Update 0.8.1 is now live for Damned 2. This is one of our biggest gameplay-focused updates so far in Early Access. It brings a full Blight rework, a new Light Visibility System, the first version of our Replay System, new survivor interaction animations, and a wide range of fixes and optimizations. The main focus of this update is Blight. He now has more ways to control the map, track survivors, and build pressure before entering Hunt Mode. At the same time, the new visibility system adds a new layer to how survivors manage darkness, light, and sanity.
BLIGHT REWORK
Blight has been fully reworked with new abilities, new mechanics, and improved feedback across all 3 stages. In Stage 1, he can absorb light, place Void portals, and use Floating Light to control space, reveal survivors, and gather energy. Once he reaches Stage 2, Blight becomes faster, gains access to Jump, and becomes the only monster able to interact with light switches through Light Possession. This allows him to turn lights on and absorb their energy. Stage 2 also introduces a new layer of counterplay. If Blight is illuminated by any light source, he becomes partially visible to survivors. But using a flashlight against him is risky. If a survivor shines a flashlight directly on Blight, he can briefly see a ghostly image of that player, absorb the flashlight's light, cause the flashlight to flicker, and gain a significant burst of energy toward Hunt Mode.
In other words, light can expose Blight, but it can also help him reach Hunt Mode faster. At full energy, Blight can enter Hunt Mode. His energy drains over time until he returns to Stage 1. Blight can also create a Void portal in front of him and instantly teleport back to it at any time. This opens up new possibilities for ambushes, repositioning, and mind games.
NEW LIGHT VISIBILITY SYSTEM
This update also adds a new Light Visibility System that directly affects survivors. A new eye-shaped icon at the center of the screen now shows how exposed your character is to light.
The darker you are, the more closed the eye becomes
As you become illuminated, the eye gradually opens
Light from the environment, another survivor's flashlight, or even your own flashlight can affect visibility
This system helps players understand two things at once:
How visible they are
How much danger they are in while moving through darkness
If you are deep in the dark, your sanity drains faster. If you are fully exposed to light, you are easier to detect. During Blight's Hunt Mode, if a survivor becomes fully illuminated, the eye turns red and Blight can track that survivor even through walls until they return to darkness. This system is also an important foundation for more light-based mechanics we want to expand on in future updates.
IMPROVED HUNT FEEDBACK
We also improved how survivors read dangerous moments against Blight. When Blight spots a survivor during Hunt Mode, survivors now hear hunt music and receive a red eye warning. This makes those encounters clearer and more intense.
REPLAY SYSTEM (FIRST VERSION)
The first version of the Replay System is now available.
Matches are now recorded automatically
A new Replay Manager button has been added to the main menu
Players can store up to 5 replays at a time
Since this is the first version of the system, you may still run into bugs or limitations while we continue improving it throughout Early Access. We wanted to get it into players' hands now and start building on it.
SURVIVOR GAMEPLAY IMPROVEMENTS
This update also includes several improvements for survivors and general gameplay.
Light switches are now highlighted when visible
New interaction animations when picking up items, interacting with doors, and placing objects
The Pressure Puzzle is now available again across all difficulty presets
Flashlight sanity flicker now happens faster (around 90s instead of 130s), and survivors with flickering flashlights can now be seen by Blight
FIXES AND OPTIMIZATION
Update 0.8.1 also includes a wide range of bug fixes and optimizations across gameplay, lighting, AI, maps, and interactions. This includes improvements for Blight, Clandestine Hospital, The Great Vault, Warehouse, map creation, and the highlight object system. As always, we will be watching feedback closely. Jump in, try the new systems, and let us know what you think. Damned 2 is available now in Early Access.