode to unlock the Champion Path save tree, which consists of auto-save files at the start of each day during your playthrough. You can load these files to quickly return to any day during your playthrough and experience special content in other routes and branches in Champion Mode. The manual save feature will also be available.
Bug fixes:
Fixed an issue where characters appeared out of place after skipping the Black Panther opening sequence.
Fixed an issue where invisible walls appeared inside the General Building.
Fixed issues with the protagonist's animation jittering when walking or running against walls, and the model getting stuck when walking on slopes.
Fixed an issue with misaligned character location when transitioning from the boxing match day to the fighting arena.
Fixed some animation errors in Fenra's storyline.
As always, thank you everyone for your support. We look forward to sharing more and more of Boulderton with you and with more people across the world.