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Deathgardeners, 

Grab a blanket and get ready for a new frozen map! In the next patch, we’re bringing you a new arctic map: Desperate Expedition! 

Inspired by the North Pole, Desperate Expedition boasts three distinct areas: the living pods; the frozen sea; and, the snowy forest.  

Biome: Arctic 

“Far inside the Arctic Circle, the Tarkkaavainen Lepakko early warning station was a key part of the Unity missile defense system. It prevented attacks by Collective forces over the Barents Sea and so was a prime target at the start of the war.” 

The remains of an old Unity warning station stand frozen in the Arctic circle. During the war, snipers used the icy cliffs to bolster their visibility and defend the station from the Collective troops. They made their last stand near the living pods, where a fierce battle among the snowdrifts unfolded. The Collective’s hazardous mission ended in their favour, and the station was soon abandoned and forgotten. 

Weather: Bleak Winter 

“As the stars rose and the long darkness began, the soldiers would hunker down, afraid of something that stalked them from afar.” 

The Arctic white landscapes stretch beyond the horizon. The snow stacks over the research station, and the blizzard penetrates through bullet holes and fractures.   

Footfalls crunch the hard snow and break the white North’s chilling silence. Breathing becomes difficult as the temperature plummets below zero. Time and again, shots are heard somewhere in the distance. 

Garden Elements: radar towers, wind turbines, living pods, snowcats, research station, generators, containers, icebergs. 

The Tarkkaavainen Lepakko station used to be a key part in Unity’s missile defense system. The soldiers stationed there lived through an endless winter that slowly ate away at their patience and sanity. Now deserted, the missiles have been repurposed to be used in the Deathgarden.  

Scavengers should cleverly avoid the hunters’ gaze by hiding behind icebergs and snowdrifts. Hunters will enjoy a vantage point at the height of the cliff but should think twice before taking a stroll in the forest. 

Our content update for this 5th patch offers a wide selection in character customization. It introduces the Cosmetic Vendor. Our intent is to have players’ unique styles and personalities reflected in the Deathgarden characters. The patch also includes balance changes around Dash and The Inquisitor.

NEW FEATURE: COSMETIC VENDOR

Being in the Deathgarden isn’t only about surviving and killing. It can also be about standing out from the crowd by showing your colours and style. The Cosmetic Vendor will add a styled touch to the gardens by allowing Scavengers and Hunters to buy outfits.

Each cosmetic has been tailored for an individual character and there are 5 new different sets for each Scavenger and Hunter. This means the Cosmetic Vendor arrives with 45 full sets that amount to 180 cosmetic pieces. This is just a start as we plan to add more cosmetics in the future. You can read all the details in the reveal article.

IMPROVEMENTS
GENERAL

Gameplay/Balance: Number of Health Crates Reduced

·         The amount of Health Crates is reduced by ~50%.

Design Goal: With the new Recycling mechanic, the number of Health Crates was unbalancing the match as it detracts from the value of Healing Bolt. Health Crates weren’t as much needed. This change will help balance the game in 2 ways: it will balance The Inquisitor’s “Deny Deny Deny” power by limiting the ability to chain stamina increases, and it will make the map easier to navigate.

HUNTER

Comfort: The “Recycle” and “Execution” Buttons Have Been Reconfigured

·         The default button callouts for “Recycle” and “Execution” are modified. Respectively, “E” button → “R”; “R” button → “Q”.

Design Goal: Our original intention was to incentivize “Recycling” by replacing the original “Execution” button with the “Recycling” one. Reconfiguring these actions allows for more comfortable controls, and also makes it easier for new players to memorize.

SCAVENGER

Gameplay/Balance: “Code Optimization” Perk Speed Reduced

·         Dash’s perk “Code Optimization” has been altered.

·         Level 1: Crate interaction speed increase goes from +(5)% → +(3)%

·         Each additional level: (5)% → (3)%

Design Goal: The perk was unbalancing the chase dynamics.

HUNT WITH A FRIEND PUBLIC TEST * UPDATED *
Next week, we will hold a public test for the hunt with a friend (HWF) feature. For those interested, please add it to your calendar!

The HWF public test will be on Thursday, August 1st from 6 PM to 9 PM (EDT).

Specifically, during these 3 hours, the normal 1V5 mode will be replaced by the HWF mode.

More tests are planned in the following weeks, at different times, to ensure all the community’s members can try the new game mode. Stay tuned as we’ll share more information about it.

The Hunters’ bloodlust has reached its apex, and there’s only one thing that can satiate them: Executions!

The newest update will feature a unique execution animation for each hunter.

THE POACHER

It is a travesty. The hallowed trial that keeps the unworthy from the sacred halls is being sullied. The Scavengers who compete are an insult to the Garden, ignorant to the magnificence they’re involved in. No respect, no reverence, only a brash overconfidence fueled by their endless greed.

They do not deserve an honorable death. Gut them for what they are: animals.

THE INQUISITOR

It’s a job. Honest work that requires an honest solution. There’s no harm in taking joy from it; you’re bringing purity to the world, after all. But remain professional. Don’t let them see your finger twitch with anticipation. There will be time later to revel over the moment. For now, keep it behind the mask. Do your job. Set them on their knees, put the barrel to their head and … pull the trigger.

Kill shot.

THE STALKER

Just as the hunter has its role, so too does the prey. They have grown strong, feeding on the fruits of the wilds, surviving against the odds. The Mother has provided, taking them by the hand and leading them along the path that ends here, within the Garden. What the rabbit does not know is that it has always been destined for the talons of the eagle. They will be torn, bloodied, and gutted, not of cruelty but out of respect for the natural order, set since the beginning of time.

With their hearts, we honor them, the creations of the Mother, the prey that have fulfilled their purpose: death.

Thank you!

Approximately one month ago, the Deathgarden reboot hit Steam. It was a remarkable challenge but thanks to your support BLOODHARVEST has given the game a second life.

As we’ve mentioned, Early Access is a demanding phase, but it’s also an ideal occasion to fine tune the game’s balance and up the intensity for everyone. While we’ve been working on bringing you updates and improvements, you’ve been supporting us by playing, streaming, reviewing, and offering your feedback. We want to celebrate your contributions by showing off exactly how much you’ve done—because without your efforts, there wouldn’t be a Deathgarden.

Keep the bullets flying and the blood pouring. We’ll be here to build the game you want to play.