Stoneshard by Ink Stains Games, receives the "Blood Omens" update on March 26, 2026!
Ink Stains Games today announced the exact release date for the next major content update of their challenging roguelike RPG. "Blood Omens" releases this month, on March 26, 2026, and brings, in addition to a comprehensive lighting system, a revamp of the hostile Proselyte faction, a new weapon class, and many more improvements to the game.
The update will release for Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store
A new lighting system changes the feel of the game
The centerpiece of the update is the new, dynamic lighting system. It introduces hidden negative variables that operate based on time of day and ambient brightness. At twilight only the sight distance is reduced by 30%. It becomes truly dark at night and in dungeons, where a penalty of 60% to sight distance lurks.
But the darkness is not only an enemy, but also a strategic element. Attack precision suffers in the dark; for both the player and enemies. This makes light sources like torches and lanterns a tactical tool: They help to detect enemies, but can also reveal your own position.
Torches must be held in the hand and then replace a weapon, but provide the new basic skill "Ignite". They can also be lit and thrown to illuminate distant areas. An interesting detail: animals now fear fire. Holding a torch or standing near a fire pit makes them hesitate, which eases escape or combat preparation. Lanterns, on the other hand, can be worn on the belt, keeping the hands free, but have lower luminosity.
The Proselytes: New, fearsome enemy types
The hostile sect of the Proselytes has been fundamentally overhauled and receives several new, challenging members with "Blood Omens". These units are no longer simple enemies, but possess complex abilities that can dramatically influence combat.
- Supplicant: He does not fight directly, but begins to pray. After a few rounds his prayer is answered and he transforms into a Thrall – a stronger version of the Blood Golem, which explodes after enough attacks or his death.
- Chainbound: This foe endures eternal fire torment. If his armor points drop to zero, he detonates his chains and becomes the Unshackled. This unleashed demon gains buffs from surrounding fire and taken fire damage and can ignite the ground.
- Templar: A heavily armored Proselyte with supportive abilities. He can transfer taken damage to enemies, draw damage from allies to himself, or massively strengthen weakened allies.
The cherry on top is the new final boss "Apostle", who can summon reinforcements during the fight and use the powers of his allies for himself.
New Quest, AI overhaul, and more
Besides these big features, "Blood Omens" brings additional changes:
- Big side quest: A large, extensive quest with multiple endings will start in the settlement "Rotten Willow" (with friendly reputation).
- AI overhaul: Enemies behave more situationally now. They use abilities not only to attack, but also to flee, assign stances at the right moment and prioritize their actions more smartly.
- Throwing: A new ranged weapon class comes into play.
- Lockpicks and Crowbars overhaul: Lockpicks have a higher base success chance, scaling with dexterity and perception. Crowbars have been completely revised: They no longer open locks immediately, but over multiple rounds, causing a lot of noise. The speed scales with the character's strength.
- Log System Rework: The way quests and information are recorded in the journal is being revised.
- Endboss Name Generators: The names of final bosses are now generated dynamically and fit their origin and faction, increasing immersion.
With "Blood Omens" Ink Stains Games seems to continue the course of consistent, in-depth ongoing development. The new lighting system in particular promises to add an important tactical layer to Stoneshard's already dark and hard-hitting experience. The overhaul of the Proselytes and their demonic hierarchy adds more lore depth and varied, challenging encounters to the game.
We will keep you posted on further updates around Stoneshard!
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