Noble Kings!
The time has come to expand the horizons of your royal gaze. Village and Graveyard have served as noble proving grounds, but a kingdom such as yours deserves more variety, more peril, and more wonders to conquer. That is why our next step is the addition of a brand new map, a biome unlike anything you’ve ruled before: the Volcano!
With it comes not just a change of scenery, but a whole new set of mechanics, events, bosses, enemies, buildings, and artifacts to challenge even the most seasoned monarchs.
We are aiming to release this update later this year, closer to December. Development is still at an early stage, so consider this an announcement of direction rather than a royal promise. Things may shift as the fires of creation continue to burn, but rest assured: this is where the development leads us!
Welcome to the Volcano
This time your ruling extends to a precarious settlement built at the foot of a vast volcano. Officially, you tell your subjects you’re here for rare alloys and valuable ores. But only your closest advisors know the truth: your true aim is to study the occult, for sages whisper that volcanoes are gateways to the Infernal dimension.
You’ve had your share of dealings with demons before (sometimes even at your services) but what if you could speak with one of their Archdukes, someone higher in the infernal hierarchy? What bargains might such a creature strike? And what blasphemies might you unleash by accepting?
A Realm of New Gameplay Possibilities
The map itself will evolve with the volcanic cycle, shifting through around five distinct stages. These will change not just the appearance, but also the gameplay, keeping every part of the run tense and interesting. And should you play your cards right, you might find yourself negotiating directly with an Archduke of the Inferno. Will you accept his infernal pact, or reject it and carve your own path without such unholy aid? The choice will be yours.
To make things more interesting, Threat Levels on this map will be uniquely tuned. Much like how Graveyard is unlocked after beating a certain Threat Level, Volcano will require the same. So we think that you will be ready for a new challenge and distinct modifiers. Expect them to be fiercer than on other maps, shaking up the predictable spikes of difficulty you’ve grown used to.
Infernal Enemies Await
Every new map brings its own host of horrors. Just as zombies shamble across the Graveyard and goblins terrorize the countryside of the Village, the Inferno will send forth its legions to batter down your gates. Expect twisted imps darting across the skies, hulking demons pounding at your walls, and relentless waves led by mighty bosses, each with their own agenda, powers, and reasons to see you fail.
Tools to Match the Challenge
But fear not, noble rulers, because with new dangers come new ways to prevail. This update will introduce:
Esoteric artifacts preserved only by the fickle mercy of demons, granting powers unlike anything seen before.
Infernal-themed buildings, expanding your kingdom’s reach in strange and dangerous ways.
Recruitable creatures from the Infernal realm, willing to serve in your armies… if you dare to command them.
Potentially even new advisors, drawn from otherworldly planes, ready to whisper their cryptic counsel.
New Events, New Dilemmas
A new map would not be complete without stories and challenges to match its tone. Expect to see a host of fresh events, each presenting dilemmas to test your judgment. Below you may see an example and also several royal illustrations we are ready to share with you, handcrafted by the court’s best human artists!
The nobles of your kingdom whispered in secret, poring over forbidden tomes and hoarding rare ingredients. Their obsession bore fruit - or perhaps fire - when at last they succeeded in summoning a powerful Lord of Hell.
Bound within a blazing circle, the demon offered them a single wish in exchange for freedom. Unfortunately, your subjects immediately began shouting conflicting demands: eternal life, death to their rivals, unmatched skill in the bedroom - the list went on, and on, and on. Hours passed in bickering while the demon, clearly regretting his career choices, finally reached out to you in desperation.
Now, Your Majesty, the circle still burns, the nobles still argue, and the demon waits for your word to end this absurd stalemate.
Set the demon free in exchange for the wish
Kill the cult members and imprison the demon forever
Blow out the summoning candles and see what happens next
And here other royal illustrations:
New Music for a New Realm
Alongside the Volcano map, we’ll be adding a full set of new music tracks, created to capture the ominous, fiery atmosphere of the Infernal theme. These tracks will also be added to the Soundtrack DLC once the update goes live.
Free for All Kings
All of this content will be free for everyone who owns the game. Consider it a humble token of our gratitude for your overwhelming support and the love you’ve shown our little project.
Until next time! HUZZAH!
~ The Hypnohead Team