It's been another busy month for Spellfall!
With the October Steam Next Fest quickly approaching, much of this past month has focused on expanding the ways you play, improving build options, and implementing some fantastic play tester suggestions.
Here's what's changed since the August update!
Two Additional Combat Rounds
Spellfall matches have been expanded from five rounds to seven giving players more opportunities to battle with their completed builds.
After drafting your final ability and item in Round 5, Rounds 6 and 7 continue the fight without additional drafting. These rounds have also received dedicated music tracks.
The change originally began as an experiment during playtesting based on one tester's suggestion, but I've really enjoyed the extra time it gives fully developed builds to shine.
Ability Updates
Two lower use abilities have been replaced with entirely new spells.
Crimson Reaver is a new Round 1 blood-magic ability that fires two projectiles from opposite sides of the caster before converging toward their target. Landing both rewards careful positioning with high burst damage while successful hits provide stacking life on hit.
Tempest Front joins Round 3, summoning a fast-moving wall of wind that travels across the arena and pushes enemies caught in its path.
All round 1 projectile abilities have received knockback on hit which makes positioning even more important from the very beginning of a match. Knockback strength increases as mages lose health, making the crumbling arena increasingly dangerous as each round progresses.
Several existing abilities have also received balance and gameplay improvements based on playtest feedback.
Party FFA & 1v1
Party play has been expanded with an updated Party Free For All option.
Parties of 2–6 players can now battle directly against each other without bot backfill. Grab one friend for a 1v1, or bring a larger group for smaller Free For All matches.
Quick Play will continue to automatically select the match mode based on party size, including solo FFA, 2v2v2 and 3v3.
Better Build & Ability Information
Understanding exactly what your build is doing should now be much easier.
All 40 abilities have received updated descriptions and expanded stat information, including damage, cooldowns, durations, projectile speeds, knockback, buffs, debuffs, and more.
A new Character Attributes panel can also be opened during a match to see how your current abilities, items and effects are modifying your mage.
The in-game Guide has received additional stat information and clarification as well.
Improved Online Multiplayer
Online multiplayer has received several networking improvements designed to provide more reliable connections between players and improve matchmaking as Spellfall approaches release.
Gameplay, Visual & Quality of Life Improvements
September has also included a large number of smaller improvements throughout the game, including improved Blink visual feedback, more consistent knockback against bots, new status effect visuals, updated loading and round UI, improved Practice Mode, numerous balance adjustments, and a long list of bug fixes.
Many of these changes have come directly from player reports and suggestions during the playtest.
Next Stop: Steam Next Fest!
Spellfall is getting closer to release, and October will be a big month!
I'll be participating in the upcoming Steam Next Fest, giving everyone another opportunity to jump into the demo before Spellfall heads toward its planned November release.
Thank you again to everyone who has played, reported bugs, shared suggestions, or simply followed along with development. Your feedback has had a real impact on the game, and I'm excited to see what you think of everything that's changed.
If you haven't tried Spellfall yet, the demo is available now. Jump in, draft your spells, and see if you can become the Last Mage Standing!