Hello!
Let’s be honest with you: having two separate test versions on Steam ended up being more confusing than helpful for most players. That’s why we’ve decided to shut down the Playtest and merge its content with the Abyss into a single, unified Demo.
In addition to that :
• Added a new Gauntlet Mode, where you earn points to unlock new Ranks. Dying in that mode sends you to the Abyss. Dying in the Abyss deletes your current character and you lose all your progress in Gauntlet Mode.
• In Free Mode you can play all the Ranks (just like in Playtest) except the final one, the new Barron tier.
• Abyss has been updated with new physics, combat, armors and weapons. We are aware of performance issues and we're already working on them as we speak.
• You can also access Abyss from the main menu by killing your character in main menu.
Now, yesterday, we decided to shadow drop an early version of this update as an April 1st joke, without explanation or patch notes. We genuinely thought it would be a fun surprise and something you'd enjoy.
Clearly, some of you didn’t see it that way. If we annoyed or frustrated you, we’re genuinely sorry.
Making a game is tough, bugs happen, things break, and sometimes we misjudge how something will land. That said, part of this update was also a way for us to test how players respond to different experiences: the intensity and challenge of Gauntlet, the chill, rewarding flow of Free Mode, and the strange, unsettling charm of Abyss, which has always been part of our DNA.
We’re still fully committed to delivering a compelling, satisfying game for everyone, and your feedback always helps us get there.
Half Sword is an ongoing experiment, and you're a vital part of it. We're incredibly grateful for your presence, your playtesting, and your support. We'll keep working hard to earn your trust, your time, and your attention, every step of the way.
Half Sword Games & Game Seer
For further details and more join our Discord community!