Witchfire’s Biggest Update Yet Inspired by Syndicate & Bloodborne
▼ Summary
– Witchfire, an RPG-infused FPS by Painkiller creator Adrian Chmielarz, is receiving its “biggest update yet” called Webgrave on July 28.
– The Webgrave update adds a new region (the blighted town) and weapons like the oracle sniper rifle and nemesis lever-action rifle.
– The update overhauls core mechanics, including the workshop system inspired by Syndicate, where players research gadgets sequentially within chosen categories.
– Webgrave introduces six new core stats (flesh, blood, mind, witchery, arsenal, faith) and a secondary Rosary system, similar to Bloodborne’s runes, for playstyle-specific bonuses.
– The stat rebalance ensures player skill remains central, while the Rosary system encourages experimentation without forcing rigid playstyle commitments.
The upcoming Webgrave update for Witchfire promises to be the game’s most substantial overhaul since its early access launch, introducing fresh content and major gameplay refinements inspired by classics like Syndicate and Bloodborne. Slated for release on July 28, this patch expands the dark fantasy shooter with a new blighted town region, powerful weapons, and deep mechanical changes designed to enhance replayability.
Among the additions are two standout firearms: the oracle sniper rifle, capable of eliminating enemies through walls, and the nemesis lever-action rifle, whose exact mechanics remain shrouded in mystery. But Webgrave goes beyond new gear, revamping core systems to refine the player experience.
One of the most notable changes is the reworked workshop system, drawing direct inspiration from Bullfrog’s 1993 strategy gem, Syndicate. Players can now commission research projects within broad categories, with each upgrade unlocking sequentially. Unlike Syndicate’s open-ended approach, Witchfire imposes a structured progression path, forcing players to strategize their investments carefully. Developer Adrian Chmielarz emphasizes the tension of waiting for critical upgrades, a deliberate nod to the classic’s tension between resource allocation and patience.
Stats have also undergone a significant transformation, now revolving around six core attributes: flesh, blood, mind, witchery, arsenal, and faith. These determine playstyle specialization, whether favoring brute force or arcane mastery. Crucially, the update ensures stats complement, rather than overshadow, player skill. “We want stats to matter without making reflexes irrelevant,” Chmielarz explains.
Further deepening customization is the Rosary system, a secondary stat mechanic reminiscent of Bloodborne’s runes. By slotting magical beads into the Rosary, players unlock potent bonuses tied to specific stat thresholds. This system encourages experimentation, allowing players to pivot strategies without being locked into rigid builds. “Witchfire thrives on adaptation, not stubborn repetition,” Chmielarz notes, reinforcing the game’s rogue-lite philosophy.
While details on additional weapons remain under wraps, the developer assures that Webgrave lives up to its “biggest update yet” claim. With its blend of fresh content and thoughtful refinements, the patch aims to solidify Witchfire’s identity as a shooter where strategy and reflexes collide in a dark, ever-evolving world.
(Source: PCGAMER)
