Witchfire is shaping up to be one of the very best roguelike shooters, with its blend of extraction and looping gameplay. The Astronauts have been working diligently on this grim-faced gothic FPS, and by the sounds of it, everything is starting to come together.
The latest major content update for Witchfire, as it moves through Early Access, is called Reckoning, and it adds a whole new dimension to melee combat, as well as the usual array of minor changes and additions (including a new shooting range).
Melee combat comes to Witchfire
When it comes to melee combat, players will now have access to a new special for the classic punch attack, plus they can now swap that out for a morgenstern (or morning star), a katar (which is described as a “punch dagger”), and the buckler/shield.
These additions aren’t intended to fundamentally change the experience and replace guns in the game; instead, they should enhance your tactical options during combat.
Speaking of guns, there are three new ones in the game now, thanks to the new update. The one I’m most looking forward to playing is the new triple-barrelled shotgun, which should combine well with the new melee options.
Spiders everywhere and also nowhere
On top of the new weapons, the spiders in the game are getting an overhaul. There’s a new in-game event called the Spider Calamity, but to counter this horrifying new weapon in the Witch’s arsenal, there is the addition of an arachnophobia filter.
This filter should make the whole thing more accessible, and indeed, it sounds like accessibility will be an increasing focus for The Astronauts as Witchfire edges ever closer to full launch. You love to hear it.
Multiple milestones
In other news… It’s not mentioned in the lengthy post shared on the game’s official site, which covers several different aspects of its development, including community stuff and additional gameplay details, but there’s some good news to report, too.
The Astronauts have been celebrating a milestone! That’s because Witchfire has already sold an impressive 500,000 copies since it launched into Early Access – great work from all concerned!
Finally, the last milestone to tell you about is the confirmation of the coveted green tick, as Witchfire is now Steam Deck verified!
